PeopleArcheologists in Bulgaria Uncover 1,800-Year-Old Gold Wedding Ring with Symbolic EngravingsThe rare find may provide insights into the marriage rituals of the ancient Romans in this region
Rachel Raposas
Fri, December 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM EST
2 min read
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*A wedding ring believed to be from the Roman era has been discovered in northwestern Bulgaria
*Archaeologists working at the ancient ruins of Bononia discovered the ring on the last day of the excavation
*The ring appears to be a symbol of "marital fidelity" due to its engraving, featuring the outline of a couple
Archaeologists have discovered a symbol of love that has stood the test of time.
On the final day of an excavation in northwestern Bulgaria at the ruins of ancient Bononia, researchers uncovered what is believed to be a gold wedding ring, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported on Dec. 4. Based on the depth at which the artifact was found, archeologists believe the artifact is an estimated 1,800 years old.
Weighing 23.63 grams, the ring was excavated from a depth of nearly 6 meters (about 20 feet), per the scientific director of the excavations, Zdravko Dimitrov. That depth dates back to the late second century to the early third century.
Researchers believe the ring was exchanged between two newlyweds living in the Roman Empire, based on the engravings. Dimitrov told BTA the artifact represented "marital fidelity." The ring features a signet design, with the oval plate at the top depicting a married couple, and flutes (raised parallel grooves) on each side.
The pure gold ring was likely made locally, BTA reported, possibly at one of the goldsmith shops in the nearby Roman city of Ratiaria, now known as the village of Archar — also a location of ongoing archaeological interest.
The discovery of the ring in Bononia is relevant to researchers' understanding of social customs and norms in the Roman Empire, per All Things Interesting. Situated nearly at the edge of the empire, Bononia still observed similar wedding traditions to the central cities within the Roman Empire.
Bononia was first founded as a military fort in the first century C.E., per All Things Interesting, later flourishing into a point of defense and trade for the Roman Empire due to its proximity to the Danube River.
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Archaeological excavations have been conducted in the ancient city for 11 consecutive years. The ring was discovered on the last day of this year's excavation, per BTA, and now the site will undergo preparation for winter and conservation work.
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