The transition between the Stone-Copper and Bronze Ages (the end of the IV – the beginning of the III millennium BC) marked the dynamics of the ethno-genetic processes that led to the formation of different tribal communities populating the Balkan Peninsula, more specifically – the Thracians.

The geographical borders of the territory, on which the Thracian ethnicity was formed, include the river valleys of Struma and Vardar to the South-West, the islands of Thasos and Samothraki, together with the Hellespont shore to the South, Northwestern Mala Asia to the South-East, the valleys of Dnepr and Dniester to the North-East and the Carpathian Mountains go the North and North-Western direction.

The transition between the Bronze and Iron Ages (ХIII-ХII century BC) marked the Aegean migration of peoples. The Thracians were an inseparable part of these processes with their migrations being internal, i.e. it took place within the territory they already inhabited. Thus, the approximate location of the Thracian tribes in the borders described in ancient sources of information from VI-V century BC, began to outline itself steadily.

The introduction of iron led to constant social and economic changes in the Thracian society. By the second half of VI century BC the dynamics of the social events had led to the appearance of several state formations of the Thracians, one of which took place on the territory of South-Eastern Thrace – the military unification of the Odryssae.

As a result of the developing state forms and intensive trade contacts with the Greek colonies, urbanization processes also began to take place alongside the seacoast. They were most dynamic during IV century and the first half of III century BC. One of the Odryssae’s town centers – Sevtopolis, which was found on the territory of the Kazanlak valley, is dated back to that time. Inseparable parts of the Thracian culture in the valley are also the numerous mounds, inside some of which archeologists have discovered some of the richest funerals and monumental tombs throughout the whole of Thrace.

Head of department:

Meglena Parvin

FIRST HALL

Information about a tombs located in the valley of roses and the thracian kings. Vessels and weapons.

SECOND HALL

The exhibition is dedicated to Odrysian capital - Sevtopolis.

THIRD HALL

Treasury