Seuthopolis, Archaeological site in Kazanlak, Bulgaria.
Seuthopolis was a fortified settlement in ancient Thrace with defensive walls, monumental gates, and a royal palace complex arranged according to Hellenistic urban planning. The ruins reveal the layout of temples and public buildings that served the city's residents during its period of occupation.
A Thracian ruler established this city in the early 4th century BC as his kingdom's capital, only to have it destroyed decades later by northern invaders.
The excavations revealed a royal palace that functioned as a sanctuary for the Cabeiri gods, along with temples dedicated to Dionysus.
The site lies underwater beneath a modern reservoir and cannot be walked through directly, but can be viewed from the surrounding shoreline. Visitors can explore the archaeology and history through nearby museums or by observing the reservoir landscape.
Excavations uncovered over 2,000 ancient coins, including roughly 800 pieces minted by the city's founder himself. These coin discoveries offer rare glimpses into the commerce and economy of this ancient settlement.
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