Archaeology - Roman inscription hints at buried treasure

A secret code of Marcus Antonius may be the key to the tones of gold hidden in the gorge of the Erma River. 

The Erma River Gorge, Trun, Bulgaria [Credit: Childish/Virtual Tourist]

The code inscribed on a column right under the dome of the ST. Michael Archangel monastery has been awaiting decipherment for centuries now. 

The inscription on the column reads “Marcus Antonius Rufus gives a gift to Santos Casa Bonus deity.” The treasure hunters have gone crazy about the ancient treasure, they ransacked the vicinity but so far to no avail. 

The St Michael the Archangel Monastery near the Bulgarian town of Trun [Credit: Medieval News]

The monument was erected by a relative of the great Roman conqueror who bore the same name and was a Roman senator, relates the Mayor of Trun Stanislav Nikolov. Gold jewels were left as a donation to ancient gods. 

Apart from Roman treasure archeologist hope they can find coins and precious stones that belonged to Bulgarian kings. The monastery was built by kings Assen and Peter. Legends say that before the Ottoman rule the treasure of the monastery was buried along with the Roman one. 

Provided by The Archaeology News Network