BULGARIAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS SHOW ARTEFACTS FOUND IN MEDIEVAL CITY OF MISSIONIS

Lead cross featuring depictions of the crucified Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the three apostles - Peter, Paul and Andrew was displayed on 20th of August in the final stage of the archaeological campaign "Missionis 2015". The artefact was found during the excavations of the Early Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian city of Missionis, located near today’s city of Targovishte in the North-East of Bulgaria.

This is the first relic made of lead, found in our lands. One of the earliest monuments symbolizing the adoption of Christianity - the figure of Mars with missing head, arms and legs – was also presented to the public.

Studies of the ancient city began back in 1962 by prof. Dimitar Ovcharov. Missionis covers an area of 700 decares and is located on the road between Sofia and Varna.

Prof. Ovcharov explained that the lead cross was actually discovered several years ago, but its restoration took place this summer.