Ancient Warriors and Warhorses Unearthed in Bulgaria’s Thracian Burial Mounds

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Archaeologists have uncovered three burial mounds in southern Bulgaria that have shed new light on the region’s ancient Thracian past. The tombs, dating from the late Hellenistic period (second century BC), contained the remains of two warriors, a noblewoman, and their warhorses, alongside an impressive collection of artefacts. This discovery was made during routine electrical cable installation near Kapitan Petko Voyvoda, close to the border with Turkey, by a team from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

The graves provide significant insight into Thracian burial practices and social structure. The presence of both warriors and a noblewoman indicates the status and roles of individuals interred within these mounds. The inclusion of warhorses alongside the human remains highlights the importance of cavalry and the symbolic connection between the deceased and their mounts in Thracian culture. Such burials are rare and valuable for understanding the martial and noble traditions of the time.

Among the artefacts found were finely crafted weapons, jewellery, and other items that reflect the high status of those buried. The craftsmanship of these objects, described as incredibly detailed by the archaeologists involved, points to the sophistication of Thracian artisans and their access to valuable materials. The artefacts also offer clues about trade and cultural influences in the region during the late Hellenistic era, a time characterised by significant interaction between Greek, Thracian, and other neighbouring societies.

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences team responsible for the excavation noted the exceptional state of preservation of the tombs and their contents. This allowed for a comprehensive study of the burial customs and material culture of the Thracians, who inhabited the Balkans for centuries before Roman conquest. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of Thracian history and their role in the cultural and military landscape of the ancient world.

This discovery underlines the importance of careful archaeological work even during modern infrastructure projects. It also emphasises Bulgaria’s rich heritage as a crossroads of ancient civilizations. The detailed artefacts and the remains of warriors and their horses combine to offer a vivid picture of life and death in Thrace over two millennia ago.