Rare Byzantine Belt Ornament Unearthed at Ancient Bulgarian Rock City of Perperikon

Jerusalem, 22 July, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Perperikon (BTA) – A massive bronze tip from the 6th-7th centuries of the so-called Suceava type, which once adorned the belt of a prominent early Byzantine aristocrat, is one of the unique finds that were discovered at the beginning of the new archaeological season at the rock city of Perperikon in southern Bulgaria, the head of the research, Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov, told journalists.

This is a rather rare applique of a type of which about a dozen specimens have been found in Bulgaria so far, he explained. It was first described in science by the great German archaeologist Joachim Werner, known in Bulgaria for the fact that he defined the treasure from Malaya Pereshchepina as a grave gift of the ruler of Great Bulgaria, Khan Kubrat.

The openwork cuts on the newly discovered applique form a stylized human mask and the clearly expressed symbol of Christianity – the cross. The artifact represented a kind of protective amulet. It also had an apotropaic function to drive away evil forces and spells, as well as to protect the warrior in battle, Ovcharov added.