Sarafova mound, Archaeological site in Kran, Bulgaria.
Sarafova mound is an archaeological site in Bulgaria featuring an underground burial structure with exceptional construction. The complex includes a corridor and two rectangular rooms built from precisely cut stone blocks and quality bricks made in ancient times.
This mound dates to the 4th to 2nd century BC and represents one of only two intact ancient burial sites remaining in Bulgaria. Its discovery in 1995 revealed the remarkable preservation of this underground chamber complex.
The tomb walls display painted patterns with horizontal stripes in white, black, red, orange, and yellow, reflecting how ancient Thracian artists decorated burial spaces. These colorful bands were part of ritual practices and show how much care people invested in preparing these sacred rooms.
The site is located about 5 kilometers north of Kazanlak and can be reached using the road connecting Stara Zagora with Kazanlak, Shipka, and Gabrovo. Access is straightforward since the burial complex sits near the main regional road.
A horse skeleton was discovered in the corridor along with gilded clay amulets, revealing details about how people prepared the dead for burial. These items show that horses and precious objects held spiritual importance in the burial practices of this ancient culture.
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