site.btaAugust 26, 2006: Unique Discovery of Thracian Gold Treasure of Sinemorets

The discovery of the Thracian gold treasure of Sinemorets was made by the Strandzha expedition, led by archaeologist Daniela Agre. On August 26, 2006, Agre and her colleagues happened to pass by a destroyed Thracian burial mound in the area of the village of Sinemorets, where the Veleka River flows into the Black Sea. They noticed glittering golden objects sticking out. In the mound, the archaeologists uncovered about 180 gold objects and details, 30 silver ornaments and decorations, and ceramics.

Among the masterpieces of ancient jewellery are gold earrings, known as ear cuffs, shaped as chariots depicting the goddess Nike driving a pair of horses. The incredible craftsmanship in making the miniature images of the goddess and the two horses shows the hand of a virtuoso master.

Equally exquisite is the golden bull's head, which serves as the central pendant on one of the necklaces. A stone, similar to one found in the tile from a crown, is set in the centre of this ornament. The most significant feature is an inscription between the decoration, in Greek: "Demetrios made this for Kortodzuntos”. The presence of this inscription significantly increases the value of the discovery, as inscriptions on golden items from this period in Thrace are extremely rare, and there are only a few known examples worldwide.

A ceramic anthropomorphic figurine, showing a male figure on one side and a female figure on the other, and ceramic plaques depicting the Great Mother Goddess, venerated by the Thracians were also found.

Archaeologists are certain that the tomb in the mound near Sinemorets belonged to a wealthy aristocrat who lived in the second half of the 3rd century BC. She was most likely the wife of a local Thracian ruler, whose home was located near the mound, where in 2012 a unique silver coin treasure of 199 tetradrachms was discovered. 

The Sinemorets treasure highlights both the wealth of the local aristocracy and the extraordinary craftsmanship of Thracian goldsmiths.

Today, replicas of the Thracian treasures of Sinemorets are displayed at the Municipal Historical Museum in Tsarevo. They are among the most valuable exhibits in the museum’s collection, attracting the interest of both experts and visitors.

This is the report BTA’s English Service published on August 28, 2006, when the archeologists unearthed the find:

Gold Jewellery Discovered in Ancient Noble's Tomb

Sinemorets, on the Black Sea, August 28 (BTA)

Archaeologists have unearthed gold jewellery and other objects in an ancient tomb of a person of noble rank, located near the Bulgarian coastal town of Sinemorets, which is close to the country's border with Turkey.

According to Tsarevo Municipality Mayor Petko Arnaoudov, the set of jewellery includes a gold wreath and earrings. Plaques bearing images of the Mother Goddess, who was worshipped by the Thracians, and silver vessels were also found at the site.

The tomb at the mouth of the Veleka River was discovered accidentally during excavation work done for other purposes. Experts say that it probably dates from the 5th-4th century BC. The person buried in it could have been a high-ranking priest (male or female), but more precise identification requires further study. /IT/VE