More medieval gold coins found at Perperikon (Bulgaria)

Bulgarian archaeologists have found more gold and silver coins at the holy rock city of Perperikon, belonging to the largest ever medieval coin treasure in the country.

In mid-August, leading Bulgarian archaeologist, Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov, made the announcement about this coin treasure, after his team discovered a total 11 gold and 6 silver coins.

The gold coins are from the 14th century while the silver ones are from the end of the 13th century.

The coins have been found dispersed in what has been used as a toilet hole with a 2-meter diameter, leading the experts to believe that they were hidden and buried during the Ottoman invasion of the area. Such treasures were usually placed in clay pots or similar vessels and then concealed, while for the latest find it is believed that the coins were put in some sort of a purse, which has decomposed over the years.

The coins were discovered in the central town of Perperikon, near the Citadel, in the area believed to have been the residence of the very wealthy Byzantine bishops.

The expectations are to locate more than 50 other gold coins.

The archaeological season at Perperikon has concluded with researchers saying they have found new evidence that this was the place of the mythical shrine of Dionysus.

During the last days of excavations, they also unearthed a clay altar, with a 2-meter diameter, used for religious rites.

The unique Ancient Thracian city of Perperikon was first discovered in 1979 in the Eastern Rhodoppe Mountains. It is thought that the famous sanctuary and oracular shrine dedicated to Dionysus of the Bessi tribe was situated there. The ancient rock city contains remains from all archaeological periods.

Ovcharov also discovered nearby an ancient Thracian surface tomb in the village of Tatul, containing a sanctuary linked with the cult of Orpheus.

Ovcharov is nicknamed the "Bulgarian Indiana Jones" in reference to the popular character played by actor Harrison Ford.