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The imperial inscription discovered this year during conservation and restoration work at the ancient thermal complex Aquae Calidae has already been deciphered and scientifically interpreted by the epigrapher Senior Assistant Professor Dr. Nikolay Sharankov of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." The text is located on the pedestal of a statue of the emperor Trajan (98–117 AD), erected here in 100 AD. The research at the significant site is led by Associate Professor Dr. Dimcho Momchilov.

The inscription begins with the full titulature of the emperor, as was customary in Roman times. Trajan is presented as the son of the deified Nerva, his predecessor, who adopted him. There follow the titles imperator, Caesar, Augustus, Germanicus — given to him for his victories over the Germanic tribes — pontifex maximus, holder of tribunician power, and "Father of the Fatherland." The stated fifth consulship allows the inscription to be dated precisely to 100 AD. From it, it also becomes clear who commissioned the statue. The decision was made by the city council, organized on the model of the Roman Senate, of the Roman colony of Deultum, whose remains are located near today's village of Debelt.

The text is written in Latin, which is also indicative of its connection to Rome. In this part of Thrace, Greek was predominantly spoken, and most inscriptions from Aquae Calidae are in Greek. But Latin was the language of Roman authority and administration.

The choice of Aquae Calidae for the placement of the imperial statue was not accidental. The great Roman baths, built under the emperor Nero (54–68 AD), were among the most visited in Thrace and attracted visitors from across the empire, including high-ranking officials and Roman officers. The moment was also special. Just a year later, in 101 AD, Trajan began the war against the Dacians beyond the Danube. The roads leading there were very busy. That is why Deultum chose to demonstrate its homage to the emperor precisely at Aquae Calidae, where the statue could be seen by the greatest number of people.

The find complements the series of significant Latin inscriptions discovered at this site. In 2015, an inscription from the time of the emperor Nero was found here, testifying to the construction of the baths, and in 2022 — the altar dedicated to the nymphs by Marcus Obsequens. All of this speaks to the fact that from the very first decades of Roman rule, Aquae Calidae was connected with imperial authority and was one of the most significant places in Thrace.