The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) has unveiled a captivating exhibition, “The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar”, at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum of BAS (NAIM-BAS) on August 12, 2025. Opened by BAS President Evelina Slavcheva, the showcase celebrates Bulgaria’s Hellenistic heritage and highlights the extraordinary Thracian craftsmanship of over 2,000 years ago. Central to the exhibition are the astonishing treasures from a 2,100-year-old burial mound, including the tomb of a Thracian warrior adorned with gold artefacts, ceremonial jewellry, and a gilded horse harness, earning him the esteemed title “Lord of Sakar.” This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the opulence, artistry, and cultural sophistication of ancient Thracian society during the late Hellenistic period in southeastern Bulgaria.
The Lord of Sakar : Thracian warrior’s tomb reveals 2,100-year-old gold treasures
The centrepiece of the exhibition is the 2,100-year-old burial mound of a Thracian warrior, discovered in southeastern Bulgaria near the Sakar Mountain range. Archaeologists revealed the warrior’s grave alongside that of his horse, unearthing an astonishing array of Hellenistic gold artifacts. These treasures include a dazzling gilded silver wreath, golden jewelry, and horse accessories, reflecting both the wealth and sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient Thracian society.
“The golden treasures discovered in our lands testify to high craftsmanship, rich spiritual life, and prosperous societies,” said Evelina Slavcheva, emphasizing the significance of these findings for understanding Thracian culture.
Thracian gold treasures : Wreaths, jewellry, and ceremonial artefacts
The excavation revealed an unparalleled collection of artifacts surrounding the warrior, highlighting the ceremonial and symbolic importance of Thracian elite burials:
These artifacts collectively underscore the Thracian mastery of metalwork, the significance of rituals in burial practices, and the opulence of elite members of society during the Hellenistic period.
Thracian tombs of 2024: Gold treasures and historical insights
The remarkable finds were made in 2024 during the construction of a solar park. Teams from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences excavated two mounds:
The Warrior’s Mound: Contained the remains of a middle-aged man and his horse, along with abundant gold artifacts.
The Woman’s Mound: Held the remains of a young woman with gold items, though less lavish than the warrior’s tomb.
According to the Municipality of Topolovgrad, the warrior’s grave is now recognized as the most opulent burial ever discovered in Bulgaria, offering new insights into Thracian social hierarchies and funerary customs.
Thracian tombs reveal Greek influence and ancient wealth
Researchers estimate that the Lord of Sakar lived between 150 and 100 BC, during the late Hellenistic period. This era was marked by the permeation of Greek cultural influences into Thrace, evident in the adoption of Greek artistic motifs, mythology, and ceremonial practices in elite burials. By the end of the century, Thrace was incorporated into the Roman Empire, blending regional traditions with broader Mediterranean cultural elements.
The warrior, estimated to be 35–40 years old at death, was buried with items reflecting both prestige and utility: ceramic and glass vessels, iron spears, a shield, silver jewelry, and a gem-adorned knife, demonstrating the fusion of local and Hellenistic cultural elements.
Alongside the warrior’s mound, archaeologists also studied the burial of a woman dating to the early 2nd century BC. Though less is known about her identity, the grave revealed significant artifacts, including:
Near her tomb, researchers uncovered a small sanctuary from the latter half of the 2nd century BC, which contained numerous regional coins, pointing to ritualistic and economic aspects of the local culture.
Hellenistic gold exhibition shows Thracian life and culture
“The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar” not only showcases Bulgaria’s rich Thracian heritage, but also provides invaluable insights into:
Ancient burial practices and social stratification in Thrace.
Hellenistic artistic influence in Eastern Europe.
The interplay of ritual, craftsmanship, and daily life in prosperous ancient societies.
By combining historical scholarship with dazzling artifacts, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the opulence and cultural sophistication of Thracian civilization firsthand.
Also Read | WARNING! Japan releases AI-generated video showing Tokyo chaos if Mount Fuji erupts
The Lord of Sakar : Thracian warrior’s tomb reveals 2,100-year-old gold treasures
The centrepiece of the exhibition is the 2,100-year-old burial mound of a Thracian warrior, discovered in southeastern Bulgaria near the Sakar Mountain range. Archaeologists revealed the warrior’s grave alongside that of his horse, unearthing an astonishing array of Hellenistic gold artifacts. These treasures include a dazzling gilded silver wreath, golden jewelry, and horse accessories, reflecting both the wealth and sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient Thracian society.
“The golden treasures discovered in our lands testify to high craftsmanship, rich spiritual life, and prosperous societies,” said Evelina Slavcheva, emphasizing the significance of these findings for understanding Thracian culture.
Thracian gold treasures : Wreaths, jewellry, and ceremonial artefacts
The excavation revealed an unparalleled collection of artifacts surrounding the warrior, highlighting the ceremonial and symbolic importance of Thracian elite burials:
- Gilded Silver Wreath: Resting around the warrior’s skull, symbolizing status and power.
- Golden Bracelet with Figurines: Intricately cast representations, demonstrating Thracian artistry.
- Golden Necklace and Ring: The ring included an iron plate, illustrating a blend of luxury and practicality.
- Golden Appliqués: Taken from ring armor, showing the detailed decoration of martial equipment.
- Golden Horse Beads & Headpiece: A massive gold headpiece for a horse harness featuring a snake motif, previously displayed in the Bulgarian Archaeology exhibition.
- Iron Knife with Gold & Gemstones: A unique weapon combining functionality with high aesthetic value.
These artifacts collectively underscore the Thracian mastery of metalwork, the significance of rituals in burial practices, and the opulence of elite members of society during the Hellenistic period.
Thracian tombs of 2024: Gold treasures and historical insights
The remarkable finds were made in 2024 during the construction of a solar park. Teams from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences excavated two mounds:
The Warrior’s Mound: Contained the remains of a middle-aged man and his horse, along with abundant gold artifacts.
The Woman’s Mound: Held the remains of a young woman with gold items, though less lavish than the warrior’s tomb.
According to the Municipality of Topolovgrad, the warrior’s grave is now recognized as the most opulent burial ever discovered in Bulgaria, offering new insights into Thracian social hierarchies and funerary customs.
Thracian tombs reveal Greek influence and ancient wealth
Researchers estimate that the Lord of Sakar lived between 150 and 100 BC, during the late Hellenistic period. This era was marked by the permeation of Greek cultural influences into Thrace, evident in the adoption of Greek artistic motifs, mythology, and ceremonial practices in elite burials. By the end of the century, Thrace was incorporated into the Roman Empire, blending regional traditions with broader Mediterranean cultural elements.
The warrior, estimated to be 35–40 years old at death, was buried with items reflecting both prestige and utility: ceramic and glass vessels, iron spears, a shield, silver jewelry, and a gem-adorned knife, demonstrating the fusion of local and Hellenistic cultural elements.
Alongside the warrior’s mound, archaeologists also studied the burial of a woman dating to the early 2nd century BC. Though less is known about her identity, the grave revealed significant artifacts, including:
- Two Pairs of Leather Shoes: Well-preserved, indicating daily life and fashion of the era.
- A Wooden Chest Adorned with Gold, Silver, and Jewels: Likely containing personal belongings or ritual items.
- Gold, Glass, and Bronze Objects: Suggesting high social status and access to luxury materials.
Near her tomb, researchers uncovered a small sanctuary from the latter half of the 2nd century BC, which contained numerous regional coins, pointing to ritualistic and economic aspects of the local culture.
Hellenistic gold exhibition shows Thracian life and culture
“The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar” not only showcases Bulgaria’s rich Thracian heritage, but also provides invaluable insights into:
Ancient burial practices and social stratification in Thrace.
Hellenistic artistic influence in Eastern Europe.
The interplay of ritual, craftsmanship, and daily life in prosperous ancient societies.
By combining historical scholarship with dazzling artifacts, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the opulence and cultural sophistication of Thracian civilization firsthand.
Also Read | WARNING! Japan releases AI-generated video showing Tokyo chaos if Mount Fuji erupts
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