The excavation, required by heritage law, was initiated by the Muzeul de Istorie Națională și Arheologie Constanța (MINAC) in September 2025. The area, located within the boundaries of the ancient Necropolis of Tomis, revealed not only tombs and burial structures but also a Greek inscription and a rare military artifact.

Despite challenges, including the structural instability of existing buildings, the team of archaeologists, led by Constantin Băjenaru, managed to successfully complete the dig, which ended on February 25, 2026.

Unearthing Tomis’ Roman Past

The excavation, which uncovered 34 funerary complexes, paints a vivid picture of life and death in ancient Tomis. According to MINAC, the discovered tombs represent various burial typologies, including catacombs used for multiple inhumations, reflecting the city’s extended use of extramural burial sites.

The site’s catacombs, in particular, suggest a significant ritualistic and social function, offering a window into how the people of Tomis interacted with the afterlife. The graves contained a variety of grave goods, from personal adornments to glass vessels, pointing to the wealth and cosmopolitan nature of the city.

The work was interrupted for several months due to technical challenges, including the need for preparatory construction work to ensure the safety of the area. These breaks in the excavation process, between October 2025 and January 2026, did not diminish the significance of the discoveries. The excavation resumed in January 2026, focusing on the foundations of a demolished hospital building and surrounding areas, and wrapped up in late February.

An Exceptional Greek Inscription

One of the most significant finds was a Greek inscription that offers insights into the social and religious life of Tomis during the 3rd century CE. Preliminary analyses suggest that the inscription commemorates a religious association in the city, providing valuable evidence of local religious practices and community structures. This discovery is of great importance for scholars studying the social and cultural dynamics of the time. The inscription helps to contextualize Tomis not just as a trading hub, but as a center of religious and cultural activity in the Roman Empire.

In addition to the inscription, the excavation revealed an impressive collection of numismatic finds, including coins that provide a snapshot of the economic landscape of the period. These coins, along with other artifacts such as jewelry and ceramics, offer a deeper understanding of the trade networks that Tomis was a part of, particularly its connections to North Africa, as evidenced by the presence of amphorae from the region.

Military Significance: The Umbo of a Shield

Among the rarer finds was the discovery of an umbo, the central decorative element of a parade shield, an object of unusual typology in the Roman provincial context. This artifact is believed to be linked to military or ceremonial use and provides intriguing evidence of the presence of prestige military items in the funerary practices of Tomis.

Its inclusion in the burial suggests that the city’s elite may have used military symbols as part of their ritualistic funerary rites. The umbo, like the Greek inscription, underscores the city’s importance in the broader Roman world, not only as a commercial center but also as a place of military and political significance.

The burial goods found with the tombs, including various ceramics, further underscore the interconnectedness of Tomis with other regions of the Roman Empire. The diversity of objects, from everyday items to elite military gear, illustrates the complexity of the society that once thrived in Tomis.

The Future of Constanța’s Historic Landscape

The area where the excavation took place is now set to house the future Municipal Hospital. However, the findings have raised questions about the intersection of modern development and cultural preservation. The site lies within the protected zone of the 4th-century Tomb with Orant of the Egreta, a significant Roman funerary structure, ensuring that the discoveries will continue to play a role in future archaeological studies.

As the construction of the hospital moves forward, it will be essential to maintain a balance between urban development and the protection of this archaeological treasure.