Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – A team of archaeologists has made a noteworthy discovery in Lesichovo, located in the Pazardzhik region of Bulgaria.
During preliminary excavations for a transit gas pipeline project, they uncovered remains of a settlement from the Late Roman period. Led by archaeologist Sirma Alexandrova, the team revealed architectural structures, ceramics, coins, and other artifacts that illuminate life in this area over 1,500 years ago.
The settlement was identified during preparatory work for the gas pipeline installation. Upon removing the surface layer, they found pottery fragments, building remains, and ancient coins. These findings illustrate the organization of rural settlements in Thrace during the Late Roman period and highlight the importance of safeguarding Bulgaria’s archaeological heritage.
A sample of the coins found at the site. Credit: Sirma Alexandrova
With urban development threatening historical sites, archaeologists are eager to use new technologies like geochemical analysis and remote sensing to further explore the region’s Roman history.
The studied area spans approximately 4,400 square meters in the western Sredna Gora mountains and is detailed in a study published in the Bulgarian Journal of Archaeology. Excavations uncovered artifacts, including pottery shards and coins from over 1,500 years ago. Among these discoveries were two buildings constructed with mud bricks and medium-sized stones; one well-preserved structure measuring at least 9 meters long showed signs of fire damage possibly linked to Gothic raids around the mid-3rd century AD. Stratigraphic analysis identified multiple phases of occupation within this settlement.
A Roman settlement has been discovered in Bulgaria, located adjacent to the Via Militaris. This ancient road was a significant route that traversed the Balkans, extending all the way to Constantinople. Credit: Sirma Alexandrova
The Goths, a Germanic group, played a crucial role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire and the subsequent formation of medieval Europe. Historical accounts from Graeco-Roman authors first document their presence in the 3rd century AD, identifying them as inhabitants north of the Danube River, within territories that correspond to present-day Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania.
Coins found at this site provided chronological context for its history, notably those minted during Constantius II’s reign (347-355 A.D.). Near-surface deposits included six silver coins from 249 A.D., indicating later disturbances likely due to agricultural activities. The collection also featured silver coins from Empress Julia Soaemias’ era through Decius’.
Unearthed ancient buildings. Credit: Sirma Alexandrova
The latest coin, dated back to 249 AD, suggests potential abandonment following barbarian invasions across Thrace, while fifth-century coins imply continuity before and after mid-fourth-century fires, highlighting long-term significance throughout late Roman Thrace.
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The study explores possible reasons behind abrupt endings: “Analysis revealed single-layer settlements dating to late-Roman periods ending abruptly via fire no earlier than 347 A.D. based on coin evidence,” authors noted.
This devastating event may relate directly to the Gothic Wars, where frequent barbarian raids plagued provinces like Thrace, leading to abandonment without subsequent reconstruction post-fire events.”
The study was published in the Bulgarian e-Journal of Archaeology
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
