Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Warrior in Bulgaria's Sakar Mountains, Laden with Gold
In the heart of southeast Bulgaria, near the Sakar Mountains, a remarkable archaeological find has shed new light on the Thracian culture and society of the late Hellenistic period. The discovery, made in 2024 during excavations for a solar park project, unveiled two burial mounds that contained a middle-aged male warrior, known as the "Lord of Sakar," and a young woman of high status.
The "Lord of Sakar," who was between 35 and 40 years old at the time of his death, was buried with an opulence unmatched in Bulgarian archaeology. His grave revealed details about a warrior elite that dominated local power structures during the late Hellenistic period (150-100 B.C.). The contents of his tomb were nothing short of spectacular, including a gilded silver wreath, a unique gem-covered knife, iron spears, a shield, a set of ceramic and glass vessels, silver jewelry finely crafted in the Hellenistic style, a gilded bronze harness depicting Hercules defeating a giant, bronze animal motifs referencing the labors of Hercules, a gold headpiece featuring a snake, and even a warhorse buried beside him with its own grave goods.
The woman's tomb, dated to the early 2nd century B.C., contained numerous items made of gold, glass, and bronze, indicating her elevated social position. The contents included a gilded bronze harness, bronze animal motifs, a gold headpiece featuring a snake, and a variety of jewelry.
Both burial mounds were discovered by an international archaeological team led by Bulgarian and French researchers. The woman's tomb was found near a sanctuary dated to the second half of the 2nd century B.C., while the "Lord of Sakar" was discovered in the same area. The sanctuary contained a large number of regional coins, possibly used in ritual offerings or funerary ceremonies.
Evelina Slavcheva, president of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, stated that the golden treasures discovered testify to high craftsmanship, rich spiritual life, and prosperous societies. The artifacts from the woman's tomb and the "Lord of Sakar's" tomb were unveiled to the public in a national exhibition titled "The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar", hosted at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum in Sofia and running through October 17.
The discoveries revive interest in the warrior aristocracies that once dominated the mountainous frontier between empires. The "Lord of Sakar" and the woman's tombs, along with the associated sanctuary, provide insights into the Thracian culture and society of the late Hellenistic period. The findings add to the growing inventory of Thracian archaeology, offering a glimpse into a fascinating era of history.
