The Rogozen treasure

The Rogozen treasure was found by chance in 1985 in the village of Rogozen, some 43 km away from the town of Vratza, in the central part of the Danuba plain between the rivers of Ogosta and Iskar. While working in his garden, one of the local residents came upon a pile of beautiful silver receptacles, buried only 50 cm underground. The pile consisted of 42 jugs, 22 phials and one cup, which were conceded to the specialists working in the Vratza museum. In the process of excavations, which followed, archeologists were assured the treasure had been buried under extreme circumstances and had most probably been distributed in a number of groups. A second group of a total of 100 silver vessels was found later on, only 40 cm underground. Thus, the total number of receptacles reached 165 (54 jugs, 3 cups and 108 phials). Specialists think the treasure used to belong to a local ruling clan and had been collected over a long period of time – between V century B.C. until the 40s of the IV century B.C. On some of the items, different inscriptions were found, quoting the names of Thracian rulers and silversmiths, who are supposed to have created the vessels. The images, decorated on them, represent numerous scenes related to the religion of the ancient Thracians, as well as to Greek mythology.
The Rogozen Treasure is the biggest Thracian treasure found so far. It is currently stored and exhibited in the Historical Museum in the town of Vratza.