The restored Nebet Tepe archaeological complex in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, was officially opened on March 20.
The restored site reveals the ancient history of Plovdiv, dating back more than 7,000 years. Nebet Tepe is one of the hills where the ancient city was founded and is of paramount importance for historical science because life originated at this place and has never been interrupted. The earliest settlements on Nebet Tepe date back to the Copper-Stone Age (IV millennium BCE), and traces of human activity have been attested since then, with all civilizations in the region leaving their mark over the millennia.
The site was first settled by Thracians, and it is accepted that a Thracian cult center existed there between the XII and VI centuries BCE. Nebet Tepe gained real prosperity after the campaigns of Philip II of Macedon, who conquered the city in 342 BCE and gave it his name, Philippopolis.
After the settlement of Roman troops in Philippopolis, the construction of a fortress wall began, protecting the entire area. The Roman Empire expanded the site, and remains of the city’s walls, towers, and a postern from the time of Justinian leading down to the Maritsa River can still be seen. The oldest part of the walls on Nebet Tepe dates from the fourth century BCE.
several main construction periods are distinguished in the preserved remains: Thracian (V-I century BCE), Roman (I-IV century), Early Byzantine (V-VI century), Middle Ages (IX-XIV century), and Ottoman (XV-XIX century).
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov, Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov, former mayors Ivan Totev and Zdravko Dimitrov, football legend Hristo Stoichkov, and district governor Hristina Yancheva. According to 24 Chasa, the entire Nebet Tepe hill was filled with people, and music and songs were played during the celebration.
“We are opening the renewed archaeological park Nebet Tepe. It is not only a symbol for our city but also proof of the efforts and care for the cultural-historical heritage of Plovdiv,” said Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov at the opening, according to 24 Chasa.
Football legend Hristo Stoichkov became a sensation at the opening. “It’s like in football. We can’t line up to play if the architects are not there. Thank you for making this impossible and difficult mission achievable,” said Stoichkov. Many attendees took more photos of Stoichkov than of the renovated archaeological site.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
This article was originally published at www.jpost.com
