Perperikon

Bulgarian archaeologists at Perperikon have uncovered new evidence of ancient life, including a system of blood sacrifice altars used for divination. Two altars were discovered, one for making holy wine and another for blood sacrifices. These altars are reminiscent of those used in the worship of the Thracian horseman and the temple of Mithras, according to Prof.

A city of the dead was discovered by archaeologists in the ancient settlement of Perperikon in the Eastern Rhodopes, BNR correspondent Valya Apostolova reported from Kardzhali. Eight large mausoleums from the times of the Roman Empire have been discovered, located amphitheatrically in the southern part of the rock settlement.

A stone bath for newborn babies from the 6th century and a second mausoleum-rotunda are the latest unique finds of Perperikon, announced Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov.

According to him, his team is already in the middle of the excavations planned for this year. More than 60 workers are on site - from early July to late September.

A visitor centre for BGN 3 million will be built in Perperikon in 2019, archaeologist Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov said in an interview with Focus News Agency.

During the Easter holidays more than 450 000 tourists are expected to visit different regions in Bulgaria, tourism minister Nikolina Angelkova predicted in Kardzhali.

She participated in a Round Table entitled "Prospects for the Development of Cultural and Historical Tourism" at the invitation of the local structure of KRIB.

Bulgarian archaeological expedition at the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon (near the city of Kardzhali, South Bulgaria) will try to find the largest Early Christian monastery in the Rhodope Mountains, Professor Nikolay Ovcharov, the leader of the research, said on 28th of June.

The Bulgarian tourism ministry and municipalities are launching a billboard campaign aimed at stimulating domestic tourism.

The campaign will include all larger municipalities and will advertise the options for tourism in each region, the press service of the ministry informs.

Specialists from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will familiarise themselves with the history of the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon near the Bulgarian town of Kardzhali.

This will be done within the framework of the "Perperikon - past and future" project, which will be realised next year.

A rare Byzantine gold coin dating back to the 11th century has been found in the ancient city of Perperikon, the renowned Bulgarian archaeologist Nikolay Ovcharov revealed on Sunday.

The coin made of 23-carat gold is depicting Byzantine Emperor Basil II (976-1025) and his younger brother Emperor Constantine VIII (1025-1028).

Bulgarian archaeologists have unearthed a peculiar close combat bladed weapon used by the Thracians, Prof Nikolay Ovcharov has said.

The rhomphaias, which can measure up to 1.5 m, are relatively rare finds in Bulgaria where only 13 of them have been found so far.