ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER UNIQUE FINDS DURING EXCAVATIONS AT THE ANCIENT CITY OF MISSIONIS

A cult building of 2nd century and a unique bronze statue were discovered by Bulgarian archaeologists during excavations at the early Byzantine and mediaeval fortress of Missionis near the city of Targovishte, North-East Bulgaria. The discovery of the temple sheds new light on the past of the ancient city, archaeologist prof. Nikolai Ovcharov said. Until now, it was assumed that an office for trading with Russia was located in the area, as mentioned by the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi.

The newly discovered temple is located at the foot of the ancient city of Missionis, off the main road Sofia-Varna. Later in the 13th century, barbarian invasions shifted it in further up, where the ruins of the main buildings are. The temple had a brick floor, covered with decorated tiles.

Angel Konakliev, archaeologist and project leader: This is a religious building from the pagan period. Temple, generally speaking, 6.50 meters by 4.50 meters and was probably built on a hill. In fact, confirms our opinion that it gave the start of building of Missionis.

The temple’s existence from the 2nd-3rd century is confirmed by the findings of coins, a lamp and a unique bronze statue from that era.

Nikolai Ovcharov, an archaeologist: In our science we call them "Gothic sticks". They are actually statues, as you can see - 20 cm bronze needle and at the end of a wonderful bird, pigeon probably. Such objects can be found only in temples, nowhere else.

This summer, the excavation works at the foot of the hill will continue to examine the main fortress. The excavations are funded by the municipality of Targovishte (30 000 BGN) and sponsors.