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

A bottle featuring an image of the myth of the Chimera monster discovered in a 2nd-century Roman necropolis

Photo: National Archaeological Reserve Deultum - Debelt

Archaeologists have discovered a very rare and valuable glass bottle in a 2nd-century tomb in the southern necropolis of the Roman colony Deultum near the village of Debelt (Southeastern Bulgaria). What makes it unique is that it depicts the myth of the monster Chimera, defeated by Bellerophon riding the winged horse Pegasus, reported archaeologia-bulgarica.

The scene was identified by Dobrina Harbalieva from the Municipal History Museum of Sredets, in collaboration with Dr. Arina Korzun from the Institute of Balkan Studies with Centre for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS).

It is believed that the fire-breathing monster, with a lion’s head, a goat’s body and a dragon’s tail, was first described by Homer in the Iliad. Despite its fierce appearance and its reputation as immortal, the Chimera was ultimately slain by Bellerophon’s arrow, with the help of the goddess Athena. The two victors performed more feats together, but in the end, Bellerophon wished to ascend to the gods on Mount Olympus. However, he fell off Pegasus' back, archaeologists recall.

See also:




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

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – the embodiment of selfless mercy

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on December 6.  He is called the saint of mercy because his entire life was dedicated to supporting the poor, the suffering, the innocent and the wronged. His words had an..

published on 12/6/24 5:30 AM
Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov in The Olduvai Gorge in Tanzaniaл

Bulgarian expedition to explore the "dawn of humanity" in Africa

A group of Bulgarian scientists is leaving today for the Republic of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe . On the initiative of the Explorers Club Bulgaria, the researchers will research into the origins of Homo sapiens in these places.  The..

published on 12/5/24 8:55 AM
Icon to Saint Varvara

Bulgarians mark the feast of Saint Varvara also known as Women's Christmas

Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the holy great martyr Varvara - a maiden from a noble family, beheaded for her Christian faith at the beginning of the 4th century.  The day is also called Women's Christmas . This name comes from..

published on 12/4/24 6:05 AM