A unique Roman wedding ring weighing 23 grams found in Bulgaria.

According to ТСН: Archaeologists working in the ancient Bononia, located in modern Vidin, have discovered a unique Roman ornament — a golden wedding ring weighing over 23 grams. The find is dated to the late 2nd - early 3rd century and is already considered one of the most valuable Roman jewelry artifacts in the region.

The ring was found at a depth of almost six meters in the final days of the 2025 excavation season. An image of a married couple is engraved on the gold oval bezel — a traditional symbol of unity and official marriage in Rome. This ornament stands out for its high-quality craftsmanship: the oval plate is connected to a ring adorned with fine flutes on both sides. The weight and craftsmanship of the find indicate that it belonged to a wealthy family during the peak of the city's prosperity.

“Such rings were used as a sign of marital fidelity and legal status,” noted expedition leader, Associate Professor Zdravka Dimitrova.

It is likely that the ring was made in the workshops of nearby Ratiaria — one of the main craft centers of the Roman province.

Earlier, archaeologists discovered another significant artifact — a lead seal from the 11th century that belonged to Vasily, a Byzantine strategist of Bdina. It was found in the same excavation sector, but two meters higher. Researchers associate the seal with the years when the region came back under Byzantine control in 1003.

Bononia, located near the Danube limes, has been a key center for trade and military logistics throughout different eras. Frequent findings of valuable items near one of the fortress towers indicate the vibrant urban life that existed here for centuries.

After the excavation season ends, work continues to conserve the site. The Bulgarian authorities have confirmed funding for further research in Bononia and near the Baba Vida fortress.

This discovery underscores the importance of Bononia as an archaeological site and indicates the rich cultural heritage of the region. Further research may yield new discoveries that could help better understand the history of this ancient city and its influence on the surrounding territories.