Thracian tomb "Seuthes III"

The tomb of Seuthes III in the mound of Golyama Kosmatka was discovered in the autumn of 2004 during regular archaeological excavations. The temple was used for more than a century for religious ceremonies by Thracian priests. In order to preserve the sacrament of the rite from the uninitiated, a double-leaf marble door locked from the inside with latches was used. On each of the wings is carved an image - on the eastern one is represented Helios (the sun god), and on the western one - Gorgon Medusa. At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, a burial ritual was performed in the central chamber for a Thracian aristocrat, presumed to be the ruler of the Otrian state, Seuthes III. The building thus changed its function, becoming his tomb. In order to ensure the safe and unhindered passage of the king's soul between worlds, the Thracians provided a guide, sacrificing a horse and laying his body in the first room.