Among the mountains of the Eastern Rodopi, in the Southern Bulgariastands a rocky hill that for eight thousand years has attracted humanity as a sort of spiritual magnet. At 470 meters above sea level, the site of Perperikon It emerges from the lush forest as a stone island carved by the time and hand of man. We are talking about an archaeological site that covers over five square kilometers, The largest megalithic complex of the Balkans and one of the oldest religious centers in Europedefined as the Machu Picchu of the Old Continent.
There discovery Modern Perperikon dates back to the period Between 1979 and 1982but it was only at the beginning of the new millennium that the site revealed its true identity. The archaeologists, led by Professor Nikolay Ovcharov, initially thought of digging a medieval fortress. What emerged from the research upset every expectation: under the Byzantine and Ottoman strata they lay the Fondament of an ancient Tracia citybeating heart of one of the most important oracles in the ancient world.
The lost oracle of Dionysus
Ancient sources speak of a Temple of Dionysus In the Monti della Tracia, second in importance only to the oracle of Apollo in Delphi. Herodotus documented the existence of this sanctuary, while Roman authors such as Suetonius They tell of prophecies that changed the course of history. According to tradition, it was precisely here that Alessandro Magnoin 334 BC, received the prediction that would have conquered the world, just before invading the Persian Empire. Also Gaio Ottaviothe father of the future as well as the first Roman emperor – Ottaviano Augusto – consulted the oracle and the ascent of the Roman Empire was predicted.
The prophetic ritual He had unique characteristics: the wine was poured on the altar and the height of the flame indicated the prophetic response, a link, that between wine and fire, which reflected the main attributes of Dionysus, God of ecstasy and vinification. Thousands of tanks were discovered around Perperikon for the production of wine dug in the rockan intricate network of canals and basins that testifies to the sacred importance of wine production.
A schedule of civilization
Perperikon’s story begins in VI Millennium BCwhen the first human groups deposited ceramic fragments in rocky cracks as offers to the gods. During the final part of the Bronze Age, Between the eighteenth and twelfth century BC, the first engravings in the rock began: niches, altars and basins were carved directly in the stone. Gradually, a rock settlement with a fortified acropolis, a monumental palace and two residential districts on the southern and northern slopes of the hill grew around the sanctuary.
The palatial complex It represents one of the most impressive structures of the site. It is a labyrinthine construction with over 50 rooms and rooms, corridors and covered stairs. In the center there is a ceremonial room with a two -meter -diameter circular altar, also made from the living rock. The room had at least two floors and still retains a monumental throne carved in the walls, where visitors love to be photographed today.
From the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages
With the Roman conquest of Tracia in 46 ADPerperikon met one new phase of splendor. The ancient fortifications of the acropolis were reinforced, reaching almost 3 meters thick. The Romans brought luxury and refinement, transforming the sanctuary into a real city, then, when the empire adopted Christianity, the pagan temples were converted into churches. The remains of a early Christian basilica They are still visible, with a reply of his marble pulpit located in the Kardzhal History Museum.
During the Middle Ages, Perperikon maintained its great strategic importance. To understand its prestige, here is a curious anecdote: in 1339, in a letter from Ecumenical patriarch Giovanni XIV of Constantinople – the highest authority of the Orthodox Church after the Byzantine emperor – Perperikon was indicated as the center of a bishopric with considerable economic potential and in the aforementioned letter, to the rich bishop of Perperikon, it was asked to economically support the diocese of the Macedonian city of Filippi, who paid in serious economic difficulties.
The mysteries still to be revealed
It is estimated that Only 10% of the site was excavatedwhich means that Perperikon still holds countless secrets. The excavation campaigns continue every year from May to November, bringing to light new discoveries: Two pagan altars have recently been discoveredone used for the sacred production of wine and the other for animal sacrifices. The altars are both from the Roman era and are located in the southern area of Perperikon, identified as “sacred area”, which housed several temples.
A fascinating aspect of the site is the particular energy that many visitors claim to perceive. The clubs say that when they need to “recharge the batteries” they come to Perperikon to spend a night under the stars. This perception could be linked to the ancient sacred function of the place, where rituals of fire and mystery ceremonies were held for millennia.
The name and origins
Perperikon’s etymology provides us with further clues about its history. The name derives from the medieval period (XI-XIII), when The original Hyperperakion was abbreviated by the scribes in Perperakion or Perperikon. There are two main theories on the origin: it could derive from the medieval high temperature gold refining process (Hyperpyros in medieval Greek), or from the ancient Greek term for “altar fire”. Both interpretations connect to the gold mines of the area, exploited since ancient times and source of wealth for those who controlled the territory.
Practical information for the visit
Perperikon is about to 15 kilometers north-east of the city of Kardzhalireachable in three hours of car from Sofia or two from Plovdiv. The site is Open from May to October, from 7:30 to 20:00and the entrance ticket includes the possibility of guided tours organized by the Kardzhal History Museum. To fully appreciate the historical complexity of the place, it is advisable to book a guide in advance that speaks Italian or at least English.
The path through the ruins requires adequate footwear: The paths paved between the rocks can be slippery and the ground is accidentally. There is an alternative path through the forest, less scenographic but easier for those with motor difficulties. The complete visit takes at least two hourseven if archeology fans could easily spend half a day exploring every corner of the site.
Have a good trip!
