Bulgarian archaeologists have discovered a medieval bronze ring that was designed to poison political foes. Death by poison while imbibing. Not such a good idea, but a way better way to die than Game of Thrones Red Wedding of course.

The ring was unearthed in the northeastern part of Bulgaria at a site of a former medieval fortress in Cape Kaliakra. The corroded ring is topped off with a hollow cartridge and comes with a tiny hole for expelling poison.

To release the poison, just tip your finger and the job is done. The ring dates back to around 14th century and as Bonnie Petrunova, head of the dig and deputy director of the National Archaeology Institute and Museum in Sofia, told Discovery News:
It’s a unique ring. I have no doubts that the hole is there on purpose and the ring was worn on the right hand, because the hole was made in such a way so as to be covered by a finger, thus the poison could be dropped at a moment’s notice. Clearly, it was not worn constantly and would have been put on when necessary.
Petrunova suggests that it could have been used in the fight between Dobrotitsa, the ruller of the independent Despotate of Durudja in the late 1400s.

Death by poison ring.  [Discovery News]