Markeli
Description
Markeli was a key medieval fortress on the Byzantine-Bulgarian frontier, located near modern-day Karnobat in southeastern Bulgaria. Built in Late Antiquity, likely during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, it became strategically important in the 7th century as Bulgaria expanded south of the Balkan Mountains.
Markeli frequently changed hands, serving as a launch point for military campaigns. Major battles occurred here in 756 and 792, with the latter ending in a decisive Bulgarian victory. In 811, Emperor Nikephoros I began his fatal campaign from Markeli, and by 1089 it was still in use during conflicts with the Pechenegs and Cumans. The fortress, manned until the 12th century, featured massive stone-and-brick walls, a basilica, water tower, ancient bridge, and underground passage. Archaeological finds also show the area was inhabited since prehistoric times.