published on 21.12.2007, 14:42 Author: Vanina Paskaleva Article rating:
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Pernik fortress is also known as Krakra. It is situated in the southwestern outskirts of the town of Pernik.
Khan Omourtag, an early Bulgarian ruler, probably ordered its construction. The fortress provided protection to the western border of the Bulgarian kingdom. Because of its key strategic position, the fortress was set up to be massive and strong.
During the 10th and 11th centuries, Pernik fortress became the main fortification of the local ruler, Krakra of Pernik. The fortress was the center of his defense system consisting of 35 fortresses along the coast the Strouma River. During the rule of Krakra, Pernik fortress played key role in the war of king Samuil against the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Since then, the fortress carries the name of the brave Krakra.
The legend says that Krakra and his warriors survived 88 days under Byzantine siege. The Byzantine emperor suffered big losses and was forced to retreat. The blood of his dead warriors reddened the foot of the fortress hill and the place was called Kurvavoto, or bloody place.
Remains enabled archaeologists understand how big the fortress was and how many constructions were part of it. The walls are two m thick and follow the natural curves of the hill. The walls surrounded big inner yard with many residential, administrative, agricultural buildings and churches. Archaeologists uncovered many coins and a ring with a stamp from the reign of King Peter I.
Khan Omourtag, an early Bulgarian ruler, probably ordered its construction. The fortress provided protection to the western border of the Bulgarian kingdom. Because of its key strategic position, the fortress was set up to be massive and strong.
During the 10th and 11th centuries, Pernik fortress became the main fortification of the local ruler, Krakra of Pernik. The fortress was the center of his defense system consisting of 35 fortresses along the coast the Strouma River. During the rule of Krakra, Pernik fortress played key role in the war of king Samuil against the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Since then, the fortress carries the name of the brave Krakra.
The legend says that Krakra and his warriors survived 88 days under Byzantine siege. The Byzantine emperor suffered big losses and was forced to retreat. The blood of his dead warriors reddened the foot of the fortress hill and the place was called Kurvavoto, or bloody place.
Remains enabled archaeologists understand how big the fortress was and how many constructions were part of it. The walls are two m thick and follow the natural curves of the hill. The walls surrounded big inner yard with many residential, administrative, agricultural buildings and churches. Archaeologists uncovered many coins and a ring with a stamp from the reign of King Peter I.
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Krakra Fortress