What is the Thracian legacy and where can it be seen in Bulgaria?

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In summary, during a visit to Bulgaria, the speaker learned about the ancient history of Europe dating back to 0 CE. They also discovered the Thracian legacy and the efforts made in the past ten years to explore ancient tombs in various locations in Bulgaria. One of these tombs is the 4th century BC Thracian tomb-mausoleum discovered in Alexandrovo, which contains well-preserved wall paintings of high artistic value. The tomb has not been fully investigated, but it is believed to have belonged to a ruler based on its symbolic decorations and artifacts found inside. In addition, a golden mask and ring were recently unearthed in a timber-lined tomb in southeastern Bulgaria, further confirming the existence of a Thracian king
  • #1
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While visiting Bulgaria, I got to see some old Europan history going back almost to 0 CE. However, I also learned that there is a Thracian legacy, which is truly amazing.

In the last 10 years or so, an effort has been made to explore several ancient tombs at Starosel, Kazanluk, Alexandrovo and Perperek (near the southern Bulgarian town of Kurdjali). There may be more.

http://www.rferl.org/features/2000/12/04122000095328.asp

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/9659/ (make sure popup killer is working)

http://www.picturesofbulgaria.com/photo_gallery/starosel.html

http://www.picturesofbulgaria.com/article/thracian_tomb_of_kazanluk.html

http://www.agato.hit.bg/Alexandrovo.htm
On December 17, 2000 a 4th century BC Thracian tomb-mausoleum was discovered immediately to the south-eastern end of the village of Alexandrovo. Very well preserved wall-paintings of high artistic value were found inside.

The tomb has not been investigated archaeologically. It is so far established that it has a 10 m-long corridor and two rooms: one quadrangular, the other round. The entrances are short, about 1.2 m, so the visitors had to bend down to enter the construction. After standing up again inside, humble and feeling insignificant, the worshipper was stunned before an unknown world, imposing with the variety of colours, figures and scenes.

The diameter of the central chamber is 3.4 m, just equal to its height. It is more spacious than the Kazanluk tomb and even larger than the one at the near by Mezek.

Its walls are divided into 16 horizontal bands from the floor to the top of the dome, which is finished by a horizontal slab, a key-stone.

Its decoration is symbolic: a grey-whitish (silver?) double axe, a labrys, a sign of power in the Thracian society. The artist possibly intended to suggest the remains of a ruler rested in the room. The axe is inscribed in the circle of the key-stone, a symbol of the sun, the source of life and the object of the major cult in the Thracian religion.

The hunt was a privilege of the Thracian aristocracy, while boar hunting was almost a divine occupation, characteristic of the heroes - rulers, who were posthumously deified.

http://ultimate-bulgaria.com/thracian_life.htm - pictures of Thracian artifacts
 
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  • #2
Gold mask from Thracian period found in Bulgaria
http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070716-062640-7820r (link is problematic)
July 16, 2007

Bulgarian archaeologist Georgi Kitov showed a 4th century BC Thracian golden mask and a golden ring with an inscription reading 'the saver of Asia' near the village of Topolchane, east of the capital Sofia, July 15.
SOFIA -- A Bulgarian archaeologist announced Sunday that his team had found a gold mask that belonged to a Thracian king in the fourth century BC, near the eastern town of Sliven.

"The discovery of this mask proves that the Valley of the Thracian Kings stretches from the center of Bulgaria to the east of the country," archaeologist Georgi Kitov said.

The Thracians lived in southeastern Europe, the Carpathians and the Caucasus from about 4,000 BC to the 3rd century AD.

Numerous artifacts from their leaders have been found in the so-called Valley of the Thracian Kings, located between the Balkan and the Sredna Gora mountain chains.

In 2004, Kitov's team found another gold mask from the 5th century BC near Chipka, in central Bulgaria.

. . . .

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Archaeologists find 2,400-year-old golden mask
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — A 2,400-year-old golden mask that once belonged to a Thracian king was unearthed in a timber-lined tomb in southeastern Bulgaria, archaeologists said Monday.

The mask, discovered over the weekend, was found in the tomb along with a solid gold ring engraved with a Greek inscription and the portrait of a bearded man.

"These finds confirm the assumption that they are part of the lavish burial of a Thracian king," said Margarita Tacheva, a professor who was on the dig near the village of Topolchane, 180 miles east of the capital, Sofia.

Georgi Kitov, the team leader, said that they also found a silver rhyton, silver and bronze vessels, pottery and funerary gifts.

"The artifacts belonged to a Thracian ruler from the end of the 4th century B.C. who was buried here," Kitov added.
 
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  • #3
I was actually reading an Archaeology magazine awhile back, and I stumbled over an article about Thracian chariot burials -- it's absolutely fascinating. Here's a link if you're interested.

http://www.archaeology.org/0709/abstracts/chariot.html
 

FAQ: What is the Thracian legacy and where can it be seen in Bulgaria?

What is Thrace?

Thrace is a historical and geographical region located in Southeast Europe, encompassing parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Thracians.

Who were the Thracians?

The Thracians were an ancient people who inhabited the region of Thrace. They were a diverse group of tribes with distinct cultural and linguistic differences, but were united by their common ancestry and shared religious beliefs. They were known for their fierce warrior culture and their contributions to art and mythology.

What were some notable events in Thracian history?

Thrace has a long and complex history, but some notable events include the arrival of the first Thracian tribes in the region around 4000 BCE, the establishment of the Odrysian Kingdom in the 5th century BCE, and the conquest of Thrace by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BCE. Other significant events include the spread of Christianity in the 4th century CE and the fall of the Byzantine Empire in the 14th century.

What is the legacy of Thrace and the Thracians?

The Thracians have left a lasting impact on the cultures and histories of the regions they inhabited. They are credited with the development of the first European script, the adoption of Greek culture and religion, and the spread of Christianity. Their mythology and art continue to inspire artists and storytellers today.

Are there any famous Thracians?

Yes, there are several notable figures from Thrace and Thracian history, including the philosopher Heraclitus, the poet Orpheus, and the Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax. The legendary Spartacus, who led a slave rebellion against the Roman Empire, is also believed to have been born in Thrace.

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