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Archeologists say knights and vampires lived in medieval fortress near the village of Hrastovo

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Photo: BTA

Remains of two churches, a skeleton covered with stones thrown against vampirism, numerous metal plates from the knightly armour of a Byzantine aristocrat, a lead ampoule - these are just some of the objects that recently surprised archaeologists who are studying the fortress near the village of Hrastovo in Krumovgrad. 

There, at the beginning of November, the third archaeological expedition took place under the leadership of Prof. Deyan Rabovyanov. 


Two churches, built at different times, were discovered within the necropolis. It is an interesting fact that, even after the abandonment and destruction of the temple, dead bodies were laid there, which shows that people considered the place sacred even after its destruction. 

The necropolis itself, in which 23 burial pits were discovered, is connected to the later church of the Middle Ages. 


"One of the most interesting graves in the necropolis is grave number 12, in which the legs of the dead are buried with a large amount of stones up to the knees. According to scientists, it is an ancient belief that the dead can come back to life in certain situations, to come out of the grave and start causing mischief even to their relatives," explains archaeologist Milen Kamarev. 


Among the interesting finds are clasps for liturgical books, jewelry, household items, many and varied arrowheads.‎


Photos: BTA

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Radio Bulgaria History and religion    archeology Hrastovo Krumovgrad

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