The medieval fortress Markeli

The fortress Markeli is in the region of Karnobat Municipality, built in the western part of Hisar height. In antiquity, there were two swamps north and southwest from the fortress. The bridge over Mochuritsa River was the only passable connection between them. The strategic location and the natural defence were the main reasons for the construction of the fortress on this place. Several important battles took place in the surroundings of Markeli. During one of them, in July 20, 792 a.d., the Bulgarian forces besieged the Roman Emperor Constantine VI in the fortress and defeated his armies. After his escape the Emperor had to pay tax to Khan Kardam (777-802), and the fortress became Bulgarian possession. More than century after that Markeli was the most important border fortress situated on the shortest road between Constantinopolis and the first Bulgarian capital city, Pliska. There are one medieval basilica from the 6th century, one Old-Bulgarian church from the 10th century and on Roman church from the 11th cenruty, found during the archeological excavations in 1986. The area, surrounded by the fortress walls is 14,6 decares. Probably the fortress was destroyed by the Ottomans in 1371 during the battle near Chernomen.