Embark on a journey through history and discover the incredible story of the Rogozen Treasure. Found in the village of Rogozen near Vratsa, this treasure is the largest silver find in Bulgaria with a total weight of over 20 kg and a total of 165 silver objects, some of which are gilded. According to experts, it is also one of the most significant ancient treasures discovered in Southeastern Europe. It was even exhibited in the Louvre in Paris!

Rogozen's Great Silver Discovery: A Fascinating Story of Ancient Bulgaria

The incredible discovery of the treasure took place in 1985 in a vegetable garden in the village. A local resident is digging a trench for a water pipe and suddenly, just 50 cm below the surface, something incredible appears: a pile of silverware. For some time the lucky man kept them at home and even scooped brandy from the jars, but after a while the news spread and he handed over the found items to the History Museum in Vratsa. Archaeologists continued the excavation and soon discovered another 100 vessels.

The treasure is believed to have belonged to a noble family of the Tribali, a Thracian tribe that lived in the surrounding area. According to specialists from the Vratsa Museum, the find was collected over many years - from the 5th century BC to the 40s of the 4th century BC. The objects were most likely acquired in different ways - as loot, through trade or as diplomatic gifts.

One of the most interesting objects is a phial depicting the myth of Heracles and Augus, another believed to be the work of Persian goldsmiths. The decoration of the objects from the treasure depicts numerous scenes from the religion of the ancient Thracians, in which the great Thracian goddess takes center stage, represented as the mistress of nature and especially of the animal world. The treasure was buried in the ground for some reason, possibly during a military conflict such as Philip's campaign in Thrace in 339 BC or the "Great Celtic Invasion" in 279 BC.

Uncovering the secrets of the Rogozen treasure: A journey through Bulgarian history

While visiting the village of Rogozen and the Historical Museum of Vratsa, take some time to witness the incredible discovery of the Rogozen Treasure and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Bulgaria. The treasure is not only a reminder of the past, but also a symbol of the complex relationships and interactions that existed between ancient civilizations. This is a must-see destination for anyone interested in archaeology, ancient history and culture, and an opportunity to marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of the 165 silver objects.

The treasure provides valuable information about the lives and beliefs of the ancient Thracian people and how they interacted with the rest of the ancient world. The presence of objects made in Aegean coastal workshops and by Persian goldsmiths, for example, speaks to the level of trade and exchange that took place in the region. The intricate decoration on the objects also gives us a glimpse into the religion and mythology of the Thracians and the central role of the goddess in their beliefs.

The fact that the treasure is buried in two places rather than just one adds extra intrigue to the discovery. This may suggest that the ancient owners had to hide and bury the hoard to empty it!

Visit the Historical Museum of Vratsa, as it not only displays the Rogozen Treasure, but also gives a comprehensive view of the history and culture of the region. The museum has a rich collection of artefacts and historical items, and visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Vratsa region from ancient times to the present day.