Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Cuman settlement discovered near fortress of Ryahovets in Gorna Oryahovitsa

Photo: Zdravka Maslyankova, BNR correspondent

Archaeologists from the Historical Museum in the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa have discovered a settlement of the Cumans this summer during the excavations of a medieval necropolis east of the Thracian fortress of Rykhovets near the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa, reports BNR correspondent Zdravka Maslyankova. 

The archaeological site was found accidentally in 2021 during the works for the reclamation of a municipal waste dump in the town. 

Nearly 70 archaeological structures have been uncovered. Among them are dwellings, hearths and pits dating back to the 13th century. Fifteen graves were also recorded, indicating some departure from Christian burial rites. 


According to the archaeologist prof. Hitko Vachev, scientific consultant of the archaeological team, it is a Cuman settlement. 

"The Cumans were an ally of all Bulgarian kings. Several Cuman princesses were Bulgarian queens. We have rich sources in this regard, but until now we have not had the material traces of where the Cumans were settled," he explained. Among the interesting finds are several cult pits with horse skulls laid inside, as well as one with a whole horse skeleton, coins from the first half of the 13th century, bone objects, copper bracelets, and a large furnace. 


Children volunteers and their parents took part in cleaning the latest finds.

The archaeological team hopes to be able to join a project to carry out a full survey of the site.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

A copy of the miraculous icon of the Holy Theotokos arrived at the Saint George the Victorious Monastery in Pomorie

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenii of Sliven, a copy of the miraculous Athonite icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "She Who is Quick to Hear" was welcomed at the Saint George the Victorious Monastery in Pomorie. The Bulgarian..

published on 12/18/24 9:45 AM
Vasil Drumev - Metropolitan of Tarnovo

Metropolitan Kliment of Tarnovo – ​​in the service of God and the Fatherland

In the secular chronicles of post-liberation Bulgaria, Metropolitan Kliment of Tarnovo is known as Vasil Drumev – a notable writer and public figure, he led an exceptionally spiritual, Christian life. For linguists, he is among the brightest zealots of..

published on 12/10/24 11:49 AM

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Conception of Theotokos by St. Anne

On December 9 the Orthodox Church celebrates the Conception of the Most Holly Theotokos by Saint Anne. Joachim and Anne were childless for a long time despite their righteous life. In addition to their personal grief, they also endured public..

published on 12/9/24 9:37 AM