Thracian Pagan Temple and Cybele Relief Unearthed in Southern Bulgaria
Recent excavations at the Balık Dere archaeological site, located near Ivaylovgrad in southern Bulgaria, have uncovered a marble relief depicting three nymphs alongside the mother goddess Cybele, as well as remnants of an ancient pagan temple. This site, believed to have been in use since the third century AD, may represent one of the final pagan shrines utilized by the Thracian community in the area. The structure's design and indications of a water source suggest it could have served as a nymphaeum, a sanctuary dedicated to nymphs. This discovery provides fresh insights into the religious practices of Western Thrace during Late Antiquity, as reported by Bulgaria's National Museum.
Key facts
- Archaeologists excavated at the Balık Dere site near Ivaylovgrad, southern Bulgaria.
- A marble relief depicting three nymphs and the mother goddess Cybele was found.
- The site includes remains of an ancient pagan temple.
- The architectural complex is believed to have begun functioning in the third century AD.
- The layout and water-related evidence suggest the building may have been a nymphaeum.
- The sanctuary may be one of the last pagan temples used by Thracians in the region.
- The discovery provides new insights into religious life in Western Thrace during Late Antiquity.
- The find was reported by Bulgaria's National Museum.
Entities
Institutions
Locations
- Ivaylovgrad
- Bulgaria
- Balık Dere
- Western Thrace