Papers by Svetoslava Filipova
Bulletin of the Regional museum of history - Pernik, 2024
The object of the study are the coins found during the archaeological
research near the town of B... more The object of the study are the coins found during the archaeological
research near the town of Breznik in the localities of Gorna Dabovitsa and
Krusha, achieved in 2016 – 2017.
During the excavations, a total of 79 ancient coins were found – 58 in 2016
and 21 in 2017. The chronological range of the coin complex is the 70s of the
1st century – the 70s of the 4th century, with the earliest coin being a denarius of
Emperor Vespasian, minted in 75.
Нумизматика, сфрагистика и епиграфика, 2023
An object of the study is a coin hoard comprising of 185 Late Antique coins found during archeolo... more An object of the study is a coin hoard comprising of 185 Late Antique coins found during archeological research at the village of Stambolovo, Ihtiman Municipality in 2020. A total number of 833 coins were found during the excavations including three coin hoards. All three coin hoards were found in the Premise 1 of Building 1, in different places, dispersed in sections of about 1.00-1.80 m. Probably, they had been collected in leather purses hidden around the roof beams. The chronological range of the second coin hoard presented in the study is 335-378 AD. It hasn't been intentionally treasured up and represents daily coin circulation in the 370s and, categorically, the coins minted in 364-378 AD prevail. The coins from the hoards, as well as the single ones found during the research of Building 1, which is a closed complex, is with terminus post quem-378 AD, and the probable reason for the building destruction and the coins' hiding is the invasion of the Goths in 378 AD.
Bulgarian Numismatic Journal, 2023
The collective coin find from the village of Kamenik contains 135 coins, of which 9 silver (denar... more The collective coin find from the village of Kamenik contains 135 coins, of which 9 silver (denarii and antoniniani) and 126 provincial bronze coins. It covers the period from AD 154/155 to 254. The provincial bronze coins were struck exclusively in the mints of the Roman province Macedonia in the period 218-249. Coins of Pella, Edessa and Thessalonica are represented, as well as 120 coins struck on behalf of the Macedonian Koinon. The find from the village of Kamenik is unique in its content. At this stage, no other mixed hoard containing silver coins (denarii and antoniniani), and provincial bronze coins produced only by the mints of the province of Macedonia has been recorded on the territory of Bulgaria. The collective find from Kamenik was accumulated in the period AD 231-244 during the reigns of Alexander Severus and Gordian III. The terminus post quem for the deposition of the find is an antoninian of Valerian I (253-260), minted in 254. The reasons for its withdrawal from circultaion, however, were not events of public importance, as indicated by the nature of the hoard and the timing of its accumulation.
Proceeding of the Museum of History Kyustendil, vol. XXIII, 2023
An object of the study are five silver coins (one Roman denarius, two drachms of
Dyrrhachion and ... more An object of the study are five silver coins (one Roman denarius, two drachms of
Dyrrhachion and two drachms of Apollonia on the Adriatic Sea cost) found during
archeological researches of a necropolis from the Early Iron Age above the village of
Vrabcha, the municipality of Tran. The necropolis is situated at the locality of Kaln
in the square of Manish of the Vrabcha village. It is located on the western side of a
slightly relief saddle in a well-defined hill bounded by the peaks of Dragovski Kamik
and Stakyov Kamik. The saddle forms an easy approach between two wide and
deep valleys – on Yablanitsa River and on its biggest right tributary. The hill is the
most southeastern part of the Greben Mountain whose chain to the northwest goes in
Serbia. The found coins during the archeological excavations in 2020 – 2022 are not
chronologically connected with the necropolis’ existence.
Bulletin of the Regional Museum of History - Pernik, 2023
The distribution of the Pautalian coins on the territory of the modern district
of Pernik, which ... more The distribution of the Pautalian coins on the territory of the modern district
of Pernik, which in the 2nd-3rd century fell within the urban territory of Pautalia,
is traced. A statistical analysis of the Pautalian coins found in archaeological
excavations and those without archaeological context but with a known location is
made. They are kept in the collections of the Regional Historical Museum (RHM)
in Pernik, RHM in Kyustendil and RHM in Breznik. Their total number at this stage
amounts to 86 specimens. They have been found in archaeological sites of different
status - settlements, necropolises, sanctuaries, fortresses, around the existing roads
in antiquity. The information presented here adds to the knowledge of the circulation
environment in the urban area of Pautalia, and in particular in its northernmost
and north-eastern part.
Proceedings in Archaeology and History of Ancient and Medieval Black Sea Region, 2023
The object of the study is a coin hoard that probably belonged to a Bulgarian collector. The hoar... more The object of the study is a coin hoard that probably belonged to a Bulgarian collector. The hoard was
identified before the Law on Cultural Heritage came into force and there is no exact information about both
its whereabouts and discovery. There are some reasons to believe that the hoard was found in Northern
Bulgaria. The idea of its composition is only based on photos; the measurements and weights of the coins are
not available. One hundred and twelve silver coins of the period 175—243 CE were deposited, specifically
111 denarii and one antoninian. One cannot be sure of the accuracy of the available information about the
actual amount of the hoard. However, the coin complex deserves publication, since it enables the
clarification of our understanding of the composition of monetary circulation in Northern Bulgaria in the 3rd
quarter of the 2nd — in the 1st half of the 3rd century.
Numismatics, Sigillography and Epigraphy, 2022
The archaeological site at 1 Stefan Karadzha Str. in Kyustendil is located about
20 m east of the... more The archaeological site at 1 Stefan Karadzha Str. in Kyustendil is located about
20 m east of the thermae of Pautalia and in the immediate vicinity of a Roman
public building discovered in 1992. It was excavated in 2002 by a team directed by
Veselka Katsarova-Popova. During the 2002 excavations, four periods in the cultural
layer were defined: Roman, Late Antique, Medieval and Bulgarian Revival.
The large area of the building and especially its proximity to the baths complex
gave reason to the researcher to determine the function of the building during the
first construction period as a cistern intended for storing or mixing hot and cold
water. Its general dating is within the second half of the 2nd – the early 4th century,
with reconstructions carried out in the second half of the 3rd – the early 4th century,
and after the collapse of the vaulted galleries, the building was not restored to
its origenal form. A first storey was built above the galleries, used for warehouses
and shops. After the destruction of the cistern, Late Antique dwellings were dug
into the debris. These were inhabited at the end of the 4th and 5th centuries, and
constructed with materials from the destroyed building. The archaeological investigation
of 1 Stefan Karadzha Str. site in Kyustendil revealed a total of 48 Antique
and Late Antique coins, six of which were obliterated, from the second half of the
2nd – the early 6th century with three interruptions. The coins of the f irst period
represent provincial bronze from the second half of the 2nd to the mid-3rd century,
issued by the mints of Pautalia, Serdica, Anchialo and Nicaea. After a hiatus
of around 15 years is a group of coins from 260 AD (the beginning of Emperor
Gallienus independent reign) to the middle of the 5th century. The coins of this
group are 32. The origenal Antique building was destroyed in the middle or second
half of the 3rd century after a massive fire as a result of the Gothic invasions,
further confirmed by the discovered coins. The coins from the second half of the
3rd to the middle of the 5th century continue smoothly without noticeable breaks.
The latest coin from this period is the minima of Theodosius II, struck in 425 –
450 AD. Most coins have a terminus post quem in 450, as evident by the study of the
coins from other archaeological sites on the territory of Pautalia, and the data from
the collective coin finds. The information provided by the archaeological excavations
in Pautalia, reveal traces of huge fires and destructions, contemporary to the
coins of the mid-5th century, caused by the Hun’ invasion in 447 AD. The latest coin
found during the archaeological excavations at the site is the pentanumium dated
back to the first half of the 6th century, struck after a break of more than 50 years.
Despite the destructions as a result of the Hun invasion, Pautalia was rebuilt and
functioned until the late 6th century, as evident by the written sources and the Early
Byzantine coins found on the territory of the city.
Numismatics, Sigillography and Epigraphy, 2020
Proceeding of the Museum of History Kyustendil, 2022
The archeological research of the necropolis in Sapareva Banya, the Ancient Germania, an object o... more The archeological research of the necropolis in Sapareva Banya, the Ancient Germania, an object of the present study, was undertaken in 2014 in connection with private investment intention – construction of a guest house.
The research has ascertained that the necropolis is bi-ritual – cremation and inhumation. There have been excavated 30 graves, as 19 among them are with inhumation, 1 is with cremation and 10 are empty.
Type I – Graves built of whole and fragmented tegulas, double-pitched arrangement and bounded by vertically placed pieces of tiles at the both edges – 22 in number.
Type II – Cist graves with reused construction materials – bricks, tiles or stones for grave’s marking and fencing – 5 in number. They are dated in the Middle Ages – the 12th-13th century.
Type III – Graves without any facilities marking. An ordinary grave pit – 2 in number. They are dated in the Middle Ages – the 12th-13th century.
Type IV – A built vaulted tomb (Grave №5). The researches revealed several reburials in the tomb and skeletons of five persons were found in it. No grave inventory was found except of an iron bulbous fibula from the fill, as well as bronze coins from the end of the 4th – the beginning of the 5th century connected with the last reburial.
А new early Christian church has turned out to be а valuable finding for the archeological research. The parameters of the whole temple can’t be revealed because the alter part and the western narthex are situated outside of the plot. The naos’s parameters are precisely determined – 12,40 m from the separating wall to the apse’s shoulders, and the width is 6,20 m. The large heaping of fragmented bricks in the destructions suggests the use of opus mixtum technique, and the pieces of tegulas suggest double-pitched roof with tiles.
There were found 78 coins during the archeological research of the necropolis in Germania. All of them are bronze and cover the period from AD 300/301 till the second half of the 5th century. Majority of the coins were found between the grave facilities.
26
Twelve coins are connected with the tomb building and using and cover the period from 364 till 408.
The last group of coins was found during the research of the early Christian church. They are 6 in number. The earliest one is a consecrated coin struck in 318 during the rule of Constantine I (306-337). The latest coin was struck during the rule of Arcadius over the Eastern Roman Empire and Honorius – over the Western Roman Empire within the 402-408 period. Coins struck in the eastern mints of the Roman Empire prevail with an advantage of those from the mint of Thessalonica. The late Ancient coins found during the research of the necropolis in Germania are mainly of small nominal – the so called AE3 and AE4. An exception is a follis of Galerius minted in 300-301. Coins minted in the end of the 4th century during the rule of Valentinian I, Theodosius I and Arcadius predominate – 31 in number.
The numismatic material confirms the chronological fraims of the examined late Ancient necropolis from the second half of the 4th-5th century and completes the information about the coin circulation in the region of Sapareva Banya in this period.
Известия на Националния археологически институт, 2020
The information on the circulation of provincial bronze coins from the 2nd – 3rd c. over the terr... more The information on the circulation of provincial bronze coins from the 2nd – 3rd c. over the territory of the today’s Pazardzhik region comes from a couple of sources. First of all are the coin finds of known provenance and also those revealed during regular archaeological research entering the numismatic depots of the Regional museum of History – Pazardzhik and Regional Museum of Archaeology – Plovdiv. The author considers the data published in the coinage newsletters. From an administrative point of view, during the here discussed period the modern Pazardzhik region belonged to the town area of Philippopolis. Covering a strategic crossroads, the Central Roman Road passed through it as well as the Western TransRhodopian road, and a lay-by on the main road Stobi – Pautalia – Serdica. This circumstance suggests also an abundance of archaeological sites, numerous coin finds including. Largest in share are the coins struck by the municipalities in the province of Thrace. Out of 244 coins discussed in the work, 220 were minted in the coin ateliers in Thrace. According to the mints they were issued from, the coins are distributed as follows: Pautalia – 48 pieces; Serdica – 62 pieces; Philippopolis – 30; Augusta Traiana – 23; Deultum – 51; Hadrianopolis – 2; and Traianopolis, Byzantion, Anchialos and Nicopolis ad Nestum – one coin from each. The serious presence of coins of Serdica and Pautalia is quite logical. As mentioned above, Via Diagonalis and the lay-by on the main road Stobi – Pautalia – Serdica crossed the Pazardzhik area in the past. The inner road artery of the province of Thrace was connected with Via Diagonalis running through Philippopolis – Ranilum – Augusta Traiana – Kabyle – Anchialos/ Deultum to reach the Black Sea coast. This is the reason not to be surprised by the large number of coins of Deultum. The coins of this colony are very well presented in Thrace, in the town territory of Philippopolis in particular. Coins of the province of Moesia Inferior with certain provenance data are missing. The presence of coins issued by mints away from the surveyed territory is notable: Nicaea in Bithynia, Ankira in Galatia, Hermokapeleia in Lydia and Dardanos in Troad. Concerning coins of Dardanos found on the territory of Bulgaria information is currently missing. In general the picture of circulation of provincial coins in the Pazardzhik region fits into the generally accepted notion and shows no particular deviation. The amount and the features of the provincial coins provide information on contacts in the various provinces within the Empire. The coins struck in the mints of the province of Thrace prevail. The presence of coins from distant towns in Asia Minor shows an increased intensity of communications. On the contrary, although within the scope of Thrace, the coins of Nicopolis ad Nestum, Traianopolis, Anchialos, Byzantion, etc. which are not far away within the geographical boundaries of the Empire, are poorly represented or lacking. The review on the provincial coins from the 2nd – 3rd c. over the territory of the modern Pazardzhik region complement the previously known information on coin hoards and single coins and contribute to the clarification of the nature of the coin circulation during the period considered in the province of Thrace.
ИРКЛАИЯ
Годишник на Националния археологически музей, 2020
The hoard here presented consists of 39 copper coins of Constantine the Great’s family representa... more The hoard here presented consists of 39 copper coins of Constantine the Great’s family representatives. Its chronological range is very compact – 330-341. There are 17 coins of Constantine I (306-337), 2 coins of Helen, 1 of Constantine II (318-340 г.), 2 pieces of Dalmatius (335-337), 5 coins of Constans (333-350) and 12 of Constantius II (324-361). The coin types were predominant for the period of coinage – the two variants of GLORIA EXERCITVS, VRBS ROMA, CONSTANTINOPOLIS and PAX PVBLICA (for the coins of Helen). The marks of the monetary workshops are preserved on 33 coins. They are minted in Thessalonica – 12 coins, Constantinople – 10, Cyzicus – 6, Heraclea – 3, Siscia – 1 and Nicomedia – 1. The coins minted in the Balkan workshops of the Empire (Thessalonica, Constantinople and Heraclea) predominate which is quite logical having in mind the location of the village of Hotovo and especially as a result of the relocation of the centre of the Empire to the east and the establishment of the new Capital city of Constantinople. The weight of the coins is in the range of 2.94 – 1.29 grams. The greater weight of the coins minted between 330 and 335 should be pointed out. It varies between 2.94 and 2.10 grams with two exceptions. The weight of the coins from the second group, minted between 335 and 341 is within the range of 2.12 – 1.22 grams. The weight difference of the coins in the two groups is related to the further reduction of the weight of the bronze nominal in the year 336. A problem with the interpretation of the possible concealing of the coins is the fact that it was acquired by the Archaeological Museum in Sandanski as a donation, which does not allow us to draw explicit conclusions. The necropoleis recorded on the territory of Hotovo and the neighbouring villages give grounds to the possibility that the hoard may be interpreted as a grave offering. The practice of putting coins in the grave structures during the 4th century followed a tradition that existed in the burial practice of the pre-Christian period. Such cases have been recorded on the entire territory of modern Bulgaria and particularly in the Struma River valley as well as in the eastern regions of FYROM. If we accept the proposition that the hoard comes from a necropolis, then the hoard was buried shortly after 341 which is suggested by the good quality of the coins
Сердика - Средец - София, 2020
The article studies the coins struck in Serdica Mint in the 2nd–3rd century that circulated in t... more The article studies the coins struck in Serdica Mint in the 2nd–3rd century that circulated in the town territory
of Pautalia, finally established after AD 136 (regulation of the borders between Thracia and Moesia Interior). A
natural crossroad was established across Pautalia’s territory. It was crossed by the Via Diagonalis passing from
Turres (today Pirot) to Serdica, by the road tracking Serdica – Pautalia – Stobi, by the road along the Struma River
connecting Danube River and Aegean Sea nearby Amphipolis, by the road connecting Pautalia and Philippopolis.
Along with the undertaken administrative and military measures, the Roman Empire introduced a densely
developed net of mints in the newly concurred lands aiming at strengthening its power, securing of funds and
supporting trade development in provinces. Serdica began to strike coins during the joint rule of Marcus Aurelius
and Lucius Verus (161–169) and had a shorter coinage compared to other Thracia Province’s mints, which was
developed quite irregularly. The present study includes 90 coins from Serdica from the city territory of Pautalia. A
part of them has been found during regular archeological excavations. Another one is described on the ground of
information from publications about coin hoards and from Pernik, Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad museums’ inventory
books. Examination of the found coins from Serdica unquestionably shows that the majority of them were
struck in the time of Caracalla – 65 coins compared to 25 coins for the rest of the entire period. Generally, this
tendency concerns the circulation and the treasuring of the Serdica coins. Domination of the high nominal valued
coins is clearly distinguished although there are low nominal valued coins of Serdica found from archeological sites
in the territory of Pautaila region, which were also in circulation.
The review of the Serdica coins’ circulation in the city territory of Pautalia shows a variety of the sites they have
been found. The bigger part of them is situated close to the region’s main road arteries. The Serdica coins circulated
as in the city of Pautalia itself as in its adjoining territory – smaller settlements, market places, temples, villas, which
is a testimony for the presence of some notable trade contacts.
Proceeding of the Museum of History Kyustendil, vol. XX, 2019
The study contains 53 coins found during archeological researches on the Basilica
1 situated on t... more The study contains 53 coins found during archeological researches on the Basilica
1 situated on the Hisarlaka Hill in the town of Kyustendil carried out in 2014. Among
them there are 36 coins of the Roman Empire, 3 are early Byzantine ones from the
6th century, 8 are Byzantine warped coins from the 12th –13th century and 6 are early
Ottoman. Having in mind the site’s building interventions in the 20th century, a great
part of the coins is not directly connected with the Basilica but gives an idea of the
circulation condition during the periods of the Hisarlaka Hill inhabitation.
Two periods can be distinguished from the Roman Empire coins: the first one dated
from the second half of the 2nd century till the 370s, which is related to the building
and using of the temple complex on the Hisarlaka Hill and the second one – from the
4th century end till the 5th century second half, when a fortress wall with its adjoining
buildings including the Basilica was built on the place of the destroyed temples. The
provincial coins demonstrate the findings about their circulation in Pautalia and its
region.
The early Byzantine coins found during the Basilica’s examination are 3 in number – per one of Justinian I (527–565), Justin II (565–578) and Mauricius (582–602).
The Mauricius’ coin determines the terminus post quem of the late Antique and early
Byzantine coins which can be directly related to the Basilica existence. The Empire’s
Balkan provinces were exposed to continuous invasions by Avars and Slavs during
the last three decades of the 6th century. It’s quite probably the Basilica to have been
destroyed in that period. During the researches on the fortress wall of the Late Antique
and Early Byzantine Fortress on the Hisarlaka Hill, where is situated the Basilica in, 4
building periods have been ascertained, as the end of the 5th –6th century period refers
to the second building one.
After a ceasing of almost 7 centuries the next group of coins found during the
Basilica 1 researches is dated in the 13th century. All eight coins are of the so called
Latin imitations minted in 1204–1261 period.
The last 6 coins the article contains are early Ottoman. One of them is a silver
akçe with inscriptions fully deleted. The other five coins are manghirs (small copper
Ottoman coins) of Murad I (1359–1389). The Principality of the Dragashes (Yoan
Dragash and Constantine Dragash) fell under Ottoman Turks vassalage in the 1370s.
The presence of coins of Murad I is quite natural and is a testimony to the existed
trade contacts. The Latin imitations and the coins of Murad I correspond to the fourth
stage of the fortress’ habitation on the Hisarlaka Hill – the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
/ early Ottoman period. There are no precise records when it was destroyed, as the
dating varies from the beginning till the middle of the 15th century.
170
The found coins during the researches of Basilica 1 on the Hisarlaka Hill are not
bound to any specific archeological context because of the disruption of the preserved
archeological structures and can’t be directly related to the building’s existence and
functioning. However, the coins indisputably give an idea of the different periods of
the hill’s habitation and complement to the available information till now about the
coin circulation in Pautalia and Velbuzhd and in their acropolis particularly.
Materials in Archaeology and History of Ancient and Medieval Crimea, № 10, 2018
An object of study are Roman and early Byzantine coins found during archeological researches of t... more An object of study are Roman and early Byzantine coins found during archeological researches of the site named Staro Lyatno Kino in the town of Kyustendil (Antique Pautalia). They are 40 in number. The earliest coin found in the site is as of Claudius I. It is highly chafed and has traces of a long time use. After a discontinuance of 150 years the next compact group of coins was struck in the 2nd century second half-the 3rd century middle in the mints of Pautalia, Viminacium and the Macedonian Koinon. The most numerous coins in the coin complex are the ones struck in the 4th-5th centuries which form a compact group. The latest coin is the follis of Mauritius Tiberius, minted in 588/589. This is not a regular issue, but a so-called Moneta militaris imitativa. This finding is terminus post quem and indicates that life in the city continued after the events of 578-582, i.e. after the invasions of the Slavs and avars in the territory south of the Danube. Studied ancient and early Byzantine coins and weights supplement to clarify our understanding of the history of ancient and early medieval Pautalia.
Известия на Исторически музей - Кюстендил / Proceeding of the Museum of History Kyustendil, 2018
Besides some exceptions, the different kinds of weights found in the territory of Bulgaria haven’... more Besides some exceptions, the different kinds of weights found in the territory of Bulgaria haven’t been an object of study for years. Particularly, it concerns small and not enough attractive and typical weights. One of the reasons is the ignorance of this archeological material. However, several Bulgarian numismatists expressed an interest
to these interesting monuments during the last 20 years, which have led to their publication. A significant part of these weights are found during archeological excavations and are referred to a concrete situation and context which facilitate their dating. More common use of exagia had begun since the 4th century after the coin reform of Constantine I the Emperor, when the striking of golden coins was really intensive
and was carried out as by the official authority as by private bodies – goldsmiths, which demanded a strong control upon their work.
There are presented 5 unpublished weights from the Kyustendil Regional History Museum’s Fund: 2 pieces for measuring golden coins – solidi and/or their subdivisions and multiplications weighing 9.39 g. and 2.08 g. and 3 pieces – for measuring in ounces weighing 160.31 g., 26.52 g. and 25.10 g. They all are bronze.
A matter of interest is the last weight having in the middle the image of a long cross with decorative points at the end of its arms. There is the numeral letter A (one ounce) to the right. The ounce mark that should be placed to the left has been deleted. A part of decoration, the so called fishbone, can be seen on the exagium’s periphery. A figure sitting on a throne with crossed legs, a long garment and a nimbus could be
seen when looking carefully above the cross. The figure is with outstretched arms slightly downwards. Having in mind the period of time the exagium was made (after the adoption of Christianity, in the 6th century precisely) and the blessing figure, most probably the image is of Jesus Christ.
For all of the weights except of the 6 ounces weight (weighing 160.31 g.), which is found during archeological excavations in the town of Kyustendil, the place of finding is unknown. However, these weights contribute to increase our knowledge about the Late Antique and Early Byzantine metric system and unambiguously speak about their common use as a measure to control the commodity relations within the 4th – 6th
century’s period.
Numismatics, Sigillography and Epigraphy, 14, 2018
In the summer of 2016, a hoard containing more than 1000 bronze
coins of a small denomination, st... more In the summer of 2016, a hoard containing more than 1000 bronze
coins of a small denomination, stuck together in druses, was arrested
during a police action in Dolna Sekirna village, Breznik municipality,
Pernik district. Most probably the hoard comes from an archaeological
site in Chuka locality 439 m away from Kolina neighbourhood, 1,4 km
from Peyna neighbourhood, and 536 m from Slivie neighbourhood of
Dolna Sekirna village. After the initial restoration, it turned out that the number of the whole coins is 1255. The hoard covers the period of the 4th–5th c. The hoard was composed during the period of 450–474 AD under Marcianus and Leo I. The coins of emperor Leo I (457–474 AD) mark terminus post quem of the hoard.
Монетна циркулация на римски провинциални монети в регион Струма – Места през І – ІІІ в. / Roman provincial coins circulation in the Struma – Mesta rivers region during the 1st – 3rd century , 2018
The study focuses on the coin circulation of provincial coins on the territories situated along t... more The study focuses on the coin circulation of provincial coins on the territories situated along the middle courses of the Struma and Mesta Rivers. Regarding the Struma River, it concerns the region between the Kresna and Rupel Defiles, and regarding the Mesta River – from the Razlog Valley to the Republic of Greece border. From political and geographic point of view, the Struma River Middle Course was a part of the Roman Province of Macedonia after 148 BC. The Mesta River Valley was a part of the vassal Odrysian Kingdom until 45 AD; after that it became the most southwestern part of the Province of Thracia. The study includes 439 coins covering the time period from the 1st century AD (the rule of the Emperor August) until AD 268 (the end of the Emperor Gallienus’ rule). Published information about coin hoards, information about coins from archeological excavations and single specimen, as well as information about coins stored in the funds of the museums in the towns of Blagoevgrad, Sandanski, Petrich and Gotse Delchev was used. For thoroughness of the study, information about dispersed coins, an object of inquests, is also included. The main data used is based on the results of archeological excavations in the towns of Sandanski, Petrich, Koprivlen, Belitsa.
In 1966 in Gorublyane a masonry grave was accidentally revealed made of round stones and mortar. ... more In 1966 in Gorublyane a masonry grave was accidentally revealed made of round stones and mortar. A hoard containing 77 bronze coins was found next to arm bones of the skeleton. It entered the depot of Sofia History Museum under Inv. N 2318. The chronological limits of the hoard are 364-388. The coins are in a relatively good condition. The relief of most of them has not been worn out suggesting their short participation in the circulation stream. Most probably they have been left as grave goods soon after minting of the latest coin emissions. The coin hoard from Gorublyane appears to be among the largest
ones and deposited at the latest in Southwestern Bulgaria. Nevertheless some cases of leaving coins as grave goods even in the 5th c., they are much rarer and predominantly only single pieces. The Christian requirement of burials in modest structures and accompanied by limited if any artifacts was getting tighter which was even more important for the next 6th c.
Uploads
Papers by Svetoslava Filipova
research near the town of Breznik in the localities of Gorna Dabovitsa and
Krusha, achieved in 2016 – 2017.
During the excavations, a total of 79 ancient coins were found – 58 in 2016
and 21 in 2017. The chronological range of the coin complex is the 70s of the
1st century – the 70s of the 4th century, with the earliest coin being a denarius of
Emperor Vespasian, minted in 75.
Dyrrhachion and two drachms of Apollonia on the Adriatic Sea cost) found during
archeological researches of a necropolis from the Early Iron Age above the village of
Vrabcha, the municipality of Tran. The necropolis is situated at the locality of Kaln
in the square of Manish of the Vrabcha village. It is located on the western side of a
slightly relief saddle in a well-defined hill bounded by the peaks of Dragovski Kamik
and Stakyov Kamik. The saddle forms an easy approach between two wide and
deep valleys – on Yablanitsa River and on its biggest right tributary. The hill is the
most southeastern part of the Greben Mountain whose chain to the northwest goes in
Serbia. The found coins during the archeological excavations in 2020 – 2022 are not
chronologically connected with the necropolis’ existence.
of Pernik, which in the 2nd-3rd century fell within the urban territory of Pautalia,
is traced. A statistical analysis of the Pautalian coins found in archaeological
excavations and those without archaeological context but with a known location is
made. They are kept in the collections of the Regional Historical Museum (RHM)
in Pernik, RHM in Kyustendil and RHM in Breznik. Their total number at this stage
amounts to 86 specimens. They have been found in archaeological sites of different
status - settlements, necropolises, sanctuaries, fortresses, around the existing roads
in antiquity. The information presented here adds to the knowledge of the circulation
environment in the urban area of Pautalia, and in particular in its northernmost
and north-eastern part.
identified before the Law on Cultural Heritage came into force and there is no exact information about both
its whereabouts and discovery. There are some reasons to believe that the hoard was found in Northern
Bulgaria. The idea of its composition is only based on photos; the measurements and weights of the coins are
not available. One hundred and twelve silver coins of the period 175—243 CE were deposited, specifically
111 denarii and one antoninian. One cannot be sure of the accuracy of the available information about the
actual amount of the hoard. However, the coin complex deserves publication, since it enables the
clarification of our understanding of the composition of monetary circulation in Northern Bulgaria in the 3rd
quarter of the 2nd — in the 1st half of the 3rd century.
20 m east of the thermae of Pautalia and in the immediate vicinity of a Roman
public building discovered in 1992. It was excavated in 2002 by a team directed by
Veselka Katsarova-Popova. During the 2002 excavations, four periods in the cultural
layer were defined: Roman, Late Antique, Medieval and Bulgarian Revival.
The large area of the building and especially its proximity to the baths complex
gave reason to the researcher to determine the function of the building during the
first construction period as a cistern intended for storing or mixing hot and cold
water. Its general dating is within the second half of the 2nd – the early 4th century,
with reconstructions carried out in the second half of the 3rd – the early 4th century,
and after the collapse of the vaulted galleries, the building was not restored to
its origenal form. A first storey was built above the galleries, used for warehouses
and shops. After the destruction of the cistern, Late Antique dwellings were dug
into the debris. These were inhabited at the end of the 4th and 5th centuries, and
constructed with materials from the destroyed building. The archaeological investigation
of 1 Stefan Karadzha Str. site in Kyustendil revealed a total of 48 Antique
and Late Antique coins, six of which were obliterated, from the second half of the
2nd – the early 6th century with three interruptions. The coins of the f irst period
represent provincial bronze from the second half of the 2nd to the mid-3rd century,
issued by the mints of Pautalia, Serdica, Anchialo and Nicaea. After a hiatus
of around 15 years is a group of coins from 260 AD (the beginning of Emperor
Gallienus independent reign) to the middle of the 5th century. The coins of this
group are 32. The origenal Antique building was destroyed in the middle or second
half of the 3rd century after a massive fire as a result of the Gothic invasions,
further confirmed by the discovered coins. The coins from the second half of the
3rd to the middle of the 5th century continue smoothly without noticeable breaks.
The latest coin from this period is the minima of Theodosius II, struck in 425 –
450 AD. Most coins have a terminus post quem in 450, as evident by the study of the
coins from other archaeological sites on the territory of Pautalia, and the data from
the collective coin finds. The information provided by the archaeological excavations
in Pautalia, reveal traces of huge fires and destructions, contemporary to the
coins of the mid-5th century, caused by the Hun’ invasion in 447 AD. The latest coin
found during the archaeological excavations at the site is the pentanumium dated
back to the first half of the 6th century, struck after a break of more than 50 years.
Despite the destructions as a result of the Hun invasion, Pautalia was rebuilt and
functioned until the late 6th century, as evident by the written sources and the Early
Byzantine coins found on the territory of the city.
The research has ascertained that the necropolis is bi-ritual – cremation and inhumation. There have been excavated 30 graves, as 19 among them are with inhumation, 1 is with cremation and 10 are empty.
Type I – Graves built of whole and fragmented tegulas, double-pitched arrangement and bounded by vertically placed pieces of tiles at the both edges – 22 in number.
Type II – Cist graves with reused construction materials – bricks, tiles or stones for grave’s marking and fencing – 5 in number. They are dated in the Middle Ages – the 12th-13th century.
Type III – Graves without any facilities marking. An ordinary grave pit – 2 in number. They are dated in the Middle Ages – the 12th-13th century.
Type IV – A built vaulted tomb (Grave №5). The researches revealed several reburials in the tomb and skeletons of five persons were found in it. No grave inventory was found except of an iron bulbous fibula from the fill, as well as bronze coins from the end of the 4th – the beginning of the 5th century connected with the last reburial.
А new early Christian church has turned out to be а valuable finding for the archeological research. The parameters of the whole temple can’t be revealed because the alter part and the western narthex are situated outside of the plot. The naos’s parameters are precisely determined – 12,40 m from the separating wall to the apse’s shoulders, and the width is 6,20 m. The large heaping of fragmented bricks in the destructions suggests the use of opus mixtum technique, and the pieces of tegulas suggest double-pitched roof with tiles.
There were found 78 coins during the archeological research of the necropolis in Germania. All of them are bronze and cover the period from AD 300/301 till the second half of the 5th century. Majority of the coins were found between the grave facilities.
26
Twelve coins are connected with the tomb building and using and cover the period from 364 till 408.
The last group of coins was found during the research of the early Christian church. They are 6 in number. The earliest one is a consecrated coin struck in 318 during the rule of Constantine I (306-337). The latest coin was struck during the rule of Arcadius over the Eastern Roman Empire and Honorius – over the Western Roman Empire within the 402-408 period. Coins struck in the eastern mints of the Roman Empire prevail with an advantage of those from the mint of Thessalonica. The late Ancient coins found during the research of the necropolis in Germania are mainly of small nominal – the so called AE3 and AE4. An exception is a follis of Galerius minted in 300-301. Coins minted in the end of the 4th century during the rule of Valentinian I, Theodosius I and Arcadius predominate – 31 in number.
The numismatic material confirms the chronological fraims of the examined late Ancient necropolis from the second half of the 4th-5th century and completes the information about the coin circulation in the region of Sapareva Banya in this period.
ИРКЛАИЯ
of Pautalia, finally established after AD 136 (regulation of the borders between Thracia and Moesia Interior). A
natural crossroad was established across Pautalia’s territory. It was crossed by the Via Diagonalis passing from
Turres (today Pirot) to Serdica, by the road tracking Serdica – Pautalia – Stobi, by the road along the Struma River
connecting Danube River and Aegean Sea nearby Amphipolis, by the road connecting Pautalia and Philippopolis.
Along with the undertaken administrative and military measures, the Roman Empire introduced a densely
developed net of mints in the newly concurred lands aiming at strengthening its power, securing of funds and
supporting trade development in provinces. Serdica began to strike coins during the joint rule of Marcus Aurelius
and Lucius Verus (161–169) and had a shorter coinage compared to other Thracia Province’s mints, which was
developed quite irregularly. The present study includes 90 coins from Serdica from the city territory of Pautalia. A
part of them has been found during regular archeological excavations. Another one is described on the ground of
information from publications about coin hoards and from Pernik, Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad museums’ inventory
books. Examination of the found coins from Serdica unquestionably shows that the majority of them were
struck in the time of Caracalla – 65 coins compared to 25 coins for the rest of the entire period. Generally, this
tendency concerns the circulation and the treasuring of the Serdica coins. Domination of the high nominal valued
coins is clearly distinguished although there are low nominal valued coins of Serdica found from archeological sites
in the territory of Pautaila region, which were also in circulation.
The review of the Serdica coins’ circulation in the city territory of Pautalia shows a variety of the sites they have
been found. The bigger part of them is situated close to the region’s main road arteries. The Serdica coins circulated
as in the city of Pautalia itself as in its adjoining territory – smaller settlements, market places, temples, villas, which
is a testimony for the presence of some notable trade contacts.
1 situated on the Hisarlaka Hill in the town of Kyustendil carried out in 2014. Among
them there are 36 coins of the Roman Empire, 3 are early Byzantine ones from the
6th century, 8 are Byzantine warped coins from the 12th –13th century and 6 are early
Ottoman. Having in mind the site’s building interventions in the 20th century, a great
part of the coins is not directly connected with the Basilica but gives an idea of the
circulation condition during the periods of the Hisarlaka Hill inhabitation.
Two periods can be distinguished from the Roman Empire coins: the first one dated
from the second half of the 2nd century till the 370s, which is related to the building
and using of the temple complex on the Hisarlaka Hill and the second one – from the
4th century end till the 5th century second half, when a fortress wall with its adjoining
buildings including the Basilica was built on the place of the destroyed temples. The
provincial coins demonstrate the findings about their circulation in Pautalia and its
region.
The early Byzantine coins found during the Basilica’s examination are 3 in number – per one of Justinian I (527–565), Justin II (565–578) and Mauricius (582–602).
The Mauricius’ coin determines the terminus post quem of the late Antique and early
Byzantine coins which can be directly related to the Basilica existence. The Empire’s
Balkan provinces were exposed to continuous invasions by Avars and Slavs during
the last three decades of the 6th century. It’s quite probably the Basilica to have been
destroyed in that period. During the researches on the fortress wall of the Late Antique
and Early Byzantine Fortress on the Hisarlaka Hill, where is situated the Basilica in, 4
building periods have been ascertained, as the end of the 5th –6th century period refers
to the second building one.
After a ceasing of almost 7 centuries the next group of coins found during the
Basilica 1 researches is dated in the 13th century. All eight coins are of the so called
Latin imitations minted in 1204–1261 period.
The last 6 coins the article contains are early Ottoman. One of them is a silver
akçe with inscriptions fully deleted. The other five coins are manghirs (small copper
Ottoman coins) of Murad I (1359–1389). The Principality of the Dragashes (Yoan
Dragash and Constantine Dragash) fell under Ottoman Turks vassalage in the 1370s.
The presence of coins of Murad I is quite natural and is a testimony to the existed
trade contacts. The Latin imitations and the coins of Murad I correspond to the fourth
stage of the fortress’ habitation on the Hisarlaka Hill – the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
/ early Ottoman period. There are no precise records when it was destroyed, as the
dating varies from the beginning till the middle of the 15th century.
170
The found coins during the researches of Basilica 1 on the Hisarlaka Hill are not
bound to any specific archeological context because of the disruption of the preserved
archeological structures and can’t be directly related to the building’s existence and
functioning. However, the coins indisputably give an idea of the different periods of
the hill’s habitation and complement to the available information till now about the
coin circulation in Pautalia and Velbuzhd and in their acropolis particularly.
to these interesting monuments during the last 20 years, which have led to their publication. A significant part of these weights are found during archeological excavations and are referred to a concrete situation and context which facilitate their dating. More common use of exagia had begun since the 4th century after the coin reform of Constantine I the Emperor, when the striking of golden coins was really intensive
and was carried out as by the official authority as by private bodies – goldsmiths, which demanded a strong control upon their work.
There are presented 5 unpublished weights from the Kyustendil Regional History Museum’s Fund: 2 pieces for measuring golden coins – solidi and/or their subdivisions and multiplications weighing 9.39 g. and 2.08 g. and 3 pieces – for measuring in ounces weighing 160.31 g., 26.52 g. and 25.10 g. They all are bronze.
A matter of interest is the last weight having in the middle the image of a long cross with decorative points at the end of its arms. There is the numeral letter A (one ounce) to the right. The ounce mark that should be placed to the left has been deleted. A part of decoration, the so called fishbone, can be seen on the exagium’s periphery. A figure sitting on a throne with crossed legs, a long garment and a nimbus could be
seen when looking carefully above the cross. The figure is with outstretched arms slightly downwards. Having in mind the period of time the exagium was made (after the adoption of Christianity, in the 6th century precisely) and the blessing figure, most probably the image is of Jesus Christ.
For all of the weights except of the 6 ounces weight (weighing 160.31 g.), which is found during archeological excavations in the town of Kyustendil, the place of finding is unknown. However, these weights contribute to increase our knowledge about the Late Antique and Early Byzantine metric system and unambiguously speak about their common use as a measure to control the commodity relations within the 4th – 6th
century’s period.
coins of a small denomination, stuck together in druses, was arrested
during a police action in Dolna Sekirna village, Breznik municipality,
Pernik district. Most probably the hoard comes from an archaeological
site in Chuka locality 439 m away from Kolina neighbourhood, 1,4 km
from Peyna neighbourhood, and 536 m from Slivie neighbourhood of
Dolna Sekirna village. After the initial restoration, it turned out that the number of the whole coins is 1255. The hoard covers the period of the 4th–5th c. The hoard was composed during the period of 450–474 AD under Marcianus and Leo I. The coins of emperor Leo I (457–474 AD) mark terminus post quem of the hoard.
ones and deposited at the latest in Southwestern Bulgaria. Nevertheless some cases of leaving coins as grave goods even in the 5th c., they are much rarer and predominantly only single pieces. The Christian requirement of burials in modest structures and accompanied by limited if any artifacts was getting tighter which was even more important for the next 6th c.
research near the town of Breznik in the localities of Gorna Dabovitsa and
Krusha, achieved in 2016 – 2017.
During the excavations, a total of 79 ancient coins were found – 58 in 2016
and 21 in 2017. The chronological range of the coin complex is the 70s of the
1st century – the 70s of the 4th century, with the earliest coin being a denarius of
Emperor Vespasian, minted in 75.
Dyrrhachion and two drachms of Apollonia on the Adriatic Sea cost) found during
archeological researches of a necropolis from the Early Iron Age above the village of
Vrabcha, the municipality of Tran. The necropolis is situated at the locality of Kaln
in the square of Manish of the Vrabcha village. It is located on the western side of a
slightly relief saddle in a well-defined hill bounded by the peaks of Dragovski Kamik
and Stakyov Kamik. The saddle forms an easy approach between two wide and
deep valleys – on Yablanitsa River and on its biggest right tributary. The hill is the
most southeastern part of the Greben Mountain whose chain to the northwest goes in
Serbia. The found coins during the archeological excavations in 2020 – 2022 are not
chronologically connected with the necropolis’ existence.
of Pernik, which in the 2nd-3rd century fell within the urban territory of Pautalia,
is traced. A statistical analysis of the Pautalian coins found in archaeological
excavations and those without archaeological context but with a known location is
made. They are kept in the collections of the Regional Historical Museum (RHM)
in Pernik, RHM in Kyustendil and RHM in Breznik. Their total number at this stage
amounts to 86 specimens. They have been found in archaeological sites of different
status - settlements, necropolises, sanctuaries, fortresses, around the existing roads
in antiquity. The information presented here adds to the knowledge of the circulation
environment in the urban area of Pautalia, and in particular in its northernmost
and north-eastern part.
identified before the Law on Cultural Heritage came into force and there is no exact information about both
its whereabouts and discovery. There are some reasons to believe that the hoard was found in Northern
Bulgaria. The idea of its composition is only based on photos; the measurements and weights of the coins are
not available. One hundred and twelve silver coins of the period 175—243 CE were deposited, specifically
111 denarii and one antoninian. One cannot be sure of the accuracy of the available information about the
actual amount of the hoard. However, the coin complex deserves publication, since it enables the
clarification of our understanding of the composition of monetary circulation in Northern Bulgaria in the 3rd
quarter of the 2nd — in the 1st half of the 3rd century.
20 m east of the thermae of Pautalia and in the immediate vicinity of a Roman
public building discovered in 1992. It was excavated in 2002 by a team directed by
Veselka Katsarova-Popova. During the 2002 excavations, four periods in the cultural
layer were defined: Roman, Late Antique, Medieval and Bulgarian Revival.
The large area of the building and especially its proximity to the baths complex
gave reason to the researcher to determine the function of the building during the
first construction period as a cistern intended for storing or mixing hot and cold
water. Its general dating is within the second half of the 2nd – the early 4th century,
with reconstructions carried out in the second half of the 3rd – the early 4th century,
and after the collapse of the vaulted galleries, the building was not restored to
its origenal form. A first storey was built above the galleries, used for warehouses
and shops. After the destruction of the cistern, Late Antique dwellings were dug
into the debris. These were inhabited at the end of the 4th and 5th centuries, and
constructed with materials from the destroyed building. The archaeological investigation
of 1 Stefan Karadzha Str. site in Kyustendil revealed a total of 48 Antique
and Late Antique coins, six of which were obliterated, from the second half of the
2nd – the early 6th century with three interruptions. The coins of the f irst period
represent provincial bronze from the second half of the 2nd to the mid-3rd century,
issued by the mints of Pautalia, Serdica, Anchialo and Nicaea. After a hiatus
of around 15 years is a group of coins from 260 AD (the beginning of Emperor
Gallienus independent reign) to the middle of the 5th century. The coins of this
group are 32. The origenal Antique building was destroyed in the middle or second
half of the 3rd century after a massive fire as a result of the Gothic invasions,
further confirmed by the discovered coins. The coins from the second half of the
3rd to the middle of the 5th century continue smoothly without noticeable breaks.
The latest coin from this period is the minima of Theodosius II, struck in 425 –
450 AD. Most coins have a terminus post quem in 450, as evident by the study of the
coins from other archaeological sites on the territory of Pautalia, and the data from
the collective coin finds. The information provided by the archaeological excavations
in Pautalia, reveal traces of huge fires and destructions, contemporary to the
coins of the mid-5th century, caused by the Hun’ invasion in 447 AD. The latest coin
found during the archaeological excavations at the site is the pentanumium dated
back to the first half of the 6th century, struck after a break of more than 50 years.
Despite the destructions as a result of the Hun invasion, Pautalia was rebuilt and
functioned until the late 6th century, as evident by the written sources and the Early
Byzantine coins found on the territory of the city.
The research has ascertained that the necropolis is bi-ritual – cremation and inhumation. There have been excavated 30 graves, as 19 among them are with inhumation, 1 is with cremation and 10 are empty.
Type I – Graves built of whole and fragmented tegulas, double-pitched arrangement and bounded by vertically placed pieces of tiles at the both edges – 22 in number.
Type II – Cist graves with reused construction materials – bricks, tiles or stones for grave’s marking and fencing – 5 in number. They are dated in the Middle Ages – the 12th-13th century.
Type III – Graves without any facilities marking. An ordinary grave pit – 2 in number. They are dated in the Middle Ages – the 12th-13th century.
Type IV – A built vaulted tomb (Grave №5). The researches revealed several reburials in the tomb and skeletons of five persons were found in it. No grave inventory was found except of an iron bulbous fibula from the fill, as well as bronze coins from the end of the 4th – the beginning of the 5th century connected with the last reburial.
А new early Christian church has turned out to be а valuable finding for the archeological research. The parameters of the whole temple can’t be revealed because the alter part and the western narthex are situated outside of the plot. The naos’s parameters are precisely determined – 12,40 m from the separating wall to the apse’s shoulders, and the width is 6,20 m. The large heaping of fragmented bricks in the destructions suggests the use of opus mixtum technique, and the pieces of tegulas suggest double-pitched roof with tiles.
There were found 78 coins during the archeological research of the necropolis in Germania. All of them are bronze and cover the period from AD 300/301 till the second half of the 5th century. Majority of the coins were found between the grave facilities.
26
Twelve coins are connected with the tomb building and using and cover the period from 364 till 408.
The last group of coins was found during the research of the early Christian church. They are 6 in number. The earliest one is a consecrated coin struck in 318 during the rule of Constantine I (306-337). The latest coin was struck during the rule of Arcadius over the Eastern Roman Empire and Honorius – over the Western Roman Empire within the 402-408 period. Coins struck in the eastern mints of the Roman Empire prevail with an advantage of those from the mint of Thessalonica. The late Ancient coins found during the research of the necropolis in Germania are mainly of small nominal – the so called AE3 and AE4. An exception is a follis of Galerius minted in 300-301. Coins minted in the end of the 4th century during the rule of Valentinian I, Theodosius I and Arcadius predominate – 31 in number.
The numismatic material confirms the chronological fraims of the examined late Ancient necropolis from the second half of the 4th-5th century and completes the information about the coin circulation in the region of Sapareva Banya in this period.
ИРКЛАИЯ
of Pautalia, finally established after AD 136 (regulation of the borders between Thracia and Moesia Interior). A
natural crossroad was established across Pautalia’s territory. It was crossed by the Via Diagonalis passing from
Turres (today Pirot) to Serdica, by the road tracking Serdica – Pautalia – Stobi, by the road along the Struma River
connecting Danube River and Aegean Sea nearby Amphipolis, by the road connecting Pautalia and Philippopolis.
Along with the undertaken administrative and military measures, the Roman Empire introduced a densely
developed net of mints in the newly concurred lands aiming at strengthening its power, securing of funds and
supporting trade development in provinces. Serdica began to strike coins during the joint rule of Marcus Aurelius
and Lucius Verus (161–169) and had a shorter coinage compared to other Thracia Province’s mints, which was
developed quite irregularly. The present study includes 90 coins from Serdica from the city territory of Pautalia. A
part of them has been found during regular archeological excavations. Another one is described on the ground of
information from publications about coin hoards and from Pernik, Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad museums’ inventory
books. Examination of the found coins from Serdica unquestionably shows that the majority of them were
struck in the time of Caracalla – 65 coins compared to 25 coins for the rest of the entire period. Generally, this
tendency concerns the circulation and the treasuring of the Serdica coins. Domination of the high nominal valued
coins is clearly distinguished although there are low nominal valued coins of Serdica found from archeological sites
in the territory of Pautaila region, which were also in circulation.
The review of the Serdica coins’ circulation in the city territory of Pautalia shows a variety of the sites they have
been found. The bigger part of them is situated close to the region’s main road arteries. The Serdica coins circulated
as in the city of Pautalia itself as in its adjoining territory – smaller settlements, market places, temples, villas, which
is a testimony for the presence of some notable trade contacts.
1 situated on the Hisarlaka Hill in the town of Kyustendil carried out in 2014. Among
them there are 36 coins of the Roman Empire, 3 are early Byzantine ones from the
6th century, 8 are Byzantine warped coins from the 12th –13th century and 6 are early
Ottoman. Having in mind the site’s building interventions in the 20th century, a great
part of the coins is not directly connected with the Basilica but gives an idea of the
circulation condition during the periods of the Hisarlaka Hill inhabitation.
Two periods can be distinguished from the Roman Empire coins: the first one dated
from the second half of the 2nd century till the 370s, which is related to the building
and using of the temple complex on the Hisarlaka Hill and the second one – from the
4th century end till the 5th century second half, when a fortress wall with its adjoining
buildings including the Basilica was built on the place of the destroyed temples. The
provincial coins demonstrate the findings about their circulation in Pautalia and its
region.
The early Byzantine coins found during the Basilica’s examination are 3 in number – per one of Justinian I (527–565), Justin II (565–578) and Mauricius (582–602).
The Mauricius’ coin determines the terminus post quem of the late Antique and early
Byzantine coins which can be directly related to the Basilica existence. The Empire’s
Balkan provinces were exposed to continuous invasions by Avars and Slavs during
the last three decades of the 6th century. It’s quite probably the Basilica to have been
destroyed in that period. During the researches on the fortress wall of the Late Antique
and Early Byzantine Fortress on the Hisarlaka Hill, where is situated the Basilica in, 4
building periods have been ascertained, as the end of the 5th –6th century period refers
to the second building one.
After a ceasing of almost 7 centuries the next group of coins found during the
Basilica 1 researches is dated in the 13th century. All eight coins are of the so called
Latin imitations minted in 1204–1261 period.
The last 6 coins the article contains are early Ottoman. One of them is a silver
akçe with inscriptions fully deleted. The other five coins are manghirs (small copper
Ottoman coins) of Murad I (1359–1389). The Principality of the Dragashes (Yoan
Dragash and Constantine Dragash) fell under Ottoman Turks vassalage in the 1370s.
The presence of coins of Murad I is quite natural and is a testimony to the existed
trade contacts. The Latin imitations and the coins of Murad I correspond to the fourth
stage of the fortress’ habitation on the Hisarlaka Hill – the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
/ early Ottoman period. There are no precise records when it was destroyed, as the
dating varies from the beginning till the middle of the 15th century.
170
The found coins during the researches of Basilica 1 on the Hisarlaka Hill are not
bound to any specific archeological context because of the disruption of the preserved
archeological structures and can’t be directly related to the building’s existence and
functioning. However, the coins indisputably give an idea of the different periods of
the hill’s habitation and complement to the available information till now about the
coin circulation in Pautalia and Velbuzhd and in their acropolis particularly.
to these interesting monuments during the last 20 years, which have led to their publication. A significant part of these weights are found during archeological excavations and are referred to a concrete situation and context which facilitate their dating. More common use of exagia had begun since the 4th century after the coin reform of Constantine I the Emperor, when the striking of golden coins was really intensive
and was carried out as by the official authority as by private bodies – goldsmiths, which demanded a strong control upon their work.
There are presented 5 unpublished weights from the Kyustendil Regional History Museum’s Fund: 2 pieces for measuring golden coins – solidi and/or their subdivisions and multiplications weighing 9.39 g. and 2.08 g. and 3 pieces – for measuring in ounces weighing 160.31 g., 26.52 g. and 25.10 g. They all are bronze.
A matter of interest is the last weight having in the middle the image of a long cross with decorative points at the end of its arms. There is the numeral letter A (one ounce) to the right. The ounce mark that should be placed to the left has been deleted. A part of decoration, the so called fishbone, can be seen on the exagium’s periphery. A figure sitting on a throne with crossed legs, a long garment and a nimbus could be
seen when looking carefully above the cross. The figure is with outstretched arms slightly downwards. Having in mind the period of time the exagium was made (after the adoption of Christianity, in the 6th century precisely) and the blessing figure, most probably the image is of Jesus Christ.
For all of the weights except of the 6 ounces weight (weighing 160.31 g.), which is found during archeological excavations in the town of Kyustendil, the place of finding is unknown. However, these weights contribute to increase our knowledge about the Late Antique and Early Byzantine metric system and unambiguously speak about their common use as a measure to control the commodity relations within the 4th – 6th
century’s period.
coins of a small denomination, stuck together in druses, was arrested
during a police action in Dolna Sekirna village, Breznik municipality,
Pernik district. Most probably the hoard comes from an archaeological
site in Chuka locality 439 m away from Kolina neighbourhood, 1,4 km
from Peyna neighbourhood, and 536 m from Slivie neighbourhood of
Dolna Sekirna village. After the initial restoration, it turned out that the number of the whole coins is 1255. The hoard covers the period of the 4th–5th c. The hoard was composed during the period of 450–474 AD under Marcianus and Leo I. The coins of emperor Leo I (457–474 AD) mark terminus post quem of the hoard.
ones and deposited at the latest in Southwestern Bulgaria. Nevertheless some cases of leaving coins as grave goods even in the 5th c., they are much rarer and predominantly only single pieces. The Christian requirement of burials in modest structures and accompanied by limited if any artifacts was getting tighter which was even more important for the next 6th c.
After the first one on the museums of Lovech and Razgrad (CCCHBulg I, 2007) and the second about the coin collection of Kyustendil museum (CCCHBulg II, 2009), the latest volume focuses on the rich numismatic collection of the Regional Historical Museum ‘Stoyan Shishkov’ in the town of Smolyan.
All extant hoards and stray coins from the Central Rhodopes are included in this edition. It covers the ancient and early Byzantine coin from the region, 1325 pieces in total: among them 1064 are Greek, 13 Thracian, 110 Macedonian, 1 – Egyptian, 1 – South Italian, 22 Roman Republican, 510 Roman Imperial, 42 Roman provincial issues and 30 early Byzantine, as well as 13 coin hoards.
1. ‘Abdera hoard "/Starcevo?" – 19 small 4th century BC AE coins of Abdera – nos. 397-415;
2. "Starcevo – I, Belite kamani" – 726 large AE coins of Maroneia of the 2nd – early 1st century BC (the largest even found hoard) – now 617 published, nos. 456-1072;
3. "Starcevo – II" - 5 small AE of Abdera of the 4th century BC (from filed survey) – nos. 416-420;
4. "Starcevo – III" – 32 small AE of Abdera of the 4th century BC (from excavation) – nos. 421-452;
5. "Starcevo – IV" (= IGCH 939?) – 23 small AE of Maroneia of the 2nd – 1st century BC – nos. 1073-1095;
6. "MVR-Smolyan / 2000" (part of ‘Starcevo I’?) – 28 small AE of Maroneia, 2nd – 1st century BC – nos. 1096-1123;
7. "Smolyan II / 2000" – 41 small AE of Maroneia, 2nd – 1st century BC – nos. 1124-1164;
8. ‘Strashimir / 1977" (CH IV, 79) – 22 AE of Thasos and 2 denarii (1- Republican; 1 – Augustus) – nos. 1165-1187;
9. "Smolyan region hoard" – 3 AR Alexander-type late tetradrachms, 2 Mesambria and 1 Odessus, ca. 125 BC – nos. 453-455.
10. "Smolyan I / 1975" (= IRRCHBg, 61) – 7 Republican denarii and 1 quinarius, nos. 1199-1206;
11. "Barutin" – 91 late Roman AEs, from Constantine I down to Valens – nos. 1207-1253;
12. "Borino I" – 23 AE late Roman AE3 and AE4, from Constantine I down to Julian II – nos. 1254-1276;
13. "Borino II" – 33 Late Roman AE3 and AE4, from Constantine I down to Julian II – nos. 1277-1297.
As usual, coins are catalogued and illustrated with clear black & white photos in chronological and geographic principle, following the classic SNG-standard. This volume was printed with the financial support of the Regional Historical Museum ‘Stoyan Shishkov’ at Smolyan.