In the 1980s, during geological drilling near the village of Malak Preslavets — between Silistra and Tutrakan, on the very banks of the Danube — scientists came across not rocks or minerals, but something much more majestic: a bronze statue of a Roman emperor!

It probably once stood proudly by the Roman camp of Nigrinianis—imposing, regal, perfect. When archaeologists discovered it, it was a fragment of its former grandeur—defaced but not of its regal dignity. Even in this state, it still exuded a power and authority intriguing enough to impress scholars and dreamers alike.

Thanks to the careful work of the archaeological team, all the preserved parts were collected and restored back then. But the statue never got its star moment.

Until now.

After a recent conservation intervention, it will finally be erected in its full, almost three-meter height, and will take its rightful place in “Hall 2 of the Bulgarian History Museum” — for the first time!

According to Professor Ivan Venedikov, who examined the statue back in 1985, it most likely depicts Emperor Trajan himself. This assumption is not accidental – on the bronze muscular armor, the lorica musculata, two victories, two figures of the goddess Victoria, are depicted.

And as history tells us, it was Trajan who won the campaign against Dacia and managed to return the legionary banners, lost earlier during the reign of Domitian.

But here the story gets even more interesting.
In the center of the vestry is depicted Minerva – a goddess who was the patroness of Domitian.

Trajan or Domitian? The emperor’s name remains a mystery.

The answer – at least for now – remains in the hands of future research.

And the statue? It was discovered on the very border of the ancient province. Coincidence? Hardly.

The emperor returns – and this time he will not go unnoticed.

The valuable exhibit will be available to the public at the end of November in Hall 2 of the Bulgarian History Museum, renovated under a project with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture.