1,500-year-old gold coins discovered in fire-ravaged medieval house

A significant cache of gold coins has been discovered by archaeologists in Bulgaria. This treasure trove of gold coins dates back to the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565 AD).

These coins, likely originating from an earlier period, were discovered within a medieval house, leaving experts intrigued about their journey and significance.

The discovery took place in the northern Bulgarian village of Debnevo, where five coins were found scattered on the floor of a 10th-century house. It is speculated that the inhabitants might have treasured these coins as a valuable possession.

Debnevo is situated near a fortress built in the early fifth century. Since commencing excavations in 2019, archaeologists have unearthed traces of a substantial settlement dating back to the fourth and third centuries BC, with evidence of continuous habitation from the fourth to the sixth centuries AD.

Medieval house ruins reveal ancient gold coins from Justinian’s reign

During one of their recent digs, the archaeologists also uncovered the remnants of a medieval house that had been ravaged by fire. As a part of their discovery , they found iron tools, such as sickles and axes, alongside ceramic vessels and bronze rings.

The most striking discovery, however, was five gold coins, estimated to be roughly 400 years older than the medieval house itself.

As per the experts, the coins were minted during the reign of Justinian the Great, a pivotal figure in Byzantine history. Justinian was also an important figure who helped develop Byzantine law, compiling the Roman legal code into what became known as the “Corpus Juris Civilis.” He also helped foster Byzantine art and architecture, including the iconic Hagia Sophia.



The experts share that all five coins are of the same type. They are called “tremissis,” which is a small gold coin equivalent to one-third of a solidus. On the front of the coins, Emperor Justinian can be seen wearing a pearl diadem, accompanied by the inscription “Our Lord Justinian Perpetual Augustus.”

Coins depicting Victory were found fused together in a fire-damaged medieval house

The reverse side of the coins features the figure of Victory, holding a wreath, a cross, and a globe, with the inscription “Victory of the Augusts.” Two of the coins were found fused together, likely a consequence of the fire that engulfed the house.

Lead archaeologist Stiliyan Ivanov said , “The dwelling was built on the remains of an early Byzantine structure.” He believes that these coins were unearthed during the construction of the medieval house, and the owners likely retained them for their gold value.

Debnevo, despite being a small settlement, boasts a rich history. Archaeologists have previously discovered traces of structures, burials, and artifacts spanning from the early 5000 BC to the 18th century.

Ivanov further elaborated that the owners had probably kept the coins due to their intrinsic value as gold and that they were discovered during the construction of the early medieval dwelling.