Bulgarian archaeologists uncover large circular temple at Perperikon

Archaeologist Nikolay Ovcharov on Thursday announced the discovery of a large circular temple at Perperikon, the early-historic rock complex in the Eastern Rhodopes, BTA reported.

Dating to the 3rd–4th centuries AD, the structure is believed to have been dedicated to the cult of the Sun. According to Ovcharov, the temple continues the tradition of the sanctuary of the Thracian god Dionysus from the Roman period.

The temple lies in the southern quarter, about 20 metres from a major basilica dating from the 5th–6th centuries, and is likely linked to the dozens of circular and rectangular mausoleums from the final phase of paganism and the emergence of Christianity.

Along with other nearby temples dedicated to deities, the sanctuary of Dionysus and the mausoleums formed the Area Sacra, a sacred zone surrounding the main street leading to the acropolis.