Archaeologists in Bulgaria have uncovered the 2,100-year-old skeleton of a Thracian warrior buried with dazzling gold treasures and his horse. The discovery, hailed as one of the richest burials ever found in the country, has drawn wide attention for its remarkable craftsmanship and historical significance.
The burial mound, located in the Sakar mountain range in southeastern Bulgaria, contained a gold (gilded silver) wreath resting around the warrior’s skull. The wreath was part of an extraordinary collection of jewelry and artifacts that earned the man the title “Lord of Sakar.”
“The golden treasures discovered in our lands testify to high craftsmanship, rich spiritual life, and prosperous societies,” said Evelina Slavcheva, president of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Excavation during solar park works
The ancient site was uncovered in 2024 during construction work for a solar park. A team from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences excavated two mounds — one containing the remains of a middle-aged man and his horse, and the other holding a young woman.
Both burials held gold items, but the man’s tomb was far more elaborate. According to the Municipality of Topolovgrad, which announced the findings, the warrior’s grave is considered the most opulent burial ever uncovered in Bulgaria.
Warrior aristocrat of Thrace, influenced by Greek culture
Researchers believe the man lived between 150 and 100 B.C., during the late Hellenistic period. This was a period when Thrace was strongly influenced by Greek culture, visible in the use of Greek mythology and artistry in elite burials. At the end of the century, Thrace was absorbed into the expanding Roman Empire.
The warrior, thought to be 35 to 40 years old at the time of his death, is believed to have been part of the aristocracy. His grave goods included ceramic and glass vessels, iron spears, a shield, silver ornaments, and a knife adorned with gems.
The warrior’s horse was honored with its own offerings. Archaeologists uncovered a gilded bronze harness ornament depicting Hercules, one of Greek mythology’s most prominent and famous figures, defeating a giant.
The harness also carried bronze animal figures thought to symbolize the hero’s legendary feats. A gold headpiece decorated with a snake image completed the display.
Rich finds in the woman’s tomb
Less is known about the young woman buried in the second mound, dated to the early second century B.C. Her tomb contained two pairs of well-preserved leather shoes, a wooden chest covered with gold, silver, and jewels, as well as numerous gold, glass, and bronze objects.
Nearby, archaeologists uncovered a small sanctuary from the same era that contained a large cache of regional coins, providing insight into the economic life of the region.
Public exhibition “The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold”
The treasures were unveiled on Aug. 12 at Bulgaria’s National Archaeological Institute with Museum in Sofia. The artifacts are now on display in a special exhibition titled “The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar,” which runs through Oct. 17.
