Thracian tomb Helvetia

Discovery of Helvetia Mound

On July 26, 1996, the Helvetia Mound emerged as a significant archaeological find. The TEMP expedition, under the leadership of Assoc. Georgi Kitov, uncovered this Thracian cult building. It lies in the Valley of the Thracian Rulers, forming part of the Shushmanets mound necropolis near Shipka.

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Architectural Features of Helvetia Mound

The tomb within Helvetia Mound features a unique construction. Builders positioned it on the southern edge of the mound. They designed a rectangular burial chamber and an adjoining open vestibule. Both areas share a common cantilever vault crafted from large, finely worked blocks. These blocks connect via iron brackets filled with lead.

The approach to the tomb, or dromos, is notably wide and long, constructed from variably sized and treated clay solder blocks. This dromos attaches to the vestibule’s facade, evident from the plaster on the facade walls applied during construction. Inside, the walls of both the burial chamber and the vestibule boast a thin layer of pike plaster. This plaster skillfully mimics stonework in relief. Where this plaster layer has worn away, vibrant multicolored walls come into view. According to Georgi Kitov, this suggests the site saw at least two distinct periods of use.

The floors throughout, including in the dromos, feature a coating of thin lime plaster. Initially, the walls rise vertically but transition into an arched, gable roof, segmented by a horizontal belt.

Discoveries Within the Mound

During the excavation, researchers found a horse skeleton arranged anatomically in the vestibule. Another skeleton appeared before the east wing of the dromos. Nearby, they unearthed a bronze nipple, adding to the site’s historical intrigue.

Dating and Historical Context

Drawing parallels with similar artifacts found in the village of Orizovo, Georgi Kitov dated the burial to the late 5th or early 4th century BC. The construction of the complex itself dates back several decades earlier, placing it firmly within the rich tapestry of Thracian history.

Additional Construction Details

Further exploration revealed that the tomb’s entrance corridor walls were stone-built. This corridor leads to an antechamber and then to a rectangular chamber with a distinctively covered ceiling. The ceiling’s design transitions from a double-pitched to a semi-cylindrical form, showcasing an evolution in Thracian architectural styles.

The tomb’s floor is plastered, and both the antechamber and other rooms were initially covered with a special coating. Large marble blocks, set into horizontal and vertical grooves, covered these areas. Notably, the chamber featured a stone door that could be locked from the inside.

Directly opposite the entrance, a ritual stone bed was positioned, believed to be the site of the last funeral rites performed in the antechamber, likely for a horse.

Sources:

Wikipedia