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The traditional EUROPA-themed issue has, for the year 2025, the assigned topic: National Archaeological Discoveries. In collaboration with specialists in the fields of history and archaeology, for the postage stamps issue that will be released on into circulation by Romfilatelia, Tuesday, April 29th this year, and composed of two postage stamps, a First day Cover, a perforated souvenir sheet, and a special philatelic folder in a limited edition, three artefacts displayed in the exhibition spaces of the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilisation in the town of Deva have been selected. Dating from the 2nd–3rd centuries AD, a period marked by the Roman colonisation of Dacia, the artefacts are regarded as unique pieces of exceptional historical value.
The postage stamps feature images of objects discovered during archaeological excavations at Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa (the capital of the Roman province of Dacia) in 1973, and in the eastern necropolis of Vețel Township, Hunedoara County, in 1967. The exhibits depicted are titled Medusa the Gorgon (on the stamp with the face value of Lei 5) and The Abduction of Europa by Zeus transformed into a bull (on the stamp with the face value of Lei 25).
The Gorgon Medusa, a gilt bronze appliqué, portrays the features of a mythological creature—Gorgon (the woman with the ‘deadly gaze’)—named Medusa (‘the mistress’), who was said to possess supernatural powers thanks to her gaze, which could kill anyone who came near her. Legend has it that she was slain by the Greek hero Perseus, who kept her head as a fearsome weapon (the Gorgon’s eyes, when directed at enemies, would turn them to stone).
The artefact The Abduction of Europa (Europa, from whom the continent takes its name, was the daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor) has been classified as a decorative element that belonged to a Roman funerary structure. Carved in stone, it depicts—within the circle of a wreath woven from leafy branches—the figure of Europa being carried on the back of a bull (Zeus), who, according to mythological accounts, took her to the island of Crete.
The Gorgon Medusa and The Abduction of Europa were exhibited at the Exhibition ‘Archaeological Treasures of Romania: Dacian and Roman Roots’, hosted by the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid (September 2021 – February 2022), where they attracted the interest and appreciation of both specialists and the general public.
The First Day Cover features the image of an exhibit named after the god Mithras, known from Persian mythology. Carved in stone, the Mithraic Relief depicts the ritual slaying of a bull by the Persian god. The figures present in the sculptural ensemble refer to the Sun, the Moon, and the two equinoxes (spring and autumn). The Phrygian cap worn by Mithras was also found among the Thracian-Getic tribes. The artefact was discovered in 1723 at the medieval Teleki Castle in Doștat Village, Alba County.
Romfilatelia extends its thanks to Mr. Daniel I. Iancu, Ph.D., scientific researcher at the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilisation in Deva, for his documentary support in the development of this postage stamps issue.
