Treasure Hunters Plunder Newly Discovered Thracian Burial Site

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An ancient Thracian burial site with 6 mounds and a domed mausoleum was discovered near the village of Vetren (near Bourgas). Treasure hunters have started opening the ruler’s tomb.
A Thracian V-IV century B.C. burial site is among the most spectacular discoveries near Vetren. The biggest mausoleum is believed to house the remains of a local Thracian ruler.
Tsonia Drazheva, director of Bourgas regional museum and leader of the excavations, explained that treasure hunters plundered all the mounds and even tried to open the ruler’s tomb. The finding is being guarded around the clock. These are the first excavations in the area. A team of 45 archaeologists, high school and college students is studying an area of 2 ha, once the location of the ancient city of Aqua Calide Therma in the middle of the first millennium before Christ.
In the late 5th century the city was renamed Thermopolis and existed until the 13th century, when Emperor Henry of Flanders ordered to burn it to the ground. Well-preserved remains of the thermal baths have been discovered, including four large pools. Archaeologists found a large medieval building 200 m from the baths, which was an inn from the 5th to the 13th century. It was also damaged by fire in 1206. Close by a medieval church (11-14th century) is being studied. There is an ancient building (3rd century), probably a temple, under the foundations of the church.
Objects that were discovered during the excavations of the ancient city and thermal baths include coins, glass, ceramic and metal objects, weapons, inscriptions, and more. They will undergo restoration, after which they will be showcased at a special exhibit.