Belintash Rock Phenomenon

Belintash rock phenomenon lies in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, 30 km south of the town of Asenovgrad. Some say the name of the rock plateau means “stone of knowledge”, others hold it means “rock of war”, and there are people thinking Belintash is the Rhodope Stonehenge. The southern side of the phenomenon looks like a human profile that is believed to protect the unique natural phenomenon from treasure-hunters and malevolent visitors. According to some explorers the human hand-made work here represents one of the oldest astral maps, dating back to 7,000 years ago. Belintash is probably the only sanctuary in Bulgaria related to god Sabazios worshipped by the Thracian tribe Bessi, who once inhabited the site. Sabazios is the god later called Dionysos by the Greeks – the god of fertility and wine. According to historic data, here the ancient people committed sacrifices and auguries. At the foot of the mountain a silver sanctuary plate of the god was found. It represents Sabazios sitting on a throne against the background of snakes creeping upwards, representing the upward development of the human being and the circle of life. Local men say the magnetic field here is very strong and it is quite dangerous to stand on the plateau during thunderstorms.

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