Ancient fortress at Saint Athanasius Cape

Fortress at St. Athanasius Cape is located in the town of Byala, Varna region. The archaeological site is multi-layered-there are materials from different historical periods. There is large number of artefacts from the Classical to the Late Hellenistic era (V-I century BC.). Those from the Roman period are relatively few (I-III c.). Objects from Late Antiquity (end of IV- beginning of VII) are best studied. Ancient village and ancient fortress on St. Athanasius cape is a complex of three buildings with different functional characteristics - baptistery, winery and basilica. The site is the most important so far studied early Christian complex that includes a three-nave basilica with apse narthex, three christening sites, a well of holy water, home of the chief priest, manufacturing facilities - two kilns for pottery and wine. In the basilica, in the baptism sites and in their vicinity fragments of their architectural and decorative ornaments were found, as well as a whole and several other altar tables, fragments of frescoes, including image (s) of a saint, inscription "Maria", etc. based on the latest coin finds, the destruction of the fortress should be related to Avar-Slavic invasion in 614 years - the time of Emperor Heraclius (610-641). Late Antiquity fortress has an area of about 40 acres. Fortification line consists of the fortress wall and closes the cape from the north east to its south side. (Photo: http://museumbyala.com)