Nicopolis as Nestum

Nicopolis as Nestum is an antique fortified town situated northwestern from the city of Gotse Delchev (Southwestern Bulgaria). It is declared a monument of culture of national and international significance. Nicopolis as Nestum was founded by the roman emperor Trajan in the second half of the 4th century, and was ruined in end of 6th – 7th century by the Slavs. The town was founded near the Nestos river – today’s Mesta, and was inhabited for over 14 centuries. Nowadays the archeologists have studied territory of about 13 hectares. They found fragments of a bas-relief of the Thracian rider, a statue of Hermes, an old-Christian tombstone, more than 95 golden and about 22 other coins, glass and bronze vessels and pottery, golden ring, etc. Two Early Christian basilicas dated to 4th century were found near the fortified town, both of them having mosaic floors, and geometrical, plants and animal paintings, and have probably been a part of the complex. The altar table, found in fragments, is made of white marble with good polished surface.