UNESCO sites, Kazanluk Thracian Tomb
Thracian tomb of Kazanlak
The tomb, situated in a mound near the town of Kazanluk, was discovered by accident in 1944. Up to then, the burial mound had been considered a natural elevation of the ground.
The tomb, dated late 4th century B.C., is believed to have been constructed for a Tracian nobleman and a close associate of Seft – King of the Odrisses.
It comprises three chambers: a rectangular antechamber connected via a long, narrow passage, with a round burial chamber.
The chamber is covered with a conical dome and is decorated with ornamental and figural frescoes.
Battle scenes are shown in the passage.
Two tribal armies are fighting on one side; on the other, two warriors-presumably the chieftains - are engaged in personal combat in front of the armies.
Two friezes are painted on the dome walls.
The upper one shows three racing chariots and the lower one - a burial feast and procession. In the latter scene, the nobleman and Seft his wife are the focus of attention.
The man is sitting on a throne, with a laurel burial wreath on his head, his beautiful wife sitting opposite him.
On either side, they are approached by relatives, musicians with trumpets, and servants with fruit, perfume oils, jewelry, and a cloak.
At the end of the procession, warriors are bringing a four-horse chariot and the personal horse of their deceased master.
The tomb was robbed in antiquity, when the door and the antechamber were forced open.
All expensive objects, traditionally accompanying the defunct, were stolen - gold and silver vessels, jewelry, and horse and chariot munitions.
Only a Thracian knife and an iron spearhead were found on the floor of the passage.
When the dirt was sieved, 140 minute hemispherical buttons and gold-plated earthen flowers were found, probably a part of the decorations of an expensive woman’s garment.
The Kazanluk tomb is a rare example of the architectural craft of the Thracians and the art of painting during the Hellenistic age. It is the oldest one in Europe, and the only one with preserved frescoes.
The Thracian tomb of Kazanlak was included in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List at the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Committee session of 1979 in Luxor, Egypt
