Buried for 2,100 years in the Bulgarian mountains, the Thracian Warrior ‘Lord of Sakar’ emerges with glittering gold treasures

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) inaugurated a new exhibition, “The Glitter of Hellenistic Gold. The Lord of Sakar,” at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum of BAS (NAIM-BAS) on August 12. BAS President Evelina Slavcheva opened the show, highlighting Bulgaria’s rich Hellenistic heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient Thracian societies.

The exhibition presents the extraordinary finds from a 2,100-year-old burial mound, revealing the grave of a Thracian warrior and his horse. Archaeologists have unearthed a dazzling gold wreath, part of a broader collection of jewelry and artifacts that earned the warrior the title “Lord of Sakar,” named after the Sakar mountain range in southeastern Bulgaria, where the mound was discovered.

What does the mould contain?

The burial mound contained a gilded silver wreath resting around the warrior’s skull, along with other treasures, including a golden bracelet with cast figurines, a golden necklace, a ring with an iron plate, golden appliqués from ring armor, golden beads from horse equipment, and an iron knife adorned with gold and semiprecious stones. According to the BAS release, the highlight of the collection is a massive gold headpiece from a horse harness with a snake motif, first displayed earlier this year in the Bulgarian Archaeology exhibition.

“The golden treasures discovered in our lands testify to high craftsmanship, rich spiritual life, and prosperous societies,” said Evelina Slavcheva, pointing out the significance of these findings for understanding Thracian culture.

When did the excavations happen?

In 2024, an ancient site was uncovered during the construction of a solar park, as per GreekReporter. A team from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences excavated two mounds. One mound contained the remains of a middle-aged man and his horse, while the other held the remains of a young woman. Both burials included gold items; however, the man’s tomb was significantly more elaborate.

According to the Municipality of Topolovgrad, cited by the Greek reporter who announced the findings, the warrior’s grave is regarded as the most opulent burial ever discovered in Bulgaria.

The influence of Greek culture

Researchers believe that the man lived between 150 and 100 BC, during the late Hellenistic period. This era was characterized by strong Greek cultural influences in Thrace, evident in the incorporation of Greek mythology and artistry in elite burials. By the end of this century, Thrace became part of the expanding Roman Empire.


Preliminary research indicates that the Lord of Sakar was approximately 35 to 40 years old at the time of his death, as per a report by Livescience. A wreath made of gilded silver was found surrounding his skull. Among the other artifacts discovered in his grave were ceramic and glass vessels, iron spears, a shield, silver jewelry, and a unique knife adorned with gems.

The mysterious woman

Not much is known about the burial mound of a woman who lived at the beginning of the second century B.C. Archaeologists discovered two pairs of well-preserved leather shoes, a wooden chest adorned with gold, silver, and jewels, as well as numerous items made of gold, glass, and bronze.

Nearby, there was a small sanctuary that dates to the second half of the second century B.C., where researchers found a significant number of regional coins.