Archaeologists unearth large cult complex near the grave of Orpheus by the village of Tatul

published on 10/25/22 6:24 PM

The Thracian sanctuary of Orpheus near the village of Tatul.

Photo: Anelia Kryndeva

After a 15-year hiatus, excavations have resumed at the Thracian sanctuary of Orpheus near the village of Tatul. They were financed by the municipality of Momchilgrad with 11 250 euros, reports BNR-Kardzhali.

"The site near Tatul has been functioning since ancient times. Over the years, we have managed to explore the part located around a large rock with a carved sarcophagus," said archaeologist Nikolai Ovcharov, who led the research. He noted that the great Bulgarian archaeologist prof. Ivan Venedikov had a hypothesis that this was the grave of Orpheus, which was later proven during the excavations.

Nikolay Ovcharov (left) and his team have resumed excavations of the Thracian sanctuary of Orpheus near the village of Tatul.

Currently, the expedition is exploring a hill a hundred meters from the rock tomb of Orpheus. According to one testimony from the early 20th century, there were remains of a medieval church there. Today, archaeologists came across walls that testify to the presence of a large cult complex. In the course of the excavation they will be able to better estimate its size.

Every year tens of thousands of tourists visit the historic site associated with the name of the mythical Orpheus.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Share

Excavations resumed at the Thracian sanctuary after a 15-year hiatus

Archaeologists unearth large cult complex near the grave of Orpheus by the village of Tatul

More from category

Underwater archaeologists reveal the secrets of Taukliman Bay on Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast

What we don’t know about Matey Preobrazhenski’s inventions

A new guidebook presents pilgrimage tourism routes in Bulgaria