Archaeological excavations in Histria, an ancient city on Romania's Black Sea coast, have led to a significant Roman-era discovery. In the ruins of a house dating to the 2nd–3rd centuries AD, a hoard was found, including over 40 coins and several precious metal ornaments, believed to have belonged to a wealthy Roman family of that time.
The artifacts provide insight into life in Histria during the Roman Principate. The intense heat of a fire that destroyed the house created unique preservation conditions: the metals melted and fused together, retaining the shape of the wooden chest that once contained them. Individual coins largely preserved their circular form, although they are corroded.
Alongside the coin hoard, archaeologists recovered other items from the same layer, including ceramic vessels, inscriptions, and objects made of bronze, iron, and glass, reflecting a rich and diverse material culture. The house itself is described as “luxurious,” with raised floors and walls adorned with painted stucco, highlighting the high social status of its occupants.
Histria, originally founded as a Greek colony by settlers from Miletus in the mid-7th century BC, later developed into an important Roman city on the western Black Sea coast. During the Roman Empire, particularly in the Principate period, the city held significant economic and trade importance. Earlier discoveries of Roman artifacts confirm the strong presence of the Roman Empire in the region.
The excavations in Histria are highly significant for understanding Roman civilization and its expansion into present-day Romania. Ongoing research will help clarify the origin and historical significance of the objects, as well as their connection to the history of Histria. The archaeological site is considered one of Romania’s oldest urban settlements and a testament to the region’s deep historical ties with the Greek and Roman worlds.