Discovered weapons of assassination of medieval politicians

Bulgarian archaeologists have unearthed a medieval bronze ring, which could be used for political assassinations 700 years ago.

This special artifact is found in an ancient fortress at Kaliakra cape, located not far from the town of Kavarna on the Black Sea, northeast of Bulgaria. The ring was exquisitely carved and was probably worn on the youngest finger of a man's right hand.

What is remarkable about the ring is, it is crafted with an empty shell, bent with decorative beads and an artificial hole."The empty shell of the ring was created to contain the poison and help the pouring of the deadly substance into the cup without leaving a trace," Kavarna said.

The hollow copper ring was used to contain poison used to assassinate nobles close to the lord of Dobrudja (in present-day Bulgaria) in the 14th century. (Photo: Discovery)

The poison ring has been dating back to the 14th century. It has increased the number of artifacts including more than 30 gold rings, pearl earrings and other jewelry discovered in the medieval fortress since 2011

According to Bonnie Petrunova, Bulgarian National Museum and Archaeological Deputy Director and excavator team leader, the newly discovered ring is "unique " and it is not worn by owners. Mr. Petrunova commented, people only wear the ring when they intend to kill someone.

Bulgarians are believed to have used poison, suspected of originating from Italy and Spain - the two countries that have trade relations with them, to assassinate politicians. Used at the time of Kaliakra was once the seat of a land in Dobruja, the poisoning ring is likely to play a key role in the war between Dobrotitsa, Lord of Dobrudja in the second half of the 14th century, with children. son - Ivanko Terter.

In fact, the ring could be a secret weapon in a series of medieval assassinations."It helps explain the countless sudden, unseen deaths of nobles and upper-class characters close to Lord Dobrotitca," Petrunova expert stressed.