A new Roman inscription dating from the time of Emperor Trajan has been discovered at Aquae Calidae
An exceptionally valuable find adds to the history of one of the most significant ancient sites in Bulgaria – Aquae Calidae.
During archaeological excavations led by Associate Professor Dimcho Momchilov, an inscription dating from the early years of the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD), at the end of the 1st and beginning of the 2nd century, was discovered.
The artefact is yet another important piece of evidence for the development and significance of Aquae Calidae during the Roman era and provides valuable information to supplement the written records already known from the site.
Archaeological research at Aquae Calidae is being carried out by the Regional History Museum – Burgas, with the financial support of Burgas Municipality, under the direction of Assoc. Prof. Dr Dimcho Momchilov.
The renowned Bulgarian epigraphist, Senior Assistant Professor Dr Nikolay Sharanov from Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, is working on the decipherment and scholarly interpretation of the newly discovered inscription.
The find forms part of a series of significant Roman inscriptions uncovered during archaeological excavations at Aquae Calidae in recent years. Between 2015 and 2022, several particularly valuable Latin inscriptions dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries were uncovered here.
Among them is the inscription from the time of Emperor Nero, discovered in 2015, which attests to the construction of the baths in the 1st century. Several votive altars with dedications from the 2nd century have also been discovered, amongst which the altar dedicated to the nymphs by Marcus Obséquant, found in 2022, holds a special place.