Sofia, Bulgaria — Bulgarian Archaeology 2017 showcases the most important recent archaeological finds from around the country. This year’s edition, the 11th year running of the popular exhibition, presents over 340 artifacts from 22 different sites discovered during the 2017 season.
On Display at Bulgarian Archaeology 2017
Contributions to the exhibition come from seventeen Bulgarian museums of history and archaeology, with objects ranging in age from Early Prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Some of the most interesting finds on display this year include:
- Anthropomorphic figurines from VI-IV century BCE Late Neolithic settlement at Damyanitsa, one of the largest found to date in the Balkan peninsula.
- Red-figure krater found at the ancient seaport Apollonia Pontica, present day Sozopol.
- 4th century Gold necklace found at the ancient Macedonian city of Heraclea Sintica, thought to have been made in Rome and brought there in the late Roman era.
- Bronze flute recovered from the 2nd century necropolis of the Roman city of Deultum (Colonia Flavia Pacis Deultensium).
- Marble statue of Isis found at Kasnakovo, near Dimitrovgrad, the first statue of Isis ever found in Bulgaria.
- Medieval Nephrite belt buckle of Chinese origin found at Kaliakra, perhaps demonstrating the far reach of its trading culture.
- 4th century Bronze stamp and 5-6th century bird shaped bronze top of a votive stick from the Roman Imperial Era and Late Antiquity village at Shirinite, near Blagoevgrad.
- Steatite icon depicting Archangel Gabriel, showing traces of its original gilding and red paint, found at the foundation of a recently discovered Church on Trapezitsa, Veliko Tarnovo.
- A 2nd century bronze fibula (a type of belt buckle) and a 4th century bronze clasp from the excavations near the village of Moshtanets.
- Remains from the Sofia Roman era mint dating to the 3rd-4th century.
- Artifacts from the earliest occupation level found in the city of Sofia, dating back to the Chalcolitic Age, approximately 5,000 BCE.
In addition to the artifacts on display, the exhibit has many informative posters to explain the significance of the archaeological work.
Bulgarian Archaeology 2017 Venue and Details
The Bulgarian Archaeology 2017 exhibition is on from 17 February through 1 April 2018 at the National Archaeological Institute’s Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
National Archaeological Institute with Museum – BAS
2 Saborna Street
Sofia 1000
Bulgaria
Telephone: +359 2 988 24 06
Fax: +359 2 988 24 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Winter Operating Hours
November-April
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Closed Monday
Last admission 30 minutes before museum closing time.
Admission Prices
Adults: 10 lv
Students: 2 lv
School, student or children’s group visits (more than 10 people): 1 lv
Parent(s) with children aged up to 16 years old (group ticket): 10 lv
People with physical disabilities: free admission
ICOM Card-Holders: free admission
Free admission days:
• Second Thursday of the month (valid for pensioners)
• Last Sunday of the month (valid for all visitors)
Guided tour:
• in Bulgarian: 10 lv
• in English: 20 lv
