Early Byzantine anchors

Site: the Danube, near Ram village

Period: late 5th–6th century

Dimensions (cm): 121. 78, Ø of the ring 22; 135 . 80, Ø of the ring 21.5; 140 . 80, Ø of the ring 21

Inventory numbers: Т:18.410, Т:18.411, Т:18.412

After centuries spent at the bottom of the Danube, three iron anchors, forged at the Danube border in turbulent times, found new application and life as part of the Museum’s permanent exhibition. The anchors were taken out of the Danube in early 21st century, by a floating excavator near the village of Ram, only a few hundred meters downstream from the Roman fortress Lederata, reconstructed during the rule of Emperor Justinian (527–565). 

Recent analysis of the ancient sources has shown that in late 5th and early 6th century, simple, fast and mobile ships, powered by ores, sailed on the Danube. Iron anchors kept at the Museum were probably part of the equipment of this type of watercraft that was the precursor of dromon, later famous war ship of the Byzantine fleet. 

Even though these were just accidental finds, taken out of their original archaeological context, these precious and for the Danube area, extremely rare anchors are the most important items in the Collection of Underwater heritage.