published on 21.12.2007, 14:46 Author: Vanina Paskaleva Article rating:
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Perperikon archaeological complex is situated 15 km away from the town of Kurdzhali. Archaeologists discovered there evidence of numerous past developments, hidden in the many historic layers. Exploration has been ongoing over the past five years and is expected to continue in the future.
The fortress was build over the ruins of an ancient Thracian sanctuary, which appeared to be the most sacred place in the region for millenniums. A fortress wall, an acropolis, a palace and residential suburbs constitute the complex. Perperikon was massive and only stone was used in the construction.
During the reign of emperor Justinian, the fortress was restored and fortified. Soon after that, Slavs invaded the region and settled there. The fortress eventually lost its magnificence and importance. In the 9th century, the Byzantine Empire regained its power and Perperikon fortress became a regional center for the Rhodope Mountain.
Perperikon became important stronghold in the 13th century and was named center of the new administrative unit Ahridos. Evidence shows that during the 13th and 14th centuries, Perperikon thrived and became an important economic and cultural settlement in the Rhodope Mountain region. In the 14th century, the town became a bishop’s center.
Probably in the second half of the 14th century, Perperikon suffered the instability in the region and eventually the city declined. Most of the population in the region was Christian until the 17th century. Many Ottomans settled there in the 18th century, changing the ethnic makeup of the region.
The fortress was build over the ruins of an ancient Thracian sanctuary, which appeared to be the most sacred place in the region for millenniums. A fortress wall, an acropolis, a palace and residential suburbs constitute the complex. Perperikon was massive and only stone was used in the construction.
During the reign of emperor Justinian, the fortress was restored and fortified. Soon after that, Slavs invaded the region and settled there. The fortress eventually lost its magnificence and importance. In the 9th century, the Byzantine Empire regained its power and Perperikon fortress became a regional center for the Rhodope Mountain.
Perperikon became important stronghold in the 13th century and was named center of the new administrative unit Ahridos. Evidence shows that during the 13th and 14th centuries, Perperikon thrived and became an important economic and cultural settlement in the Rhodope Mountain region. In the 14th century, the town became a bishop’s center.
Probably in the second half of the 14th century, Perperikon suffered the instability in the region and eventually the city declined. Most of the population in the region was Christian until the 17th century. Many Ottomans settled there in the 18th century, changing the ethnic makeup of the region.
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Perperikon Fortress