Archaeologists are exploring a parade square in front of the Aul of Omurtag near Preslav

The Aul located near the northeastern city of Veliki Preslav (capital of the First Bulgarian Empire (632/680-1018) in 893-970 AD) built in the ninth century by Khan Omurtag’ was the residence of Bulgarian rulers. This is evident not only from the ruler's basilica there, but also from the parade square discovered during archaeological excavations.

Now it is drowning in weeds, only three stones remained from the ruler's basilica. But at the time of the First Bulgarian Empire, the Aul near Preslav was teeming with life, welcoming Bulgarian rulers, an essential part of the state's defence.

It may be smaller, it may not be the one from the Chatalar inscription (a medieval Greek text inscribed upon a column in the village of Chatalar - modern Han Krum, North East Bulgaria) by the Bulgarian ruler Khan Omurtag (815-831). But this aul built by Khan Omurtag is also important, strategic. And what is more interesting, he inherited a place with a much more interesting history. It was Omurtag's time, the fortification was built by him. Now scholars have come to an unexpected but clear with its traces square.

"Assuming that the Chatalar inscription refers to this particular fortification, it was built in 822, and there was a square in front of it. It was covered to preserve the bricks that covered it," explained Kremena Stoeva, the head of the archaeological excavations team.

A square right in front of the fortification's entrance - there is not much explanation for it. It is the most probable and almost the only one.

"It may sound a bit loud, but it has the function of a parade square, as there is a street leading to it. Of course, the ruler was welcomed in this square," the archaeologist added.

The ruler certainly visited the fort. Behind its walls, apart from barracks, researchers spotted a residential building some time ago. And the aul was a strategic defensive centre in the face of the greatest threat at that time - from the south, from the Byzantine Empire.

"This fortification is located on the road between Pliska and Preslav. The place was very important from a military strategic point of view, as it was on the road to the Rishki Pass and it actually guarded it. And in fact, the road to Constantinople passed through here," said Kremena Stoeva.

The place has always been strategic, it is located on the route of all ancient and medieval roads. And extremely lively. The Gothic necropolis beneath the square that archaeologists discovered is no surprise. Nearby, they have detected the ruins of four small early Christian churches. The remains speak of Goths, from the time of the Migration period.

"This earring was found at the temple of this grave.It was worn either woven into the hair or fastened to the head-dress.

BNT, Maria Cherneva: Do you recognize some kind of Goth fashion in that?

- Yes. And these are small glass beads that were found under the chin and were a string that was worn around the neck," explained Kremena Stoeva, the head of the archaeological excavations.

Beneath the square, archaeologists detected solid excavations that probably supported the foundations of a large wooden structure. Scientists have yet to uncover its plan and function.

"I believe it is from the time before the conversion to Christianity, i.e. from the pagan period," said Kremena Stoeva.

Later, a ruler's basilica was erected here, built by Prince Boris, whose monumental construction rivals that of Pliska. The end was marked by the capture of Preslav in 971.Its outlines are read in the negative; in the early 20th century they built the school in Divdyadovo with stones from its foundations. But negligence today results in another ruin.

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The Ancient Bulgar aul was a fortified settlement, whose ruins are located near the northeastern city of Veliki Preslav, capital of the First Bulgarian Empire (632/680-1018) in 893-970 AD.

The settlement is formally known as Khan Omurtag’s Aul as it was a residence of Bulgarian Khan (or Kanas) Omurtag (r. 814-831 AD), ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire at the end of its pagan period (i.e. before it adopted Christianity in 865 AD).

The Aul of Khan Omurtag, also has archaeological structures from the Late Antiquity and from the Christian period of the First Bulgarian Empire, i.e. the 10th century AD.