Two Young Brothers Donate a Rare Byzantine Signet Ring to the Troy Museum

In a heartwarming act of cultural awareness, two young brothers from Ayvacık, a district in the Turkish province of Çanakkale, donated a rare signet ring believed to date back to the Byzantine Empire to the Troy Museum.

Aden Dayangaç, 10, and his older brother Doran Dayangaç, 14, found the artifact near their home in Demirci village. The ring features a rooster figure referencing the Biblical moment of Apostle Peter’s denial of Jesus — a powerful symbol from early Christianity.

Aden, who participated in last year’s “Takeover Day” program at the Troy Museum — an initiative allowing children to manage the museum for a day — suspected the object might be historically significant and informed his brother. Together, they brought the item to the museum for expert evaluation.

Museum experts confirmed the ring’s origin from the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) period and praised the brothers’ exemplary behavior. The Troy Museum shared the story on its official social media account, expressing deep gratitude:

“Aden and Doran’s awareness and responsibility deeply moved us. Their donation is not only meaningful but also a reminder that historical consciousness can start at a young age. Thank you for preserving the legacy of the past.”

This donation adds yet another valuable piece to the Troy Museum’s rich collection and serves as a reminder that even the smallest hands can make a big impact on preserving history.