Pages: 219-240

A unique cult center in north-eastern Bulgaria includes 5 compactly set rocky sanctuaries. The central one — Bajalia — is a temple carved in a cave, with an altar, a throne carved in the rock, a terrain for cults and a pit. Findings coming from a 2 m thick cultural layer found at the bottom of the altar and dated by 6th c. BC — 4th c. AD tell about sacrifices (including human) in honor of Zalmoxis. Among other sanctuaries, Kirinjik is the most interesting. Its altars, secret passages and underground halls remind of the cave where Zalmoxis “disappeared”. Religious rites at the Taban River ceased when Emperor Theodosius I (379—395) put an end to pagan temples. However, worship to Zalmoxis continued in so called “Kookers’ Games”, which were practiced until not long ago in Silistra region.

Keywords: rocky sanctuary, cult of Zalmoxis, temple carved in a cave, underground habitation, human sacrifice, Bajalia, Kirinjik, Durostorum, Strelkovo, St. Dasius, throne, andreon, Getians

Information about author:

Georgi Atanasov (Silistra, Bulgaria). Doctor of history sciences. Regional History Museum.
E-mail: [email protected]