A remarkable discovery in Bulgaria has shed new light on a lost Roman settlement that vanished from history over 1,600 years ago. Found beneath a construction site for a gas pipeline, the ruins reveal a community that was likely abandoned after a devastating fire—possibly linked to the Gothic Wars.
Unearthing a Forgotten Settlement
While working in western Bulgaria’s Sredna Gora mountains, a construction crew unexpectedly stumbled upon the remains of an ancient settlement. Archaeologists swiftly took over the site, uncovering a Roman-era community spanning approximately 4,400 square meters. The discovery, detailed in a new study published in the Bulgarian Journal of Archaeology, offers a glimpse into life in the late Roman period.
Excavations revealed two mud-brick buildings reinforced with medium-sized stones. One of these structures measured around 30 feet in length and featured at least three rooms, while the other had two distinct sections. Researchers also uncovered remnants of tiled roofs, storage pits, and an array of artifacts, including coins and pottery, that helped establish the settlement’s timeline.
A Mysterious and Fiery End
Evidence suggests that the settlement met a sudden and catastrophic end. Analysis of the site indicates that a massive fire destroyed the community, with researchers dating the event to no earlier than 347 A.D. This conclusion is based on coins found within the ruins, the most recent of which were minted during the reign of Emperor Constantius II (347–355 A.D.).
While the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain, archaeologists believe it may have been the result of a barbarian raid. The Thrace province, where the settlement was located, frequently suffered attacks during the Gothic Wars, a series of conflicts between Rome and various Gothic tribes. The discovery of arrowheads among the ruins supports the theory that the fire was part of an assault rather than an accidental blaze.
Artifacts Tell a Story of Trade and Daily Life
The site yielded a fascinating collection of artifacts that provide insight into the settlement’s culture and economy. Archaeologists uncovered tools, jewelry, sewing needles, buckles, chains, and knives, as well as a variety of ceramic items, including jugs, bowls, cups, strainers, and large storage vessels. Storage jars, partially buried to preserve food, suggest that the settlement had well-developed food preservation methods.
Interestingly, the pottery found at the site reflects a blend of Roman and traditional Thracian styles, hinting at a mixed cultural identity. Researchers believe the settlement’s inhabitants were likely of Thracian descent, integrated into the Roman world yet maintaining some of their traditional craftsmanship.
Long-Term Occupation and Historical Significance
Despite the destructive fire, evidence suggests that the site was occupied both before and after the mid-fourth century event. Coins dating back to the fifth century indicate that the area continued to be used in some capacity, though likely under different circumstances. Additionally, a separate hoard of six silver coins from 249 A.D. was found closer to the surface, possibly disturbed by later agricultural activity.
This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of late Roman Thrace, revealing a settlement that was both culturally diverse and economically active. While its destruction may have erased it from history for centuries, the artifacts and ruins left behind now offer invaluable insight into the lives of its long-forgotten inhabitants.
