Thracian Tomb of Seuthes III in Kazanlak
Seuthes III tomb near Kazanlak is one of the most remarkable ancient monuments in Bulgaria. The tomb was discovered in 2004, and with this, incredible and valuable evidence for the ancient period in these lands was uncovered.
Seuthes III Tomb near Kazanlak is located 12 km north of the City of Roses. If you want to walk to reach this historic landmark you will need two hours from the center of Kazanlak, however, by car it will take you about 15 minutes.
The Tomb of Seuthes III is about 1 kilometer from the main road between. The road is asphalted, well maintained and is accommodated with signs indicating historical sites in this region. The tomb of Seuthes III is extremely well managed.
Seuthes III tomb was discovered in Kosmatka mound. It is dated 5th century BC. In 2004 this place was an open temple with a monumental entrance from the south, built during the ancient period.
Excavations are made by, Archaeological Research Expedition mound studies (TEMP), led by Dr. Georgi Kitov in cooperation with the Regional Historical Museum "Iskra" in Kazanlak.
At the first site in the southern periphery of the mound an exquisite sculpture was discovered, which is considered a splendid piece of Greek art. It has a bronze head of a bearded man with eyes of semiprecious stones. Archaeologists explain that the head was part of the statue.
Gradually, professionals and workers in Kosmatka mound found that this place is towards the beginning of the monumental temple. Unusual, after its elevation the chamber of the temple with a hall 13 meters in length, was burnt and filled with stones and soil.
After the passage in the tomb of Seuthes III followed three quarters.
Three days after the beginning of excavations, archaeologists found that this place really was the great tomb of a Thracian ruler, Seuthes III of whom built capital of the ancient city Seuthopolis.
Currently, this ancient village is under the waters of Lake Koprinka. As proof, the body of Seuthes III is buried there.
Tomb of Seuthes III consists of an entrance hall, hall, round chamber with a high dome cover and a rectangular chamber. The last shelter was built as two monolithic stone blocks, one of which weighs over 60 tonnes. All three rooms are built of rectangular stone blocks and covered with tiles.
The entrance of the circular chamber is marked by twin leafed marble doors. Its upper parts are decorated with flawless images of Dionysus, in the east wing is a personification of the sun in the west. Preserved flower ornaments on the eastern wing are predominantly red, but on the west the predominant color is black.
It is believed that the body of Seuthes III was burned elsewhere in the tomb because there was no debris, but the head of the statue of Seuthes that once stood on a pedestal in the capital, Seuthopolis was buried. The tomb was then strictly observed so no one could tamper with the body.
The chamber of tomb Seuthes III was riched with handmade gifts and personal items necessary for the ruler of the afterlife. These included a gold crown, silver plate with Mediterranean mussel, gold trimming horse ammunition, silver helmet with a male head application, application with golden lion head, two bronze heads of goddesses, a sword scabbard, ornamented with gold appliques, gold knife handle and more.
Working time of the complex is from 9.00 am to 17.00 pm, however, from November to May Seuthes III's tomb is opened only on request for large groups.
Interesting to enter the gallery of the tomb you must pay a fee of 3 euro for adults and one dollar for students. However, if you want to capture moments in the tomb you will have to pay 5 leva for pictures with a camera and 15 euro if you want to use the camera.
