ARCHAEOLOGISTS FOUND 2,600 YEARS OLD “COINS” AT THE BULGARIAN ST. KIRIK ISLAND

Bulgarian archaeologists discovered arrows which were used as coins 2,6000 year ago. They were found during excavations carried out on the island Saint Kirik and Julita near the Bulgarian seaside resort Sozopol. The arrows were also used as offerings to the Gods. It is considered that there was a temple of Apollo Iatros (the healer) at the place explored by the team of associate professor, PhD Krastina Panayotova.

The excavation work on the island began in 2009. A large amount of artefacts were found, says Panayotova. Among them are rare containers for incense in the shape of a bull head and head of a ram, recumbent ram and two vessels in the shape of a warrior with helmet.

The latest finds include a theatrical mask with a height of only 4 cm, clasp of a medieval book from the basilica, which was later located on the island, and the two bronze arrows.

Among the other finds were a bowl placed at the bottom of a ritual pit. Perhaps, the statue of Apollo was at the place. The archaeologists also found the neighborhood of the first settlers from Miletus, who arrived in these lands in the 6th century BC.

photo: BTA