The Grand Kosmatka, a Thracian burial mound of remarkable proportions, stands 1 kilometer south of the town of Shipka, Bulgaria. Hidden within its depths lies one of the rare, untouched Thracian tombs – believed to be the final resting place of Seuthes III, a prominent Thracian ruler.
Towering at 23 meters with a diameter of 130 meters, this monumental mound is among the largest in Thrace. Its construction cleverly integrates a pre-assembled burial mound. A wide pathway leads visitors to its striking facade and entrance, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Thracian craftsmanship.
The Intricate Architecture of the Tomb
The tomb’s layout is a marvel of ancient engineering. It consists of a 13-meter-long corridor (dromos) leading to three distinct chambers:
- The First Chamber
Rectangular in shape and crowned with a false vault, this chamber revealed the skeleton of a horse, symbolizing the deceased’s status and journey to the afterlife. - The Second Chamber
Circular and dome-shaped, with a height of 4.5 meters, this chamber features a marble door intricately carved with relief panels, nails, and medallions. The eastern wing bears an image of Helios, while the western wing showcases the fearsome Gorgon Medusa. - The Third Chamber
A monolithic granite sarcophagus weighing an estimated 60 tons dominates this space. Within its carved interior lies the burial chamber, complete with a stone bed. This is where the richest finds of the tomb were uncovered.
Treasures of the Afterlife
The third chamber contained an opulent collection of burial artifacts, testifying to the lavish send-off accorded to the deceased. These include:
- A golden wreath of oak leaves and acorns, symbolizing authority.
- Wine vessels: clay amphorae, a bronze askos, a patera, a silver jug, and a gold kylix.
- Elements of weaponry: a bronze helmet adorned with gilded silver applications, greaves, a breastplate with gold-threaded decoration, an iron sword in a sheath embellished with gold appliqués, and spearheads.
- Equestrian gear: ornate horse harness embellishments.
- Decorative items: a circular gold appliqué featuring a roaring lion’s head surrounded by intricate vegetal motifs.
- Personal items: alabaster perfume containers and a gilded silver pyris in the shape of a scallop shell, possibly linked to Seuthes III’s wife, Berenice.
A Portrait in Bronze
A striking bronze head of a middle-aged man, with mustache and beard, was discovered 7 meters in front of the facade. Scholars believe this to be a portrait of Seuthes III himself. Chemical analysis of the casting soil confirms its origin near Kazanlak, suggesting that the sculpture was crafted locally. Some attribute this masterpiece to Silanion, one of ancient Athens’ most esteemed sculptors.
Rituals of Sealing and Preservation
Following the interment, elaborate measures were taken to secure the tomb. The first chamber saw a horse sacrifice, while the marble door to the second chamber was shattered. Debris from the broken door and other stones were used to seal the entrances to the first two chambers. The corridor was set ablaze and filled with stones and earth to deter looters.
Historical and Cultural Context
The artifacts date back to the late 4th or early 3rd century BCE. One amphora bears a seal inscribed “Herotimos,” roughly dating it to 310–275 BCE, offering a clue to the tomb’s chronology.
The identification of Seuthes III as the tomb’s occupant is supported by several factors:
- His name, inscribed in the genitive form (ΣΕΥΘΟΥ), appears on a helmet and silver vessels.
- The mound’s proximity to Seuthopolis, the capital of Seuthes III, situated just 10 kilometers away.
- The resemblance between the bronze head and depictions of Seuthes III on coins.
- The burial’s timeline aligns with the estimated period of Seuthes III’s death, believed to have occurred between the late 4th and mid-3rd centuries BCE.
The Enigmatic Pyris
Among the most intriguing discoveries is the gilded pyris shaped like a scallop shell, measuring 16 cm in length, 17.8 cm in width, and 4 cm in height, with a weight of 381.46 grams. Its presence in a warrior’s tomb has sparked speculation. Some suggest it belonged to Berenice, Seuthes’ wife, who might have placed it in his tomb as a parting gift. This theory draws parallels to similar objects found in elite female burials in southern Italy and ancient Macedonia, regions linked to Berenice’s heritage.
The Grand Kosmatka stands as a testament to the Thracians’ sophistication, their funerary traditions, and the enduring legacy of Seuthes III—a ruler immortalized in bronze, gold, and legend.
