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More than 700 Roman coins have been discovered at three sites near the Drava River, in Somogy County, in southwest Hungary. The excavations were carried out by archaeologists from the Rippl-Rónai Museum, and the find was reported by the American magazine Archaeology. Most of the coins date from the reign of Constantine, but the collection spans several decades of the Roman Empire.
A discovery of exceptional scale
Archaeologists from the Rippl-Rónai Museum recovered more than 700 coins from three sites spread along the Drava River, a waterway that marks the southern border of present-day Hungary. The number of coins unearthed in such a restricted area gives these discoveries notable significance for the study of monetary circulation in the region.
According to Archaeology magazine, which relays information from the Hungarian outlet Hungary Today, most of these coins are attributed to the reign of Emperor Constantine, who ruled from 307 to 337 CE. Their strong presence is explained by the wide circulation of coin issues from this period in the Danubian provinces.
Coins spanning several centuries
The find is not limited to the Constantine period. Silver coins are associated with the reigns of Antoninus Pius (138-161), Severus Alexander (222-235), Aurelian (270-275) and Probus (276-282). This chronological diversity makes it possible to trace, through the coin issues, the different eras experienced by the populations of the region under Roman rule.
The reigns represented thus cover nearly two centuries, from the mid-2nd century to the late 3rd century, and into the early 4th century. Such a succession suggests prolonged occupation or use of the sites, although the available sources do not allow its exact nature to be determined.
A consecration coin
Among the recorded coins is an example known as a "consecration coin." According to Archaeology, it was apparently struck to mark the death of Claudius II, who ruled from 268 to 270, and his deification. This type of coin, issued after an emperor's death, commemorated his new status as a god and served imperial propaganda.
Such objects are particularly prized by numismatists, as they shed light both on religious policy and on official communication by Roman power in the 3rd century, a period marked by numerous crises and the rapid succession of emperors.
Pottery, brooches and scale fragments
The excavations yielded other remains besides the coins. Pottery, fibulae, meaning brooches used to fasten clothing, and fragments of a scale, probably from a piece of armor, were also found. These everyday and military objects complete the picture of the sites' occupation.
Combining coins, personal ornaments and items of equipment allows researchers to place the coins within their context of use. A detailed analysis of the stratigraphy and of the associated finds will be needed to clarify the chronology and function of each of the three sites.
What these discoveries can teach us
Roman coins found in context provide valuable chronological markers, since their date of issue helps date the archaeological layers in which they are found. A corpus of more than 700 coins also offers a useful statistical basis for studying monetary circulation along the Danubian frontier.
For the public, these finds reflect Rome's lasting presence on the banks of the Drava, within the province of Pannonia. The collections of regional museums allow visitors to discover this heritage, and those interested in Roman archaeology of the Danube basin can explore the sites and museums of the region.
Frequently asked questions
Where were the Roman coins discovered in Hungary?
The coins were found at three sites near the Drava River, in Somogy County, in southwest Hungary. The excavations were conducted by archaeologists from the Rippl-Rónai Museum.
How many Roman coins were found?
More than 700 coins were unearthed at the three sites. Most date from the reign of Constantine, who ruled from 307 to 337 CE.
What is a consecration coin?
It is a coin struck after an emperor's death to celebrate his deification. The one found in Hungary is apparently linked to Claudius II, who died in 270.
What other Roman objects were found alongside the coins?
The excavations also yielded pottery, fibulae, which were used to fasten clothing, and fragments of a scale, probably from armor.
Sources
- Roman Coins Recovered in Hungary — Archaeology Magazine
Original summary written with the help of artificial intelligence from the sources cited, checked automatically, then translated from the French original. Information and quotations belong to their authors. Read the French original.
