Preslav Treasure 7- 10 AD The owner of the necklace was probably under the protection of Virgin Mary, who is portrayed on both central medallions. It is possible that Tsar Petar gave this beautiful jewelry as a wedding gift to his bride, Maria-Irina, the Byzantine princess, in 927 in Constantinople. It is assumed that the necklace was a wedding present because the images of water-birds symbolize family happiness and fidelity. A treasure that lay hidden for centuries was discovered at the vineyard in Castana near the second Bulgarian Capital; Veliki Preslav, in 1978. What an incredible find this was! Excavations uncovered more than 170 objects made of bronze, silver and gold along with coins that dated back to between 945 and 959. Other artifacts dated back to between the 3rd and 7th centuries. The Preslav treasure was initially hidden to protect it sometime between the years of 969-972. that is when Preslav was conquered by Kiev royal prince, Sviatoslav I and later by Byzantine Emperor John Tzimisces. Wonderful jewelry and adornments were found, some with the inscription of the Virgin Mary who was probably believed to be protecting the valuables. The artifacts uncovered are some of the most beautiful and amazing works in precious metals ever seen. They include necklaces with gold plates, which are double sided. Also medallions, buttons and other adornments were discovered. The Preslav treasure was an important find because it added some evidence to history already provided about the land and the events of the time. Finds such as these only make history more clear because you can learn so much about a civilization from the artifacts found in such a dig.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 12:57:51 +0000
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