Thracian Cult Complex, Archaeological museum and tomb complex in Starosel, Bulgaria.
The Thracian Cult Complex encompasses ancient burial chambers and temple structures featuring elaborate stone carvings, ten-columned sanctuary architecture, and underground chambers that demonstrate sophisticated construction techniques from the 5th century BC.
Discovered in 2000 by Professor Georgi Kitov, this archaeological site contains the largest known Thracian royal tomb, believed to house King Sitalk of the Odrysian kingdom who ruled from 448 to 424 BC during the height of Thracian civilization.
The complex reveals Thracian religious practices centered around wine ceremonies, ancestor veneration, and elaborate burial rituals, with artifacts including gold jewelry, ceremonial weapons, and ritual objects that demonstrate their sophisticated spiritual beliefs and social hierarchy.
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM with admission fees of 4 Bulgarian leva for adults and 1 leva for students, the site offers guided tours, parking facilities, and a museum shop selling archaeological replicas and educational materials.
This site contains the only known ten-columned Thracian temple and features distinctive wolf teeth ornamental decorations, alongside an ancient wine production cave that illustrates the sacred role of viticulture in Thracian religious ceremonies.
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