A rare bronze figurine of the Greek fertility god Priapus has been discovered during excavations of a massive Roman residence at the ancient fortress of Novae in Bulgaria.
Archaeologists said only five similar Priapus figurines are known from the Lower Danube region. The artifact was among several finds uncovered this year at a monumental residential complex that now extends across more than 3,000 square meters, or about 32,300 square feet. Researchers from the Centre for Research on the Antiquity of Southeastern Europe at the University of Warsaw carried out the excavations.
Rare Priapus figurine emerges at Roman site
Priapus originated in Greek religion and was later adopted into Roman religious traditions. He was associated with fertility and was commonly depicted with exaggerated sexual features. The small bronze figurine was one of several religious and artistic objects discovered at Novae this season. Archaeologists also uncovered a sculpted head of the god Mithras and part of a marble head from an official imperial portrait.
A rare bronze figurine of Priapus, the ancient Greek god of fertility, has been discovered at a massive Roman residence in Bulgaria.
Only five similar figurines are known from the Lower Danube region. The site also revealed baths, painted walls, altars and other rare artifacts. pic.twitter.com/RHt6aQpjKT
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) September 29, 2026
The Mithras discovery adds to evidence of the deity’s worship across the Roman world. Archaeological research at a Mithras sanctuary in modern-day Croatia has offered further evidence of how the cult developed in different parts of the empire. Other finds at Novae include a pine cone-shaped finial, an object rarely found along the Lower Danube, and part of a gold ring setting. Researchers also discovered two inscribed altars. One remains almost intact and preserves its inscription.
The massive residence had baths and decorated floors
The artifacts were found as archaeologists continued investigating a monumental structure they believe was a wealthy residence. More than 3,000 square meters of the complex have now been uncovered. This season, archaeologists exposed additional pools belonging to its bath complex. They also found painted plaster and an intricate floor made from multicolored bricks.
The discoveries add to a growing archaeological record of Roman activity in Bulgaria. Archaeologists recently found a Roman inscription from the reign of Emperor Trajan at Aquae Calidae.
Low Danube waters reveal more clues
Researchers also uncovered Late Antique buildings that they associate with the Avars. It is the first evidence of such structures found at Novae and could contribute to research into Avar movement south of the Danube. Low water levels in the Danube created another opportunity for archaeologists. The team documented exposed architectural remains, vessel fragments and roof tiles. Similar conditions recently exposed foundations of Constantine the Great’s ancient bridge in Bulgaria.
At Novae, researchers hope the newly documented remains could help solve a long-standing archaeological question: the location of the settlement’s ancient port.
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