Prof. Ovcharov Wraps Up Digs Season at Perperikon, Adds New Finds

Jerusalem, 12 November, 2024 (TPS) -- Kardzhali, Southern Bulgaria (BTA)

A stone fortification wall, nearly two meters thick, separated the late 5th century great basilica and the bishop’s residence built next to it in the southern quarter of Perperikon from the pagan temples, the head of excavations at the site, Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov, said at the end of this year’s digs. He added that the wall possibly included dozens of acres, but was currently traced only to the nymphaeum discovered years ago.

This year, the nearly five-month excavations revealed an area of over 0.1 ha, approaching the goal of uncovering the connection between the acropolis and the basilica found in 2016.

With the discovery of pagan temples in the southern quarter last year and the existence of even earlier ones made there, specialists began talking about the possible existence of an Area Sacra (Sacred Area), with six pagan temples on an area of just 0.2 ha, two altars for sacrifices and a basilica with a bishop’s residence.

“This year’s excavations have fully confirmed what we have been saying in previous years. I can now say that to the temple of the Thracian Horseman, to the Temple of the Wine, discovered in 2022, to the Temple of Mithras, of the Ancestors, of course, and the Altar of Dionysus, around which all this developed, we now add another temple,” explained Prof. Ovcharov, adding that the altar for blood sacrifices discovered in September is part of the last pagan temple discovered.

The temples were reached by the road coming from Via Egnatia to Perperikon. The archaeologist recalled how, in the 3rd to 4th centuries, one would first pass by the already discovered nymphaeum in the lower part and go past the other temples to the acropolis of the city.

The three-aisled basilica built at the end of the 5th century is “the apotheosis of victorious Christianity” he said.

Apart from the architectural discoveries, prof. Ovcharov also presented findings from the excavations. Among them are the already presented openwork bronze appliqué with a complete Gospel scene – the birth of the Christ, Christian crosses, over four hundred coins, pagan artefacts and household objects.