Ovchartsi and its archaeological history

Ovchartsi’s archaeological history encompasses several distinct contexts: an Early Bronze Age burial ground, traces of ancient and medieval settlements, and sites from the Iron Age. If you are considering Ovchartsi for its history, it helps to distinguish these places and their dates. The finds belong to different archaeological contexts and do not represent a single complex.

The burial mound necropolis and Mound 3

The Ovchartsi burial mound necropolis lay north of the former settlement in the Maritsa-East energy complex. Mining destroyed the second mound; Mound 3 remained available for archaeological investigation. It measured 12 meters in diameter and 0.40 meters in height. Four archaeological complexes were investigated in the mound.

The first complex was a primary burial, with the deceased lying on their back and knees bent. A stone adze was in the deceased’s right hand. The second complex was a badly damaged secondary burial, probably of a mother and child; it included a partially perforated stone axe. The third consisted of a pit containing scattered human bones, but no grave goods. In the fourth complex, a circular pit contained brown soil and a single thighbone. Based on the burial rites and grave goods, the mound and its complexes are dated to the Early Bronze Age.

Settlement traces from different periods

The archaeological site “Pod Yamacha” is associated with Ovchartsi. Rescue excavations investigated an ancient and medieval settlement there. Structural remains include features from the 1st to the 4th century; traces of dwellings and pits date from the 11th and 12th centuries. These periods place the site in a different context from the Bronze Age necropolis.

Two Roman settlements have also been investigated near Ovchartsi. A medieval settlement near Ovchartsi is under investigation; its finds include objects from the beginning of the 13th century. The archaeological record in the Ovchartsi area also includes registered Iron Age settlements, sanctuaries, and ritual pits. Some of these sites have been partially or fully investigated. Late Iron Age ritual pits have also been identified near Ovchartsi.

Starite Sai and its landscape

The archaeological site of Starite Sai lies in the former territory of Ovchartsi, within the Maritsa-East complex. It is situated on a northern, non-flooded terrace of the former Goliamata reka river. The surveyed area of the site is approximately 25 decares. The location and area refer to the archaeological site of Starite Sai.

Archaeological highlights in Radnevo

In the wider destination of Radnevo, the “Maritsa-Iztok” Archaeological Museum offers an overview of the municipality’s heritage: its display covers 92 settlements, five settlement mounds, 114 burial mounds, and four fortresses. This is an overview at the municipal scale, while the necropolises and settlements described here relate to specific archaeological contexts near Ovchartsi.

Also in Radnevo is the “New Life for the Past” Archaeological Park. It covers about 13 decares, displays archaeological finds dating from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, and recreates Grave No. 7 from the Great Mound near Ovchartsi. The park and museum in Radnevo add a regional perspective to the archaeological sites described here. If you are planning a specific visit, it is advisable to check current access conditions and exhibitions.

For the broader travel overview: Radnevo.