Expedition to Examine Ancient Thracian Cities in Bulgaria

Mariana Marinova

A major archaeological campaign examining the ancient Thracian cities of Perperikon and Tatul will start on May 28, expedition leader Nikolay Ovcharov said.

Perperikon is located in the eastern Rhodope Mountain region, 15km from the town of Kurdzhali. The ancient town is thought to have been a sacred place. Perperikon is the largest megalith ensemble on the Balkans.

Tatul was discovered in 2000. It supposedly dates back to the second century BC. According to Ovcharov, Ttaul was the sanctuary and tomb of an influential Thracian leader.

The 2007 expedition will be the largest research in the country, Ovcharov said. It will continue four months ending in the beginning of October.

Excavation works will cost 10 000 leva. Tatul research is fully financed by the PHARE programme.

The Regional Development and Public Works Ministry will provide 10 000 leva to be used for the construction of a visitor centre and a museum near Perperikon.

Archaeology expeditions in the region of Perperikon have been taking place over the past seven years.

The number of tourists who have visited the region of Peperikon increased nearly 100 per cent in 2007, Ovcharov said. Nearly 150 000 tourists have visited Perperikon and 30 000 Tatul in 2006.

The region is expected to become a modern and well equipped tourism centre in the next several years, Ovcharov said.