BTA: Archaeologists Uncover Earlier Temple Beneath Heracles Sanctuary in Ancient Heraclea Sintica

Parts of an earlier building, believed to have been a temple dedicated to Heracles, have been uncovered beneath the existing sanctuary in the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica, BTA learned from Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who leads the excavations at the ancient city.

In his words, it is both highly probable and logical that the structure represents the original Temple of Heracles, which was later enlarged and rebuilt. Archaeologists have so far uncovered several walls belonging to the earlier building, outlining parts of its ground plan.

The evidence suggests that the structure belongs to an earlier phase in the development of the cult site, on top of which a larger and more monumental temple was built later on. Further excavations are planned to determine the building's full layout and architectural characteristics.

Archaeologists hope to uncover additional finds, such as pottery, inscriptions or cult objects, which could reveal more precise information about the building's function and date. According to Prof. Vagalinski, it is reasonable to assume that this was the original Temple of Heracles Kynagidas (the Hunter), erected when the Macedonian colony in the area was founded on the territory of the Sintians (or Sinti), a Thracian tribe.

 

At a later stage, the sanctuary was expanded, with the new temple built on the foundations of the older one. Such continuity is characteristic of religious architecture in antiquity. When cult buildings were destroyed or renovated, new temples were often erected on the same site, preserving its sacred significance.

Prof. Vagalinski called on the public to read and interpret scientific research accurately. He stressed that the name Heraclea Sintica means "the city of Heracles in the land of the Sinti", but this does not mean that the city belonged to the Sinti tribe. He noted that the issue has been examined in detail in published academic works available to the general public and emphasized the importance of relying on verified sources of information.

Excavations at Heraclea Sintica are continuing alongside the documentation and analysis of the newly uncovered structures. The team's aim is to trace the development of the cult complex over time and clarify its role in the religious and public life of the ancient city.