Last year, archaeological excavations began in Tallinn. They took place in the inner courtyard of the Architects' House and its surroundings. During the work on Tuesday, a papal bulla was found. This bulla dates back to the 14th century and is extremely rare.
Archaeologist Mihkel Tammet from the Muinasproject said that this is a very rare find in Estonia. The bulla, or papal seal, fits very well into the medieval context. This medieval period is also evidenced by medieval ceramics and other items. The bulla was found in a dark medieval layer. This layer has partially accumulated there.
Tammet suggested that the bulla might have ended up there during the Middle Ages. This is made possible by waste and soil brought from the old town. This soil was used for fertilizing fields and gardens.
Historian Ivar Leimus mentioned that few papal letters reached Estonia. Not many of these letters have been preserved either. The found bulla is the first archaeologically discovered seal in Estonia. Leimus said that there are only three papal seals in Estonia. All these seals are in the Tallinn City Archives and are attached to documents. They are not archaeological finds.
For Tammet, this find came as a big surprise. Tammet said that at first he couldn't guess what it was. Initially, he thought it was a Byzantine copper coin. This coin is not as well preserved. Later it turned out to be made of tin.