The Tomb of Kazanlak

The Tomb of Kazanlak is one of the most famous Thracian tombs. It is situated in the very centre of Kazanlak in the picturesque middle of the Tylbeto eminence. It was discovered on 19-th of April 1944 by soldiers who dug trenches for anti-aircraft cannons in the foots of a 7-meters high hill. Suddenly, before the surprised gaze of the diggers, emptiness opened, and they crept into it. Illuminating the darkness with burning newspapers, passing through a small corridor, they found themselves in two premises, walls of which were covered with images of strange people, soldiers, horses and chariots. The soldiers shared what they saw with their chiefs and with the local authorities and so this day remained in the history.

The Tomb of Kazanlak is a masterpiece of the Thracian art from the end of 4-th century BC and is one of the most remarkable monuments of history from this time. It consists of a corridor, first rectangular and second round with a dome chamber. The corridor was built from stones and the premises – from bricks. Planned and built as a temple, the tomb of Kazanlak is the first structure from bricks found in Bulgaria. At the end of 4-th century BC, a Thracian ruler was buried inside and this converted it into a tomb. Later, it played the role of a mausoleum because after their death the Thracian rulers were heroisated, proclaimed to be Gods and in their tombs were performed periodic worships. The walls of the first premise are covered with variegated strips and on the zones which form a gabble roof are drawn battle scenes which have an outstanding value because they give us information about the appearance, arms and tactics of the Thracian army. A small rectangular opening leads to the round premise which is relatively small – with a diameter os 2.9 meters. The entrance is closed with a heavy stone door in order to ensure quietness of the secluded selected representatives of the aristocratic elite in performance of their secret religious ceremonies.

The tomb was robbed or ritually emptied in ancient times. From the rich grave gifts remained hundreds of miniature golden breads, silver pitcher and several ceramic vessels. In the round premise were discovered a transport amphora, fragments from local and imported pottery works, elements from a clay wreath with golden covering, golden round trimmings and golden threads, probably from a dress decoration, bone objects, parts from arms and rein, wooden pieces and iron nails probably from a burial bed, as well as bones from two individuals. In the undergrave chamber was also discovered a clay oenochoe and bones from the buried horse. On both sides of the tomb at height of 1.2m into the pile were found two fireplaces with signs of performed sacrifices – lots of animal bones and pottery fragments. In the eastern fireplace were laid two clay askos, silver pitcher and fragments from local and imported vessels. On the same level but on both sides of the round chamber, were also found two pithoi.

Because of the mural paintings with a high scientific and artistic value, the Tomb of Kazanlak is among the seven monuments in Bulgaria included on the List of the world historical heritage of UNESCO.

Working hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

Contacts:

Historical museum ‘Iskra’- Kazanlak

phone.: 0431 6 27 55, 0431 6 47 50

6100, Kazanlak, 8 P. R. Slaveykov Str.

e-mail: museum.iskra.kz@abv.bg