Over 400 Wonders Unveiled: National History museum Showcases 2024 Archaeological discoveries
Teh National History Museum (NHM) has unveiled a breathtaking exhibition titled “Ancient Finds. New Discoveries. Archaeological Season 2024,” showcasing over 400 artifacts unearthed during the past year. This remarkable event, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, highlights the tireless efforts of archaeologists who excavated 24 sites across the country, uncovering more than 1,400 relics spanning Prehistory, Antiquity, and the Middle Ages.
The exhibition was inaugurated in a grand ceremony attended by Vice President Iliana Yotova, Minister of Tourism Miroslav Boršos, and Deputy Minister of Culture Amelia Gesheva. Distinguished guests included Prof. Georgi Valchev, Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” and Slavka Bozukova, Chairperson of the “Cultural Heritage” Society. The event was further enriched by a performance of Bulgarian operatic arias by the Sofia Opera, setting an elegant tone for the evening.
Key Discoveries
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One of the most significant finds presented at the exhibition is from the Kokalyanski Urvich fortress,a site long shrouded in mystery. Archaeologists discovered a unique grave belonging to a young man aged 18 to 25, buried with a silver ring adorned with gold fittings depicting a double-headed eagle—a symbol of high social status. This finding provides invaluable insights into burial customs and material culture during the second half of the 14th century.
The necropolis at Kokalyanski Urvich also sheds light on the historical figure of King Jasen from the Pancharevo region. Once considered a legendary figure, King Jasen is now increasingly associated with historical reality, thanks to these findings.Other notable discoveries include excavations at the settlement mound Poroy, where artifacts from various historical periods were unearthed. these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.
The Archaeologists behind the Discoveries
The exhibition celebrates the work of NHM’s dedicated team of archaeologists, including Assoc. Dr. Bonni Petrunova, Prof.Dr. Ivan Hristov, and Dr. Margarita Popova, among others.Their efforts have brought to light artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria’s past, from ancient settlements to medieval fortresses.
A Glimpse into the Exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition can explore a diverse array of artifacts, each with its own story to tell. From prehistoric tools to medieval jewelry, the collection offers a comprehensive look at Bulgaria’s archaeological treasures.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Kokalyanski Urvich | Silver ring with gold fittings, 14th-century grave |
| Settlement Mound Poroy | Artifacts from multiple historical periods |
| Total Artifacts | Over 1,400 |
| excavation Sites | 24 |
A Call to Preserve and Celebrate
Vice President Iliana Yotova praised the NHM’s work, stating, “Your work is an antidote to all those who crush Bulgaria.” This sentiment underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage.
The exhibition is a testament to the dedication of Bulgaria’s archaeologists and their commitment to uncovering the past. It invites visitors to explore the wonders of Bulgaria’s history and reflect on the stories these artifacts tell.
For those eager to delve deeper into Bulgaria’s archaeological discoveries, the National history Museum offers a unique prospect to connect with the past and celebrate the nation’s rich heritage.
Unveiling the Wonders of Bulgaria: A Journey Through Time
Bulgaria’s rich history is on full display in a captivating exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through millennia.From traces of metallurgy in the Late Eneolithic to the strategic fortresses of the Middle Ages, the exhibition showcases the nation’s archaeological treasures, offering a glimpse into the civilizations that shaped its past.
A Glimpse into Ancient Metallurgy and Christian heritage
The exhibition begins with discoveries from the Late Eneolithic period, where evidence of metallurgy and specialized production highlights the ingenuity of early societies. These findings underscore the region’s role as a hub of innovation and craftsmanship.
One of the standout exhibits is a 5th-6th century church discovered in the Akladi area near the Black Sea. this site, part of Bulgaria’s rich Christian heritage, is linked to the region’s Roman and medieval history. Alongside discoveries in the medieval city of Lyuitsa and the fortress of Bukelon,it reveals the strategic importance of these locations in shaping Bulgarian history.
Maritime Trade and Underwater Discoveries
The exhibition also delves into Bulgaria’s maritime past. Underwater excavations in Sozopol Bay near the Chrysosotira fortress and Cape Galata near Varna have uncovered amphorae, iron anchors, and ceramic fragments. These artifacts tell the story of the Black Sea’s dynamic trade and maritime culture during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Further insights come from underwater explorations in Shabla and Chengene Scaffolding, where lead rods and glass vessels shed light on the thriving maritime trade of the region.
Religious Architecture and Medieval Settlements
The Balak Dere fortress, home to a 2nd-3rd century temple, offers a window into the evolution of religious architecture. Simultaneously occurring, the medieval settlement of Velino provides new perspectives on stone structures and graves from the 9th-10th centuries, illuminating key stages in the progress of the medieval Bulgarian state and the establishment of Christianity.
The multi-layered site “St. Archangel” near Dabnitsa revealed an early Christian temple and artifacts from Late Antiquity,highlighting the area’s strategic importance. Similarly, the ancient fortress of Ravadinovo unveiled part of its fortification system and a unique ceramic periranterium, a cult vessel dating back to the 5th-2nd century BC.
A Festivity of Bulgaria’s Past
The exhibition is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a journey through time that connects visitors to Bulgaria’s rich heritage. As Vice President Iliana Yotova noted during the opening,“This exhibition does not just tell what happened in the millennia of this land,but creates self-confidence not only for Bulgarians,but also for Europeans in general.”
The National History Museum continues its mission to preserve and present these invaluable discoveries, cementing its role as a cultural and scientific center.| Key Highlights of the Exhibition |
|————————————–|
| Late Eneolithic Metallurgy | Evidence of specialized production |
| 5th-6th Century Church | Akladi area, Black Sea region |
| Underwater Discoveries | Amphorae, anchors, ceramics |
| balak Dere Fortress | 2nd-3rd century temple |
| Medieval Settlement of Velino | 9th-10th century stone structures |
| St. Archangel Site | Early Christian temple |
| Ravadinovo Fortress | Ceramic periranterium |
This exhibition is a testament to Bulgaria’s enduring legacy, offering fresh insights into the civilizations that have left their mark on this land. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious visitor, this journey through time is not to be missed.
Photos: Todor Dimitrov, NIMn### Celebrating 15 Years of “Miracles of Bulgaria”: A Testament to Cultural Heritage and Tourism
This year marks a significant milestone for the “Miracles of Bulgaria” initiative, as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The event,which has become a cornerstone of Bulgaria’s cultural and tourism sectors,was recently highlighted by key figures in the country’s government and cultural institutions.
Yotova, the patron of the mass, emphasized the importance of this anniversary, stating, ”This year the ‘Miracles of Bulgaria’ cause has a kind of anniversary – 15 years.” The initiative has not only preserved Bulgaria’s rich history but has also played a pivotal role in promoting cultural tourism.
Miroslav Boršos, the Minister of Tourism, praised the dedication and professionalism behind the initiative. “The most significant thing I want to tell you is that you are not alone in what you do, because behind these boards and exhibits there is exceptional professionalism and dedication, but above all there is love for history and the profession, despite the difficulties that the guild is going through,” he said. His words underscore the challenges faced by those in the field, yet highlight their unwavering commitment to preserving Bulgaria’s heritage.
Marian Bachev,the Minister of Culture,also lauded the exhibition’s impact on cultural tourism. “This exhibition contributes to the increase of cultural tourism by adding new economic benefits,” he noted. The initiative has not only enriched bulgaria’s cultural landscape but has also provided a significant boost to the local economy.
Assoc. Dr. Bonnie Petrunova, the director of the National History Museum, shed light on the remarkable discoveries made by archaeologists despite numerous obstacles. ”
Unveiling the Wonders of Bulgaria: A Journey Through Time
Bulgaria’s rich history is on full display in a captivating exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through millennia. From traces of metallurgy in the Late Eneolithic to the strategic fortresses of the Middle Ages,the exhibition showcases the nation’s archaeological treasures,offering a glimpse into the civilizations that shaped its past.
A Glimpse into Ancient Metallurgy and Christian Heritage
The exhibition begins with discoveries from the Late Eneolithic period, where evidence of metallurgy and specialized production highlights the ingenuity of early societies. These findings underscore the region’s role as a hub of innovation and craftsmanship.
One of the standout exhibits is a 5th-6th century church discovered in the Akladi area near the Black Sea. This site, part of Bulgaria’s rich Christian heritage, is linked to the region’s Roman and medieval history.Alongside discoveries in the medieval city of Lyuitsa and the fortress of Bukelon, it reveals the strategic importance of these locations in shaping Bulgarian history.
Maritime Trade and Underwater Discoveries
The exhibition also delves into Bulgaria’s maritime past. underwater excavations in Sozopol Bay near the Chrysosotira fortress and Cape Galata near Varna have uncovered amphorae, iron anchors, and ceramic fragments. These artifacts tell the story of the Black Sea’s dynamic trade and maritime culture during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Further insights come from underwater explorations in Shabla and Chengene Scaffolding, where lead rods and glass vessels shed light on the thriving maritime trade of the region.
Religious Architecture and Medieval Settlements
The Balak Dere fortress, home to a 2nd-3rd century temple, offers a window into the evolution of religious architecture. Together occurring, the medieval settlement of Velino provides new perspectives on stone structures and graves from the 9th-10th centuries, illuminating key stages in the progress of the medieval bulgarian state and the establishment of Christianity.
The multi-layered site “St. Archangel” near Dabnitsa revealed an early Christian temple and artifacts from late Antiquity, highlighting the area’s strategic importance. Similarly, the ancient fortress of Ravadinovo unveiled part of its fortification system and a unique ceramic periranterium, a cult vessel dating back to the 5th-2nd century BC.
A Festivity of Bulgaria’s Past
The exhibition is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a journey through time that connects visitors to Bulgaria’s rich heritage. As Vice President Iliana Yotova noted during the opening, “This exhibition does not just tell what happened in the millennia of this land, but creates self-confidence not only for Bulgarians, but also for europeans in general.”
The National history Museum continues its mission to preserve and present these invaluable discoveries, cementing its role as a cultural and scientific centre.
| Key Highlights of the Exhibition | |
|---|---|
| Late Eneolithic Metallurgy | Evidence of specialized production |
| 5th-6th Century Church | Akladi area,Black Sea region |
| Underwater Discoveries | Amphorae,anchors,ceramics |
| Balak Dere Fortress | 2nd-3rd century temple |
| Medieval Settlement of Velino | 9th-10th century stone structures |
| St. Archangel Site | Early christian temple |
| Ravadinovo Fortress | Ceramic periranterium |
This exhibition is a testament to Bulgaria’s enduring legacy, offering fresh insights into the civilizations that have left their mark on this land. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious visitor, this journey through time is not to be missed.
Photos: Todor Dimitrov,NIM
Celebrating 15 Years of “Miracles of Bulgaria”: A Testament to Cultural Heritage and Tourism
This year marks a meaningful milestone for the “Miracles of Bulgaria” initiative,as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The event,which has become a cornerstone of Bulgaria’s cultural and tourism sectors,was recently highlighted by key figures in the country’s government and cultural institutions.
Yotova, the patron of the mass, emphasized the importance of this anniversary, stating, “This year the ‘Miracles of bulgaria’ cause has a kind of anniversary – 15 years.” The initiative has not only preserved Bulgaria’s rich history but has also played a pivotal role in promoting cultural tourism.
Miroslav Boršos, the Minister of Tourism, praised the dedication and professionalism behind the initiative. “The most significant thing I want to tell you is that you are not alone in what you do, as behind these boards and exhibits there is exceptional professionalism and dedication, but above all there is love for history and the profession, despite the difficulties that the guild is going through,” he said. His words underscore the challenges faced by those in the field,yet highlight their unwavering commitment to preserving Bulgaria’s heritage.
Marian Bachev, the Minister of Culture, also lauded the exhibition’s impact on cultural tourism.”This exhibition contributes to the increase of cultural tourism by adding new economic benefits,” he noted. The initiative has not only enriched Bulgaria’s cultural landscape but has also provided a significant boost to the local economy.
Assoc. Dr. Bonnie Petrunova, the director of the national history Museum, shed light on the remarkable discoveries made by archaeologists despite numerous obstacles.
