Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

The Thracian Tomb of Svestari is 2.5 kilometers southwest of the village of Sveshtari in northeast Bulgaria. The tomb is probably the grave of Dromichaetes (c. 300 – c. 280 BCE) who was a king of the Getae on both sides of the lower Danube (present day Romania and Bulgaria) around 300 BCE, and his wife, the daughter of King Lysimachus who was a general and diadochus (i.e. 'successor') of Alexander the Great. The tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sveshtari tomb was built in the first quarter of the 3rd century BC and discovered in 1982. It reflects the fundamental structural principles of Thracian cult buildings. The tomb has a unique architectural decor, with polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. The 10 female figures carved in high relief on the walls of the central chamber and the decoration of the lunette in its vault are the only examples of this type found so far in the Thracian lands. It is a remarkable reminder of the culture of the Getes, a Thracian people who were in contact with the Hellenistic and Hyperborean worlds, according to ancient geographers.

In 2012, archaeologists uncovered a significant treasure near the village. The treasure included a golden ring, 44 female figure depictions and 100 golden buttons, found in 150 tombs from the 4th century BC. It has been suggested that it is part of the site of the Getan city of Helis.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Sveshtari, Bulgaria

Details

Founded: 3rd century BCE
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Bulgaria