site.btaArchaeologists Discover Late Roman Mausoleum at Perperikon

Archaeologists uncovered a Late Roman (3rd–5th century AD) stone mausoleum belonging to a prominent citizen of Perperikon, head of excavations Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov said on Thursday.

Ovcharov noted that it is the 11th mausoleum uncovered at Perperikon, with the circular structure completing the picture of the Area Sacra in the site's Southern Quarter.

The mausoleum is 7.8 metres in diameter, with a preserved threshold for a double wooden door. Built from massive stone blocks, it was originally topped by a dome of Roman bricks and tiles, Ovcharov said. Like the other mausoleums in the Southern Quarter, its entrance faces east. Medieval houses were later built over its ruins using stones taken from the ancient monument.

"In the coming weeks, the connection of the mausoleum with the other parts of the necropolis, and especially with the large rock tomb known from years ago, located immediately next to it, will be established," Ovcharov concluded.