A spectacular archaeological discovery in southern Bulgaria has unveiled the richly adorned grave of a Thracian warrior from the 2nd century BC, complete with a ceremonial wreath that symbolized his elite status. The discovery near Kapitan Petko Voivoda village has provided fresh insights into the sophisticated burial customs of ancient Thrace during the Hellenistic period. The warrior was interred alongside his horse and an array of precious artifacts, including bronze and gold-gilded ornaments that showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. This find represents one of the most significant Thracian warrior discoveries in recent years.
The Discovery at Kapitan Petko Voivoda
The latest find was made during rescue excavations conducted by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, archaeologists led by Vladimir Staykov and Deyan Dichev, with consultation from renowned Thracian researcher Dr. Daniela Agre. They uncovered an untouched grave pit measuring 3 by 3 meters and one meter deep. The excavation site lies along the route of a cable connection between Topolovgrad town and a nearby solar park in the Haskovo region. The pristine condition of the burial allowed researchers to observe the original arrangement of grave goods and the warrior’s positioning. The grave’s location suggests it was part of a larger necropolis used by Thracian elites during the late Hellenistic period.