The locality of Kaleto near Dobrin in the region of Dobrich is the home of Zaldapa – the biggest fortified city surviving from Antiquity in the lands of present-day Dobroudhza, Northeastern Bulgaria. Field research at Zaldapa suggests that it was quite densely built. The first archaeological digs date back to 1906-1910. This was followed by partial field research and observation.

Over time Antiquity building material has suffered from permanent looting and destruction which started in the 19^th c. and continues today.

The terrain has not been researched comprehensively. As a result of digs part of the fortification system has been studied, as well as the civil basilica, the early Christian church anda water reservoir which is impressive with its construction.

Over the past five years research of Zaldapa has intensified thanks to a joint Bulgarian-French-Canadian project. The team of excavations is led by Prof. Georgy Atanasov from the Silistra Regional Museum of History, Bulgaria, and is staffed with 14 scholars from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Albania, Italy and the United Kingdom. Four institutions have joined the project too – St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, the Regional Museum of History in Dobrich, the University of Quebec in Rimouski, Canada, and the University of Lille, France.

“Archeological research of Basilica No 2 in Zaldapa has produced some surprising results. Its breadth is close to the breadth of the bishopric but the former surpasses the latter with its exceptionally rich marble decoration,” says Prof. Georgi Atanasov. "The entire central nave was lined with marble slabs. What however has no known analogue in the region of Dobroudhza from that period is that the walls of the basilica virtually shone with wall mosaics and included gilded cubes.”

Deputy project leader Assoc. Prof. Albena Milanova adds that the basilica is a veritable treasure for archeology. "The mosaic was luxurious. Apart from marble flooring with large marble slabs and the liturgical décor inside (the partitions of the altar), the basilica was decorated with Corinthian capitals. So we had here exceptionally rich decoration, a rich basilica and rich local population who could afford these costly interiors.”

Prof. Nicolas Beaudry from the University of Quebec in Rimouski contends that the Antiquity city in Zaldapa will help scholars find out more about the transformation of the Roman world at the end of Antiquity.

"The potential of this fantastic site is almost inexhaustible. We have work to do that will take years ahead. I hope that in the coming years we will have the opportunity to come with more students and this cooperation will continue,” adds Dr. Dominic Moreau from the University of Lille.

And despite the work done so far, Assoc. Prof. Albena Milanova says that this is just the beginning and voices hopes that financing will be provided for at least five archeological seasons to come.

Edited and translated by Daniela Konstantinova