Thracian cult complex Starosel

Overview

The Thracian cult complex near the village of Starosel is an archeological sensation of world fame. It is the largest royal complex with a mausoleum ever discovered. It is located in the Oreshaka area in Sredna Gora, about 40 km from Plovdiv. In 2000 Prof. Georgi Kitov came across the main temple (from the 5th century BC), which is located on the Chetinyova mound. Two years later, the only heroon tomb with a colonnade, located on the Horizon mound, saw the light of day. The excavations do not end there. A total of 120 mounds have been discovered, of which only 22 have been studied.

Finding yourself in an ancient Thracian tomb is an adrenaline experience that you should not miss - especially if it is the most magnificent Thracian temple on Chetinyova Mogila. According to scholars, this is the last home of the powerful ruler Sitalk of the Odrysian kingdom.

As you climb the grand staircase, you will face the entrance of the sanctuary. It is decorated with strange ornaments, which are known as "wolf teeth". And its stone blocks are fastened together with iron brackets filled with lead. From here you will find yourself in a long corridor that will take you to a majestic portal. Passing into the first rectangular chamber, you will imperceptibly find yourself in the main part of the tomb. You will shudder when you find out that the deceased was here and secret Orphic rituals were performed in his honor, which elevated him to the gods.

Speaking of the divine, the Thracians were great connoisseurs of wine. You will find proof of this on the north side of the temple. There is a rock elliptical bath for wine production and storage. During the excavations, strainers and various drinking vessels were found in it. Just a few meters away you will see a stone sarcophagus. A gold ring depicting a horseman was found in it, as well as silver objects and battle armor with arrows.

Not far from the tomb is the mound Horizon. It houses the only Thracian temple with 10 columns - the others usually had 5. Its premises are built of stone blocks with regular rectangular shapes and decorated with various ornaments. The tomb was looted in antiquity, but gold and silver objects remain in it, which testify to the rank of the deceased.
Only 20 km from Starosel is the Thracian complex Kozi Gramadi from V-IV century BC. Situated on an area of ​​8 acres, it includes a unique royal residence with several monumental buildings surrounded by a fortress wall. Many coins from the Thracian kings Teres II and Amatok were found in them, as well as double axes (labris) - a symbol of royal power.