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Radio Focus-Shoumen interviewed representative of the National Institute for Archeology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Diana Gergova
Q. Can you tell us what did archeologists discover during excavations in the archeological preserve Sborianovo?
A. Archeologists are continuing work in the eastern necropolis between Sveshtarska tomb and Omourtag mound, which are located in Sborianovo preserve near the town of Isperih. The aim is to research all burial practices of the getae tribes. Archaeologists believe that the necropolis belonged to the tribe’s king. I am very pleased because we have discovered something quite unique.
The tomb discovered was made of stone. It was closed with a huge slab stone. In the upper part of antechamber, archeologist found cremated human bones, clay vessels and small golden coil. We will find out more about these artifacts after research has ended.
What was most unusual for all of us was the fact that underneath the tomb we discovered a major stone facility. It was covered in seven layers of stones that filled the empty rectangular space. We will have more information about the facility after ending our research. I believe it was a burial chamber. Getae tribes are famous for their immortality rituals. They used a complex construction system in making the tombs and mounds.
Q. Is that first tomb of this kind discovered in Bulgaria?
A. Similar facilities were found before. But I can say that this is the first tomb situated at such low level, below the main tomb. This is unusual, weird burial ritual connected to Thracian tribes.
Q. How long have you worked at Sborianovo preserve?
A. I have worked in the preserve since 1982. My aim is to research the getae center. Back then we drafted a program concerning the exposition of such monuments of culture. In 1983, we started researching the Sveshtari tomb and another strategic site – a Thracian sanctuary in the Kamen Rid region and the necropolis. My interest was directed towards the Thracian burial practices and especially of the getaes. They have long been famous for the immortality rituals. We discovered an Old Bulgarian complex including a small Christian chapel. The newly discovered stone facility is the fourth monumental tomb in Sborianovo to be discovered. The preserve has major potential to turn into a cultural tourism site and to contribute to science significantly.
Q. What is the condition of the newly discovered tomb?
A. The condition of the newly discovered tomb is delicate. Part of it is fragile but other artifacts have been preserved. We had to relocate part of the facility, which will be preserved. We hope to get a good project for the exhibition of all parts of Sborianovo, since only Sveshtarska tomb is exhibited properly.
Q. Are you afraid from treasure-hunting attempts targeting the new tomb?
A. The preserve is guarded well. I hope people will stop being tolerant to looting. We have taken measures to protect the monuments.
Q. Who is helping you in the excavation works?
A. Students from Shoumen University helped in the excavation works. They were doing an internship.
Q. How do you finance the excavations?
A. Cultural Ministry provides funding for the project. Shoumen University and New Bulgarian University also participated in the project. Funding is insufficient for such excavation works and research. We lack other financial sources. Municipalities collect revenue from the sites but fail investing in further excavation works.
Q. Can you tell us what did archeologists discover during excavations in the archeological preserve Sborianovo?
A. Archeologists are continuing work in the eastern necropolis between Sveshtarska tomb and Omourtag mound, which are located in Sborianovo preserve near the town of Isperih. The aim is to research all burial practices of the getae tribes. Archaeologists believe that the necropolis belonged to the tribe’s king. I am very pleased because we have discovered something quite unique.
The tomb discovered was made of stone. It was closed with a huge slab stone. In the upper part of antechamber, archeologist found cremated human bones, clay vessels and small golden coil. We will find out more about these artifacts after research has ended.
What was most unusual for all of us was the fact that underneath the tomb we discovered a major stone facility. It was covered in seven layers of stones that filled the empty rectangular space. We will have more information about the facility after ending our research. I believe it was a burial chamber. Getae tribes are famous for their immortality rituals. They used a complex construction system in making the tombs and mounds.
Q. Is that first tomb of this kind discovered in Bulgaria?
A. Similar facilities were found before. But I can say that this is the first tomb situated at such low level, below the main tomb. This is unusual, weird burial ritual connected to Thracian tribes.
Q. How long have you worked at Sborianovo preserve?
A. I have worked in the preserve since 1982. My aim is to research the getae center. Back then we drafted a program concerning the exposition of such monuments of culture. In 1983, we started researching the Sveshtari tomb and another strategic site – a Thracian sanctuary in the Kamen Rid region and the necropolis. My interest was directed towards the Thracian burial practices and especially of the getaes. They have long been famous for the immortality rituals. We discovered an Old Bulgarian complex including a small Christian chapel. The newly discovered stone facility is the fourth monumental tomb in Sborianovo to be discovered. The preserve has major potential to turn into a cultural tourism site and to contribute to science significantly.
Q. What is the condition of the newly discovered tomb?
A. The condition of the newly discovered tomb is delicate. Part of it is fragile but other artifacts have been preserved. We had to relocate part of the facility, which will be preserved. We hope to get a good project for the exhibition of all parts of Sborianovo, since only Sveshtarska tomb is exhibited properly.
Q. Are you afraid from treasure-hunting attempts targeting the new tomb?
A. The preserve is guarded well. I hope people will stop being tolerant to looting. We have taken measures to protect the monuments.
Q. Who is helping you in the excavation works?
A. Students from Shoumen University helped in the excavation works. They were doing an internship.
Q. How do you finance the excavations?
A. Cultural Ministry provides funding for the project. Shoumen University and New Bulgarian University also participated in the project. Funding is insufficient for such excavation works and research. We lack other financial sources. Municipalities collect revenue from the sites but fail investing in further excavation works.
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