July 11, 2007 
Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov shows the unique cult figures found at Perperikon
Photo Ivan Bachvarov
The finds are more valuable than gold, says Prof. Ovcharov
Twounique earthen heads were excavated from the ancient Thracian town ofPerperikon. One of the finds represents a head of a dragon and theother one is a head of a cobra. Yesterday, archaeologist Prof. NikolayOvcharov showed the precious excavations. Both figures are shown withopen jaws, as if they are ready to attack any minute. The figures werefound at the two edges of altars made of clay. They are believed tobelong to a culture called Tsepina as the name of the medieval fortressnearby. A typical feature of Tsepina culture is the representation ofcult scenes.
"The figure of the snake is unique and is of extreme importance," said Prof. Ovcharov.
Theprofessor explained further that the reptile cobra had been regarded asthe guardian of the Earth depths and that it has been part of theDionysus cult. Ovcharov added further that the two earthen figures weremore important and precious than golden finds; for example earringsfrom Roman times. Namely, the figures carry a deep cult meaning and arethe next piece of new information that scholars had searched for inorder to learn more about the life in Perperikon. This summer, between120 and 150 people will work at the excavation sites in Perperikon.They will explore the western part of the acropolis and will enter intothe southern defense gate of the complex. Archaeologists hope to find athird palace connected with the Thracian epoch.
StandartNews