Perperikon - an ancient archaeological site on Bulgarian soil

Sanctuary of Dionysos and Place of Burial ORFE Perperikon is a huge megalithic sanctuary is one of the oldest and most historically important archaeological sites discovered on Bulgarian territory. The number and nature of the findings prove that this place in antiquity was the sanctuary of Dionysus. It is believed that at Perperikon is the tomb of Orpheus. The whole archaeological complex Perperikon consists of four main parts relating to the Neolithic era. Perperikon complex is surrounded by a massive wall, behind which lies the Acropolis, built of huge stone blocks, and takes up most of the hill. An important part of the complex is a palace, carved into the rock and covering an area of ??10,000 square meters. meters. Go to the palace to the north and south sides adjacent small streets, paved in the rocks, buildings and castles. Perperikon is located on a rocky mountain hill 470 meters high, in the eastern mountains. View of the valley archaeological complex is located to the north-east of the town of Kardjali. At the foot of Perperikon preserved fortress. It is located on the shores of the river Perperikon, which flows into the nearby lake, reservoir, built on the bed of the river Arda. Along the river, which forms the fertile and picturesque landscape, there are archaeological monuments of different eras, which surround Perperikon. In total, the sacred complex covers an area of ??12 square meters. km. Sanctuary on the list of "Hundred tourist attractions in the Bulgarian Tourist Union. Excavations began here in 2000, and maintained to this day. Tower In ancient Eastern Rhodopes were densely populated, they are considered the cradle of megalithic culture. People in these places lived long before the Thracians. Recently found evidence that the Dionysian sanctuary Perperikon belonged Thracians. Legend of the sanctuary of Dionysus tells the story of how the gods was born the son of Zeus and Semele. Dionysus wandered the earth and taught people to grow grapes and make wine. And later in his honor was created such a holiday as Orphic mysteries. Type of Perperikon in the sanctuary were rites and secret rituals, they were safely tucked away from the views of outsiders among the rocks and caves. It is in this place and is in the Eastern Rhodopes Perperikon, which was the culmination of a symbolic death of the ruler of the sacred, a place of worship and sacrifice animals like goats, horses and oxen, symbolizing the dismemberment of Dionysus by the Titans. In addition, the temple is a symbolic concept of the goddess of the progenitor that gives rise to a new life, joining men and women. Excavations Recent studies Perperikon reduced to one - this shrine built in honor of one of the most popular heroes of antiquity - Orpheus, who was born in the vast Thrace. Evidence for this hypothesis were the found pottery and coins, as well as many deer antlers which were used in ritual sacrifice. According to Professor Nikolai Ovcharov in Perperikon were found relics of Orpheus, or rather parts of them, as it is known that Orpheus was dismembered. The rite was held high in the mountains, and then the body was buried in the ground at the foot. In addition to Orpheus, it also held a ceremony of burning the body of Thracian king Resa, the hero of the Trojan War.