Medieval Archaeological Complex Perperikon



Perperikon is located in the East Rhodope Mountain, 20 km northeast from the town of Kardzhali. The rock city stands on a cliff top at a height of 470 meters. The comfortable river valley has created conditions of life since ancient times. Therefore the valley is strewn with dozens of archaeological sites from various ages, the center of which is Perperikon. The medieval archaeological complex Perperikon is one of the most ancient monumental megalithic structures, entirely carved into the rocks. Religious activity at the top of the cliff began in the 5th century BC. It is associated with the beliefs of the Copper Age people, who started the cult of the sun god.The sophistication of the metal tools made the hard rock cutting possible. At that time the oval hall with a huge circular altar in its center was built. There, priests performed their sacred rituals with wine and fire. These religious practices were typical for the temple of Dionysius, which was long sought in the Rhodope mountain. The latest archaeological research show clearly that the temple was located exactly in Perperikon. In the last millennium of the old era and the first centuries of the new one, the rock structures grew and became a town with fortified walls, palaces and suburbs. The town was probably a royal residence for the Thracian tribe Bessie. Subsequently the Romans brought to Perperikon their luxury and refinement, and the Goths ruined and burned down Perperikon in 378 AD. Many of the artifacts, discovered during archaeological explorations of Perperikon, can be seen in the Historical Museum in Kardzhali.

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