Thracian-Geta rock sanctuary Badjaliata

Overview

The rock sanctuary Badjaliata is located about 2 km west of the village of Strelkovo (Silistra District),  on the dry valley of the Taban River. The sanctuary was explored in 2004 by Bulgarian archaeologists Diana Gergova and Georgi Atanasov, although it has been documented in earlier field research. The sanctuary is part of a sacred complex including five rock sanctuaries, located in the land of Kangyol, where traces of human activity have been found (stone throne, rock platform with gutter). A large mound necropolis standing on the high rocky plateau in addition to the sanctuaries in the valley are forming together a cult-burial ensemble.

During the archeological research, a geodetic survey was carried out and astronomical measurements were made. Some of the rock pits located on the high plateau, connected to each other by caves located at a height of 13 m above the valley and open to the west, have also been studied. A layer of caves with a thickness of about 2.50 m, formed as a result of ritual activity has been studied as well.

During the archeological excavation, the scientific team found a large hole, supposed to be made by treasure hunters. There is information that a treasure of Hellenistic coins was once found here. During the cleaning of the cave, traces of heavily destroyed charred clay screed were found. No stratigraphy was found in the drilled site due to the destruction caused by the treasure hunters.

The archeological materials that have been discovered are mainly ceramics. This suggests that the sanctuary functioned from the Early Iron Age to Late Antiquity. Fragments of Basarabi-type pottery, handmade pottery from the Early and Late Iron Ages, fragments of gray Thracian pottery, and imported Greek pottery - cantaros, red lacquer pottery, and fragments of amphorae were found. Metal objects such as a bronze fibula of the Thracian type, a bronze coin, bronze and iron fibulae from the Late Hellenistic and Roman eras were also available.

The cult site was used by the Thracian tribe Getty, who inhabited the region of Silistra in ancient times.