The original of Panagyurishte Gold Treasure returns to Panagyurishte Museum

The original of the Panagyurishte Gold Treasure has returned to the town of Panagyurishte and from today, August 9, it can be seen in the specially built vault in the Museum of History in the town. The vessels will remain on display in the museum until September 10.

This year marks 75 years since its opening and on this occasion the anniversary will be celebrated in December with a special programme.

The treasure was welcomed by representatives of the Municipality, the Director of the Museum, Atanas Shopov and museum workers.

"The return of such a world masterpiece as the Panagyurishte treasure is a thrill and excitement for everyone, said Associate Professor Shopov.

The exquisite Thracian vessels were discovered on December 8, 1949, by the three brothers Pavel, Petko and Mihail Deikov during excavation work at the then tile factory in the Merul locality near the town of Panagyurishte, central Bulgaria.

It consists of nine solid gold vessels (a phiale, an amphora and seven rhytons) with total weight of 6.164 kg of 23-karat gold. All of the objects are richly and skilfully decorated with scenes of Thracian myths, customs and life.

The decoration features scenes from ancient Greek mythology, depicting a number of deities and heroes - Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus, Silenus, Nike, Heracles, Theseus, Paris, the Bacchante Eriope. There are images of winged sphinxes and Amazons. The phiale of the treasure is decorated with African heads.

Source: BTA

Copy of Panagyurishte Gold Treasure on display in Bourgas.