Devín Unique Find: Observe 1,500-Year-Old Bread

The discovery of a charred loaf of bread is one of the most valuable archaeological objects in the Bratislava City Museum’s collection. Archaeologists unearthed it in September 1986 during excavations at Devín Castle. It was found in a layer of grain among the remains of a clay bread oven.

The round loaf, measuring 23 cm in diameter, was made from almost pure wheat flour with a small amount of rye. Traces of finger shaping are still visible along its edges.

Dating from the final decades of the 4th century to the first third of the 5th century AD, it is the oldest known example of leavened bread found in Slovakia. The loaf was divided into portions in the Roman style, much like bread in ancient Pompeii.

We are bringing this extraordinary glimpse into the everyday lives of Devín’s ancient inhabitants right to the heart of Bratislava.

The display can be viewed in a showcase in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall until 8 November.