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Monday, 20th July 2009 (983 views)

A gold ring believed to have belonged to a Bulgarian khan prior to the 13th century has been uncovered in the Russian republic of Tatarstan in the town of Bolghar.

According to a Bulgarian National Television report cited by Standart, the ring carries a depiction of what looks to be either Tengri, a god worshipped by followers of the Tengriism religion, or an unidentified animal.

Rafin Sharifulin, an archaeologist, told the broadcaster that the ring is unique in terms of value and is one of the rarest artefacts found in the area.

He added that it is likely the ring was passed from generation to generation before being lost and that it dates back to a period before Volga Bulgaria - a historic state believed to be in existence between the seventh and 13th centuries - was conquered by the Mongols.

Bulgarian scholars will look at the ring more closely to see if they can unravel more of its history.

Volga Bulgaria is thought to have been situated where the Volga and Kama rivers converge.

 

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