# Roman Child's Grave Uncovered During Urban Construction in Bulgaria Archaeologists discover an ancient burial site containing a ritual coin in Stara Zagora. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://www.popsci.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/deb23048-0ebf-4f30-a447-1cf289925c6d ## Construction Site Discovery Archaeologists identified a Roman-era cemetery in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, during a site survey for a new apartment complex and parking garage. This burial ground, located outside the original walls of the ancient city Augusta Traiana, contains approximately 135 graves. The site provides significant insights into the funerary customs practiced within the Roman Empire. ## Artifacts Within the Grave The child’s burial contained well-preserved gold earrings and a single bronze coin known as an antoninianus. While the identity of the child remains unknown, the presence of these items suggests a deliberate burial process. The Regional History Museum of Stara Zagora is currently overseeing the documentation and preservation of these recovered historical artifacts. ## Dating the Burial Site The bronze coin found in the grave was minted specifically in 274 or 275 CE. Researchers conclude that the child likely died during or shortly after this period. This precise dating allows historians to better understand the timeline of the cemetery, which was utilized for nearly three centuries outside the city's ancient borders. ## Historical Context of Thrace Rome annexed the region of Thrace in 46 CE, eventually renaming Stara Zagora as Ulpia Augusta Traiana to honor Emperor Trajan. The city became a prominent urban hub, achieving enough prosperity to operate its own coin mint during the second and third centuries. These remnants now lie beneath the modern city infrastructure. ## Ritualistic Funerary Beliefs The placement of the coin likely reflects ancient Greek and Roman beliefs regarding the afterlife. Families often placed currency with the deceased as payment for Charon, the mythological ferryman tasked with transporting souls. This practice highlights the emotional efforts of grieving relatives to ensure their loved one's safe passage into the next realm. ## Urban Development Challenges The discovery occurred during routine surveys for modern infrastructure projects, illustrating the common intersection of urban expansion and historical preservation. As Stara Zagora continues to develop, the remnants of Augusta Traiana are frequently unearthed. Such findings necessitate careful coordination between construction teams and regional history museums to protect significant archaeological heritage sites. ## Empire Scale and Influence At its height, the Roman Empire encompassed over 1.9 million square miles, stretching across central Europe and Asia. The prosperity of Augusta Traiana demonstrates how Roman administrative and economic structures integrated local regions. The coin found in the grave serves as a tangible link to this expansive, interconnected imperial trade and belief system. ## Significance of the Find This burial provides a somber, intimate look at individual lives within the vast Roman Empire. By analyzing the 135 graves in this cemetery, researchers gain deeper understanding of local funerary practices and social structures. The site remains a vital resource for studying the daily lives and cultural transitions of ancient Thracian urban populations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/science/roman-child-grave-bulgaria-coin/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._