The discovery of a pure gold wedding ring at Bononia in northwestern Bulgaria sheds light on Roman-era marital practices. Recovered from nearly 6 meters deep and weighing 23.63 grams, the signet ring dates to the late 2nd or early 3rd century C.E. and bears an engraved couple and fluted sides interpreted as a symbol of marital fidelity. The find suggests frontier towns near the Danube observed wedding traditions similar to central Roman cities.
Roman-Era Gold Wedding Ring With Couple Engraving Unearthed in Bulgaria
GettyStock images
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare Roman-era gold wedding ring at the ancient site of Bononia in northwestern Bulgaria, offering a vivid glimpse into marriage customs on the empire's frontier.
The ring was found on the final day of this year's excavations and, based on the depth of the deposit, is estimated to be about 1,800 years old. The scientific director of the dig, Zdravko Dimitrov, says the object was recovered from nearly 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) below the surface and dates to the late second or early third century C.E.
Details of the Find
Weighing 23.63 grams, the pure gold ring features an oval signet plate engraved with the outline of a married couple and fluted (raised parallel) grooves along the band. Dimitrov and the excavation team interpret these decorative elements as a symbol of "marital fidelity." The signet-style design suggests it served both decorative and symbolic purposes and was likely exchanged between newlyweds.
Origins and Context
Researchers believe the ring was probably crafted locally, perhaps in a goldsmith workshop at nearby Ratiaria (modern-day Archar), itself an important Roman settlement. Bononia — founded as a military fort in the first century C.E. and later a defensive and trading point on the Danube — appears to have observed wedding customs similar to those in central Roman cities, despite its frontier location.
Archaeological Significance and Next Steps
The discovery provides tangible evidence about social rituals and family life in Roman provincial communities. The Bononia excavations have been carried out for 11 consecutive years, and this ring — recovered on the season's last day — will undergo conservation work as the team prepares the site for winter. Local and national authorities, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), will oversee treatment and further study of the artifact.
Why it matters: A gold wedding ring with a personal image offers rare, direct insight into how people on the Roman frontier expressed marital bonds and identity.
Reporting and context for the discovery were provided by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and summarized by secondary outlets including People and All Things Interesting.
