The Torda find containing silver coins issued in the 14th century is richer than ever before in the territory of the Kingdom of Hungary, there was no similar discovery in the Central Transylvanian region during an archaeological excavation, said archaeologist Paul Chiorean, the finder of the treasure.
The treasure consisting of 397 silver medals was found in Torda in Cluj County in June of last year, but the museum reported it to the public only a few days ago, after the excavation was completed. Archaeologists found the treasure in the city center, at the site of the demolished gallery of the Reformed Church in Ótorda.
"The silver coins come from the 14th century, they were issued during the Kingdom of Hungary. Most of the coins were minted by Róbert Károly, King Louis I and the city of Buda, but there are also several Serbian dinars from the same historical period"
archaeologist Paul Chiorean told MTI.
As he stated, the importance of the treasure - in addition to its value - is given by the fact that it comes from an era from which few tangible memories have survived, and was found during an archaeological excavation, which was unprecedented in the region, which is otherwise rich in both Roman and medieval finds. During the excavation, in addition to the coins, the archaeologists also found 91 skeletons with the remaining elements of their former clothing - belt buckles and belt rings.
Over the past two years, archaeologists have carried out excavations in the Reformed church in Ótóda, which is considered to be the only Augustinian church in Transylvania / Torda Historical Museum
According to the specialist, the value of the treasure is also increased by the place where it was found. Over the past two years, archaeologists have carried out excavations in the Reformed church in Ótorda, which is considered one of the most important monuments in the region and is considered to be the only Augustinian church in Transylvania. "This is one of the oldest buildings in Torda, and the treasure was buried under the first floor. This proves that the church was already built in the middle of the 14th century, " the archaeologist pointed out.
He recalled: the gallery of the church was demolished in the 18th century, and the coins were found there.
"I can say that this discovery was a real miracle, as the temple has undergone several modifications over time. The treasure is two, later the 15-16. we found it between crypts built in the 19th century, in the 50-centimeter untouched area between them"
Paul Chiorean explained.
The silver coins are exhibited together with the other objects found in the local history museum
/ Photo: Tordai historical museum
He said: the treasure was restored together with the staff of the Zilah History Museum, and according to the plans, it will be presented during the summer.
During the excavations, they also found two burial places, he added, one from the 14th century, and presumably the remains of Augustinian monks, as belt buckles and rings were also found next to them. The newer graves are from the times after the Reformation, from the 17th century, and there were no other material finds near them.
According to the archaeologist, the silver coins will be exhibited together with the other objects found in the local history museum,
the exhibition is also planned to present finds from the Roman period recently found in the area. The architectural historical discoveries made by archaeologists in the church and its tower are sold as part of a restoration project.
MTI
Cover image: In addition to the coins, archaeologists also found 91 skeletons during the Torda excavation / Torda Historical Museum
