site.btaSecond Inscription to Heracles Kynagidas Discovered in Heraclea Sintica

A second inscription naming Heracles Kynagidas (“the Hunter”) was discovered during excavations at the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica on Friday. The excavations are being led by Prof. Ludmil Vagalinski from the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM–BAS).

The new inscription is engraved on a large stone cup that is not fully preserved. However, a substantial part of the text remains legible, allowing archeologists to link it to the cult of Heracles in his hunter aspect. Beneath the inscription, a relief depiction of a Macedonian-type shield is clearly visible, a symbol associated with ancient Macedonian iconography known from coins and other artifacts, Vagalinski said, adding that opposite the shield, a fragment of a figure can be seen, likely the head of a horse or boar.

The vessel was found near an altar where, just days earlier, another inscription had been deciphered. According to the excavation team, both finds are contemporary and likely belonged to the same ritual complex. The cup is thought to have been used in cult practices dedicated to the mythological hero.

This is the second epigraphic monument related to Heracles Kynagidas uncovered in the current season, contributing significantly to the understanding of religious practices in Heraclea Sintica. The team also has a fragment from the base of a similar stone vessel. A petrographic analysis will determine whether the pieces belong to the same object, with specialists in stone materials involved in the study.

Excavations continue with detailed documentation of the archaeological context to improve dating and interpretation of the structures and artifacts discovered.

Last week, a marble torso and part of a marble statue of a goddess were found at the ancient city.