Articles from category: Ancient from bulgariainside.com

Beglik Tash

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:38:00 +0300

One of the most mysterious and breathtaking sanctuaries in Bulgaria is situated four km away from the town of Primorsko in Ropotamo preserve. Beglik Tash was discovered in 2003 and happens to be one of the oldest Thracian megalith sanctuaries in Bulgaria’s coastal region. It has been existing since the end of the Bronze Age and according to archaeologists, activity continued until the settlement of the first Christians in the area. A forest road leads to the sanctuary but the 15 to 20 minute walk to Beglik Tash is worth it. In the end, you will find yourself on a green meadow, where huge stone pieces have been positioned according to some ancient logics. The sanctuary is a large stone circle. Stone pieces are nearly nine m high and have been partially carved. They have been arranged in incredible forms. The place was holy for Thracians and they brought gifts to the...

Mishkova Niva Complex

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0300

An ancient complex was discovered during research from 1981 to 1983 in the region of Mishkova Niva, three km southwest of the town of Malko Turnovo, almost at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. The complex resembles the one is Propada region but is bigger and much more impressive. The sanctuary and a fortress made up a complex, together with mines, a necropolis and several fortifications. A dolmen was constructed in Mishkova Niva in the end of the Bronze Age. A mound necropolis formed there in the years to come. The dolmen was destroyed but a cult facility was set up. It was used as a sanctuary to a mythical or an existent ruler, priest or a hero. It might have been used as well as a mausoleum of a Thracian ruler. It exhibits symbols of a solar cult, namely a shield and an arrow over which two human palms have been carved. The tomb is situated near a Roman villa rustika...

Sashova Mound

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0300

Sashova mound was found in 1996 near the town of Shipka. It dates back to the 3rd or 4th century BC. Processed stone blocks were used in the construction. The tomb has a long hallway and two rectangular chambers. One of them features a semi-cylindrical vault. Human remains in full armor were found on a stone bed. Pottery, some of which Greek, was placed on the floor next to the bed. Two big amphora and some decorations are still well preserved. A horse skeleton was found next to the stone bed. A shelter was set up to protect the tomb from destruction. Visitors can visit the mound but all artifacts found there have been moved to the National Museum of History in Sofia.

Mezek Tomb

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:52:00 +0200

The village of Mezek was once upon a time positioned next to the road from Tsargrad to Sofia and was burned down several times. Its residents later on settled in the eastern Rhodope region. Mezek literally means frontier. Today, the village has 355 residents. Mezek tomb is situated 10 km away from Svilengrad. It is considered to be the biggest and one of the most interesting and impressive beehive Thracian tombs. The tomb dates back to the 4th century BC and has been totally preserved in its original looks. Unusual architecture distinguishes it from other tombs, since it consists of a circular and two rectangular chambers. The overall tomb length is 32 m of which 20.65 m form a hallway, and the others are distributed in the chambers. Stone blocks having length of two m, connected with metal braces were used in the construction. Some unique artifacts were discovered, among...

Sveshtari Tomb

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:56:00 +0200

In 1982, archaeologists discovered near the town of Razgrad a tomb that belonged to a Thracian ruler. The tomb is situated 43 km northeast of the town of Razgrad and only three km southwest of the village of Sveshtari. It is supposedly the tomb of Droumihed, the king of the Thracian tribe Geti. The tomb was built in the 4th to 3rd century BC. It was robbed in ancient times. Nevertheless, the status and wealth of the person buried there were estimated. Several chambers, a hallway, a rectangular anteroom, a side chamber and a funeral chamber make up the complex. The mortal remains were placed in the funeral chamber. Unfinished wall decorations make researchers believe the king died before his tomb was completed. Several female statues with raised hands support the chamber. Their faces and hair still reveal color decorations. A scene painted on the ceiling depicts the...

Silistra Tomb

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:14:00 +0200

The most popular ancient monument in the Silistra region is the Silistra tomb from the end of the 4th century AD. It is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable monuments in Bulgaria. One rectangular chamber has decorated walls. The images represent humans, animals and geometric figures. The picture of a family couple and their servants is also part of the drawing. These decorations are almost unaffected by time. According to researchers, the tomb preserves the remains of a noble Roman pagan. The beautiful decorations and an honorary diploma from the Emperor signify his status.

Kazanluk Tomb

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:32:00 +0200

Kazanluk Tomb is the first Bulgarian site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was discovered accidentally in 1944. Historians believe it dates back то the 4th or 3rd century BC. The original tomb is now sealed and an exact replica was built a few meters away from its location. Tourists are allowed to enter the replica only. Three rooms make up the tomb. Its antechamber was built of stone and clay. The two other premises include a narrow brick hallway and a brick funeral chamber featuring a bell-like dome. Wall decorations in the hallway and the funeral chamber are impressive with their ability to give information about Thracians and their art techniques. Four shades of mineral paints were used for creating these decorations – white, yellow, red and black. The decorated friezes picture flowers and battle scenes. The remains of a woman and a man were found...

Indipascha

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:31:00 +0300

Deep in the heart of mystical Strandzha you will find a hidden treasure. Veiled by the dense forests is a Thracian consecrated ground named Indipascha. Only the initiated ones knew how to find it. Thracian priests made a path through the forest and went there to predict the future and to offer sacrifices to the gods. Centuries passed and the sanctuary was forgotten. The Strandzha forests hid the path to it and nobody knew where the consecrated ground was. According to a legend, the blind buffalo of a peasant rediscovered the sanctuary. A healing spring was flowing there and can be still seen today. You will have difficulties discovering Indipascha on your own. It would be best to ask one of the locals in the nearby village of Gramatikovo to take you there. Two paths can be used to reach Indipascha. One of them starts near Gramatikovo and the second one passes through Malko...

Karadzhov Kamuk

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:56:00 +0300

The mysticism of the Rhodope Mountain region turns each landmark into a place surrounded by numerous legends. One such place is Karadzhov Kamuk (Karadzhov stone). Karadzhov Kamuk is situated near Asenovgrad in the central Rhodopes. Various similar rock phenomena are located nearby. To reach the rock, you have to follow a path starting in the region of Krustova Gora. The path is unpaved and passes through valleys and forests until it takes you to the foot of the steep rock. The walk lasts an hour and a half. Karadzhov Kamuk is accessible via a staircase positioned in its foot. Yet, the ascending is dangerous and we would advise you to refrain from taking your children for a walk there. Be exceptionally careful while climbing. If you prefer some more extreme experiences and you possess climbing equipment, try conquering the rock from its steep side. The Thracian rock...

Belintash

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:08:00 +0300

The secret of the rock phenomenon called Belintash still remains concealed. The ancient Thracian sanctuary is situated in the Rhodope Mountain region, 30 km away from the town of Asenovgrad. To reach the rock, you have to head from Asenovgrad to Kurdzhali. Take the road diversion leading to the village of Cherven and head to Oreshets. Keep straight direction once you reach Mostovo. To reach Belintash you have to turn left in Vratata district. To get more directions it will be best to ask locals for help. Numerous legends have been told about Belintash. Some connect the rock to Noah’s arc. According to the story, the rock sheltered the arc. The rings carved into the stone prove this story. Numerous small pits and grooves were carved on the upper surface of Belintash. Two wells were also created on the plateau. These fill with water year-round. The grooves have...

Svetitsa Mound

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:45:00 +0200

An ancient grave of a Thracian ruler was found in 2004 in the Svetitsa mound near the village of Kran. Fortunately, the grave was not robbed and the artifacts are preserved. This grave is one of the richest ancient remains ever found on the territory of Bulgaria. The parts of the dissembled body were found in the funeral chamber, as well as dissembled part of ceremony artifacts. This proves that the buried person followed the Orpheus rituals. A unique golden mask of weight of almost 700 gr, as well as a gold ring with a stamp found there signify that a great Thracian king was buried there. The gold mask can be seen now in the National Museum of Archeology in Sofia.

Pomorie Beehive Tomb

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:31:00 +0200

An ancient beehive tomb is situated near the entrance of the coastal town of Pomorie. The tomb has been found under a mound in the Palekastro region. According to historians, it dates back to the 2nd to 4th centuries AD and was probably a mausoleum tomb of a rich family, where religious rituals took place. The tomb was discovered in 1888 and is the biggest ancient burial place discovered in Bulgaria. The unique monument has a circular chamber of 11.6 m in diameter and 5.5 m in height. Its hallway is 22 m long and 2.4 m high. Stone and bricks were used in the construction. Archaeologists found traces of paint, meaning that the central chamber was covered in drawings. The central column is of interest since it is hollow and expanding to merge with the circular wall. Five niches were used for the placement of urns. Architecture of the construction, including a chamber, a hallway...

Propada Complex

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:11:00 +0200

Propada tomb is an excellent example of Thracian cult architecture. It is situated three km northwest of the town of Malko Turnovo, on a hill where a necropolis of 40 mounds starts. Propada tomb was discovered in 1979. Its architecture makes Propada tomb similar to the ones discovered in Kazanluk, Mezek and Strelcha. Some of its elements, however, make it completely different and unique. Vertical fortification of stone blocks presents an early construction style, suggesting the tomb is much older than some of the archaeological artifacts discovered in it. Mounds discovered in the region feature graves that date back to the first millennium BC. The chambers have been lined with stone plates that have also been used to cover the facilities. Archaeologists researched two tombs from the necropolis in 2001. Seven people from the same family have been buried in one of the...

Zhaba Mogila Tomb

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:12:00 +0300

Zhaba Mogila’s Thracian tomb is situated several km away from the town of Strelcha. Archaeologist Georgi Kitov discovered the tomb in the 70s of the 20th century. Archaeologists believe that a Thracian ruler was buried there. The burial ceremony probably took place much after the construction of the tomb. The tomb dates back to the 5th and 4th century BC. It suffered plunders but archaeologists managed to find some interesting artifacts. A chariot and harness were found there. The tomb’s entrance was also preserved and the stones used in the construction show images of Thracian gods and floral ornaments. A temple is situated on the other side of the mound. Lion figures were placed on sides of entrance. One of them was moved to the National History Museum in Sofia. The temple has three chambers. To reach the mound, follow the brown signs directing...

Madara Horseman

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:12:00 +0200

The Madara Horseman is a rock relief, carved at a height of 23 m. The relief can be seen only one km away from the Village of Madara, on a rock of the Madara plateau. The village and this phenomenon are situated 20 km away from the town of Shoumen. You can see a man carved in the rocks. The horseman is riding while an eagle flies nearby and his dog follows the horse. The carving symbolizes triumph over the enemies. According to historians, the carving was made in the 8th or 9th century. It is connected to the reign of khan Tervel. Several writings confirm the theory that the carving appeared during the time of ancient Bulgarians. The carving has vast historic and cultural importance. In 1979, the Madara Horseman was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many other historic landmarks can be seen in the same region. The old capitals of Pliska and Preslav are situated...

Karanovo Settlement Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:59:00 +0200

The biggest settlement mound ever discovered in Europe is situated near the village of Karanovo, Nova Zagora district. Seven distinct archaeological layers make up the mound, giving information about the evolution of civilizations. Evidence shows that the region has been inhabited for more than 4000 years. Scientists prepared the Karanovo chronological system, a benchmark method for the comparison of ancient European cultures. Some of the discovered artifacts have been displayed in the specially constructed edifice near the mound.

Alexandrovska Tomb

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:57:00 +0200

The tomb of an old Thracian ruler was discovered in 2000, 20 km northeast of the village of Alexandrovsko. Its specific feature is frescoes on the walls and ceilings. Images of humans can rarely be seen in Thracian tombs. This is one of the rare examples. Most of the frescoes depict hunting. Unfortunately, the tomb was robbed by treasure hunters before it was discovered by archaeologists. Today, the tomb is closed for visitors because after its discovery the frescoes started to fade and the walls cracked because of the light. Preservation and restoration works are ongoing.

Starosel Complex

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:45:00 +0200

A unique Thracian temple and a mausoleum were discovered in 2000 in the vicinity of Starosel village, near Hissarya. It was built in the 5th century BC. Elements typical for ancient Greek temples can be observed in its architecture. According to researchers, the palace belonged to Thracian king Sitalk from the Odrisi tribe. One of a kind fortified facility protected the hill. Three staircases were found, a front one made of big stone blocs and two small side staircases. The stairs lead to a 15 m long hallway going to a façade with embossment decorations. Two chambers make up the temple, both made of big stone blocks. One is rectangular, the other is a round tomb with a spherical dome. The wine containers found inside lead to the conclusion that some Orpheus rituals were performed there. A big stone vessel was found in the north part of the hill. Ritual wine was...

Peichova Mound Tomb

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:58:00 +0200

The tomb of a Thracian nobleman was discovered in 2000 in the Peichova mound near the village of Starosel in the Hissarya region. This well preserved grave was built in a sacred rock and the bodily remains were buried under a stone block. This fact leads to the conclusion that the tomb belonged to a noble Thracian Orpheus follower. Many treasures were found in the grave including three silver horse decoration sets, several silver containers, a full weapon set with gold decoration and a unique ring-stamp with a wild-boar hunt scene pictured on it. A shelter was constructed over the grave, enabling visitors to explore it.

Mogilanska Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:56:00 +0200

Mogilanska mound was initially seen as a simple elevation in a house yard in the old part of the town of Vratsa. In the 60s, three tombs were found in the mound. One of them had been robbed back in ancient times. The other two are still preserved. Historians believe that the tombs date back to the 4th century BC. Probably they were the final resting places of Thracian rulers from the tribe of Tribaly that lived in the present day Vratsa region. Artifacts and human body remains found in the tombs signify that distinguished tribe members were buried there. One of them was probably a Thracian princess. A golden tiara, golden earrings and ceremonial containers and objects were found there. Various weapons and a silver knee-pad were found in one of the graves, as well.

Ostrousha Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:48:00 +0200

The religious complex in the Ostrousha mound was discovered in 1993. It is situated near Shipka. It dates back to the middle of the 4th century. The complex features six rooms, varying in architectural details. The south entrance leads to a central chamber with three more entrances to the other rooms. One of the chambers is round and domed. The others are made of granite blocks. Sacrifice remains were found in the southwest chamber. A funeral chamber made of one monolith granite block can be seen there. Near the north wall, archaeologists discovered a funeral bed. A monolith granite block covered the funeral chamber. The ceiling is decorated with paintings with golden details. The best preserved image show a woman with short brown hair, earrings and necklace. Probably the complex was robbed by early Christians, who destroyed the pagan images.

Shoushmanets Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:46:00 +0200

The Shoushmanets Mound Temple was discovered in 1996 near the town of Shipka. It dates back from the 4th century B.C. The last purpose of the temple was to become the tomb of a local Thracian ruler. The temple is unique because it is the first Thracian temple with column in both the antechamber and the funeral chamber. Sacrifice remains were found in the anteroom. Stylized images of spinning suns covered with red paint were drawn on the door leading to the round chamber. A column rising from the center of the round chamber to the dome supports a big stone disc. The interior of the temple resembles a sun disc with sun rays which makes it one of the most impressive Thracian temples.

Goliama Arsenalka Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:43:00 +0200

The Goliama Arsenalka Mound Temple is located near the village of Sheinovo. It was discovered in 1995. The temple dates back to the 5th century BC. Stone blocks were used in the construction. Its beautiful façade is facing southeast. The entrance leads to a rectangular antechamber through a stone door that is missing today. A second entrance leads to the central round domed chamber. The floor in the second chamber is made of stone slabs. The central part of the floor is concave and the slabs form the image of a sun which is the main Thracian Symbol. Three concentric rings around the sun describe the Thracian vision of the universe built of three parts – the underground kingdom, the earthly kingdom and the celestial kingdom. Some golden ornaments were found in the gaps between the slabs.

Griffon Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:41:00 +0200

The Griffon Mound Temple was found on August 15 1996. It dates back to the 5th century BC. This temple functioned until the mid 4th century BC. It was used as the tomb of a noble Thracian. The name of the hill and the temple came from the images of griffons on the entrance. The façade entrance leads to a rectangular antechamber. A door that is missing now led to the round domed chamber. A ceremonial bed made of stone slabs is situated against the entrance in the funeral chamber. The tomb was robbed in the antiquity.

Goliama Kosmatka Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:38:00 +0200

The temple found in the Goliama Kosmatka mound dates back to the second half of the 5th century Bc. Few floral elements have been preserved on the marble door of its chamber. These ornaments symbolize the four directions and the life cycle. A unique gold garland was found in the very center of the tomb, as well as a gold wine cup and military equipment. A bronze statue representing the head of king of king Seut III was ceremonially buried in front of the tomb. The entrance of the tomb is from south. There are four rooms in the tomb – a corridor, an antechamber, a round chamber and a rectangular chamber. The last mentioned is built of two monolithic stone blocks and was used as a sarcophagus. Dionysus, an ancient god, has been drawn on the marble door that closes the marble chamber. He was pictured as the sun on the eastern part of the door and as the earth and night...

Helvetia Mound

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:35:00 +0200

The temple on Helvetia mound, near the little town of Shipka, was found in 1996. The mound was named after the Swiss donations used for the research there (Helvetia is an old name of Switzerland). A corridor built of crumbled stones, an antechamber with a sanctuary and a rectangular chamber make up the temple. The floors of all three rooms, as well as the walls of the antechamber and the chamber, are plastered with a thick lime coat. One massive, two-fold door leads to the chamber. It opens to reveal a ceremonial bed positioned against the door. Built of small stones and plastered with lime, the bed was destroyed during the excavation works. An aura of mystery surrounds the huge door. Its locking mechanism allows the chamber to be sealed from the inside. During the 4th century BC., the edifice was used as a temple but after the final funeral the corridor had been stuffed...

Bulgaria's Archaeological Heritage

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:31:00 +0200

Bulgarian land keeps evidence of numerous historic events. Tombs and ancient temples have been uncovered time and time again to prove this fact. Archaeologists were able to find a number of such valuable sites before treasure hunters got their turn. These ancient discoveries determine Bulgaria as an interesting destination for those interested in history and archeology. Most of the tombs and temples discovered have Thracian origin. A number of finds also date back to Roman and early Byzantine periods. Historians were able to learn lots about Bulgarian developments from remains they discovered, dating back to the First and Second Bulgarian kingdoms. Most remains have been found in the Kazanluk valley, also known as Bulgaria’s rose valley or the valley of Thracian kings. Various sites were uncovered in the Rhodope Mountains. Discoveries are still happening to day...

Tatoul

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:36:00 +0200

The village of Tatoul is located close to Momchilgrad. A megalith complex has been uncovered several hundred meters away from the village. The ancient remains amaze with their uniqueness and compete with the similar finding of Perperikon. Archaeologists are still exploring the remains. According to them, the complex is a Thracian creation, which changed its function with the coming of Romans, Christians and Byzantines to the region. The fate of Perperikon was similar. Two graves have been positioned in a key location and all rituals and immolations happened around them. Hypotheses are still unsupported by facts but according to archaeologists, the sanctuary and graves might have been connected to the mythical king Orpheus. Findings show that Thracians had several rituals performed during the autumn equinox, connected to the recently found cave in the region- Voulvata....

Perperikon

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +0200

A large archaeological complex, Perperikon brings together information about several eras and civilizations. Perperikon is situated in the Eastern Rhodope region, 15 km away from the town of Kurdzhali. Over the years archaeologists and treasure hunters explored the 470-m high hill, where Perperikon is located. The most important works began in 2000 and are still ongoing. Large part of the complex is probably still undiscovered. Historians believe that the megalith complex served as a stone sanctuary of Dionysus, a god that both Thracians and Greeks revered. A large number of human and animal sacrifices probably took place there. A two-meter high stone altar served the purpose. The rituals also involved the usage of fire and wine. The hill hosts a stone temple. This construction signifies development of civilization that used stone both as a tool and as a construction...