Mini submarine explores Sevtopolis

Monitor Daily

An extensive research of the bottom of Koprinka dam, where the ruins of the ancient Thracian capital – Sevtopolis lie, starts at the beginning of November. This is the most favorable period, because the waters of the dam are cold and clear from the phytoplankton. This was announced by the chief of the history museum in Kazanlak – Kosyo Zarev.
Mini submarine from the Institute of Oceanology in Varna will dive to the of the city of King Sevt. The submarine will scan the ruins with special geophysical equipment. Scuba divers from Kazanlak will take part in the research too.

The mini submarine was used for the first time in Koprinka dam during the summer 2007. It was used to help the designers to explore ancient Sevtopolis and to create the mega project “Sevtopolis”. The flooded ancient city will be recovered in the middle of the dam. A special circular wall with a total length of 1200 metres will be constructed and Sevtopolis will be partially restred on the artificial island.
First hydrological researches were sponsored by Discovery channel. Their team made a documental movie about the Thracian culture including underwater frames from Koprinka dam.
Sevtopolis project was proposed by architect Zheko Tilev. It’s realization will turn Kazanlak and the Valley of Thracian Kings into a world tourist super destination.
The project won the European architectural prise “Vizarch 2005”, Grand Prix and golden medal from “Interarch 2006”, and a medal from UNESCO.
The development of Sevtopolis will cost more than 100 million Euro and it will attract about 500 000 tourists per year. Companies from the Netherlands, Greece, Israel and Kuveit are interested to invest in the project.
Tourist boats and cutters will take the visitors to the rebuilt city in the middle of the dam. Great variety of cosy restaurants and cafes will be waiting for them on the artificial island. There will be 4 panoramic elevators which will take the tourist down to the partially restored ruins of ancient Sevtopolis.