Pistiros, Ancient Greek archaeological site in Septemvri Municipality, Bulgaria

Pistiros is an ancient Greek archaeological site in Septemvri Municipality containing fortification walls, stone-paved streets, building foundations, and a complex water drainage system from antiquity. The remains reveal a carefully planned settlement with solid infrastructure.

Between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE, this served as a trade center facilitating commerce between Greek coastal cities and local Thracian populations under Odrysian protection. The trading connections demonstrate the economic integration of these regions over several centuries.

The Vetren inscription discovered here records an oath sworn by King Kotys I to Dionysos, revealing the religious beliefs of ancient inhabitants. This written record shows how important sacred vows were to the community.

The site is partially open to the public during summer months, especially when excavations are underway. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and sun protection, as the excavation area is open and exposed.

In 1999 excavators found a collective hoard of 552 silver and gold coins of Alexander the Great, Demetrios Poliorketes, Lysimachos and Seleucus I. Over 1,000 coins in all came from the site, including issues of Thracian rulers such as Amadocus I, Cotys I and Seuthes III. The metal workshop with fibulae of iron, bronze and silver belongs to the period after the Celtic burning, not to the Classical heyday.