Bulgaria: Antique cellar with 2500 years old wine amphorae discovered in Nessebar

(BulgariaWines) - In a study on the north shore of Old Town archaeologists came upon the house of a merchant who lived in the V century BC. In one of the rooms of the house, probably a basement or cellar, there are more 30 amphorae, very well preserved, said the team led by Prof. Anelia Bozhkova from the National Archaeological Institute at BAS and Petya Kiyashkina, head of Nessebar Museum.

Vessels were used for the delivery of wine from the Greek islands, explained Prof. Bozhkova. According to experts  the supplies were from the islands of Thassos, Chios, Lesbos, Samos likely.

Excavations were prospecting, started as a private project back in 2006-2007. Now it is financed by the Ministry of Culture and Museum “Old Nessebar.”

Amphorae are generally very well preserved, they are subject to a complete restoration and reconstruction, said Petya Kiyashkina. Archaeologists are convinced that it is extremely rare to find so many dishes in one place, where it in good condition.

According to Prof. Bozhkova finding evidence of active overseas trade in the middle of the V century BC. During this period of Nessebar was blooming Greek colony.

Northern coast of the peninsula is the least studied. Studies here are yet to come, this is defined in the Management Plan of the Old Nessebar, said Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov.