Ancient Plovdiv

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, home to nearly half a million people. It is located in an excellent position in the heart of the fertile Thracian plain and serves as a center of industry, culture, and art. The city consists of seven hills next to a river—a winning combination in terms of the sacred geography of ancient times (similar to Rome)—and indeed, the place has been inhabited for over 7,000 years.

According to Professor Peter Detev, a settlement with an advanced stone culture more than 6,000 years old was discovered in a mound called Yastepe, which now lies within the modern boundaries of Plovdiv. This makes Plovdiv one of the earliest ancient cities in Europe. In addition, remains of a Neolithic village were found on one of the city’s hills, called Nebet Tepe.

In 1000 BC, the Thracian tribe of the Bessi settled here. The Thracians believed that the legendary Orpheus came to this area in search of Eurydice. Thus, on the hill where the Neolithic village stood, a Thracian citadel was later built.

According to official history, Plovdiv was founded by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, who conquered ancient Thrace and introduced Hellenic culture to the region. Part of the establishment of this new culture was the construction of poleis—Greek cities—in strategic locations, both militarily and culturally. Plovdiv was one such city. Philip named it Philippopolis after himself, but prior to that, it was called Evmolpia by the Thracians. The patron god of the city was Hercules, and its sacred animal was the bull.
To continue reading about Plovdiv and its surroundings, see the section on the Christian Bulgaria Route.

Plovdiv roman theatre stage Bulgaria

Museums in Plovdiv

The Archaeological Museum of Plovdiv is one of the oldest and most important museums in Bulgaria. It houses the most significant Thracian treasure in the world, named after the tomb where it was discovered—Panagyurishte—as well as Thracian gold masks from 2,500 years ago. The prehistoric section contains the largest collection of artifacts from the Maritsa culture, dating back 6,000 years, as well as finds from the Yastepe site.

In addition to the prehistoric exhibitions, the museum features displays from the Hellenistic period, the Roman period, and the Middle Ages, including an impressive collection of icons and a vast collection of coins from all periods.

Another museum worth visiting is the Irena House, a small museum in the city center dedicated to the history of Plovdiv. Its centerpiece is a beautiful mosaic of a woman named Irena, who lived in Plovdiv at the end of the 3rd century AD. The museum also holds an impressive collection of glass vessels from the 1st century AD bearing the symbol of the menorah, as well as Neolithic artifacts, including goddess figurines.

mosaic museum Plovdiv Bulgaria