The traditional EUROPA-themed postal emission for the year 2025 focuses on "national archaeological discoveries." In collaboration with experts in history and archaeology, Romfilatelia is launching a philatelic collection featuring two postage stamps, a "first day" envelope, a perforated block, and a limited-edition philatelic folder. This collection highlights three artifacts displayed at the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization in Deva, dating back to the Roman colonization of Dacia in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD.
Featured Artifacts:
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Gorgona Meduza:
- A gilt bronze appliqué depicting the mythological creature Gorgona, known for her lethal gaze. This artwork relates to the Greek hero Perseus, who defeated her and used her head as a weapon, turning enemies to stone.
- The postage stamp valued at 5 Lei showcases this artifact.
- Răpirea Europei:
- This stone carving, part of a Roman funerary structure, features the myth of Europa, a Phoenician king’s daughter either kidnapped by Zeus (in the form of a bull) and taken to Crete.
- It is represented on a 25 Lei postage stamp.
The artifacts Gorgona Meduza and Răpirea Europei were exhibited during the "Archaeological Treasures of Romania: Dacian and Roman Roots" event at the National Archaeology Museum in Madrid from September 2021 to February 2022, garnering significant interest.
Additional Artifact:
- The "first day" envelope portrays a relief of Mithras, a deity from Persian mythology, which depicts a ritual scene of Mithras slaying a bull. This decorative piece was found at the medieval Teleki Castle in Doștat, Alba County, in 1723.
A QR code on the mini-sheet of stamps allows users to explore the story behind the EUROPA 2025 emission, underlining its archaeological significance.
