Uncovered in Bulgaria: Ancient warrior, known as the 'Lord of Sakar,' buried with a magnificent golden wreath that dates back approximately 2,100 years.
Discoveries in Bulgaria Unearth Hellenistic Treasures
In the heart of Bulgaria, the National Archaeological Institute with Museum has unveiled a stunning exhibition, titled "The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar." The exhibition, open until October 17, showcases a series of breathtaking gold objects discovered in a burial mound located in the mountain range of Sakar, southeast Bulgaria.
Among the most captivating finds is the grave of a Thracian warrior, affectionately named the "Lord of Sakar." This man, who lived during the late Hellenistic period, around 150 to 100 B.C., was buried with a horse and an array of impressive grave goods.
The horse was honoured with numerous artefacts, including a gilded bronze decoration on his harness depicting Hercules, who is shown defeating a giant. The harness also features bronze depictions of animals, likely representing more of Hercules' exploits, and a gold headpiece with the image of a snake.
The Lord of Sakar himself was buried with a gilded silver wreath on his skull, along with ceramic and glass vessels, iron spears, a shield, silver jewellery, and a unique gem-covered knife. A woman buried in a nearby mound, at the beginning of the second century B.C., was found with two pairs of well-preserved leather shoes, a wooden chest covered in gold, silver, and jewels, and numerous gold, glass, and bronze items.
Archaeologists believe the area where the Lord of Sakar was buried was partly under Greek rule at the beginning of the century, but was conquered by the Romans by the end of the century. Near the woman's burial mound, archaeologists found a small sanctuary dated to the second half of the second century B.C., where they found a large number of regional coins.
The Lord of Sakar's grave is considered a testament to high craftsmanship, rich spiritual life, and prosperous societies of the Hellenistic period. The golden treasures found in the burial mound are akin to a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people.
Intriguingly, no prior context was provided regarding a medieval knight named 'Lancelot' and his stone tomb found in Poland. This discovery remains a mystery, with no new information provided as of yet.
These discoveries serve as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage that lies beneath our feet, waiting to be unearthed and appreciated.
