Ancient fortress „Castra ad Montanezium”, Montana

It is located on the hill called “Kaleto” or “Gradisteto” in the southwestern part of Montana, on about 40 m above the town. As a result from the archeological excavations had been discovered a gate with a tower, a big tower – an excellent model of fortress construction in 3-4th c., barracks and other buildings, basilica and walls from the Roman era, homes from the Stone-Copper age and in the lowest cultural layers, as well as Slavic dwellings and sanctuary. The first settlement of this strategic and easily defensible height dates back from the Stone-Copper Age- 4th c. BC. Thracian settlement was fortified with a massive wall (with preserved thickness of more than 1 meter), which follows the terrain and dates from the end of the early Iron Age. The importance of the hill has been appreciated by the Roman power. Probably the establishment of Roman troops (1st Sugambriyska cohort participated in the suppression of the Thracian revolt of 26 AD) had built a fort. Around the military camp, first mentioned in epigraphic monument of 134 AD and the ancient sanctuary close to the spring develops into village which in 160-161 was the given municipal law- i.e a town with an adjacent territory. The name of the settlement - Montana is preserved in an inscription of 2nd c. The economic and cultural boom in Montana II - IV century was interrupted in the middle of the III century by the Gothic invasions. At the threat of a new barbarian invasions began the building the fortress. When these attacks become more frequent in the 4th or 5th century from the south and east around the fortress a proteyhizma (second wall) was erected. The castle was destroyed in 6 – 7th century with an accident attack of Avarians or Slavs. Subsequently over the ruins was founded a Slavic settlement.

Contacts:

Visit on request

Office Building

Montana 3400, 3 Tsar Boris III Str.

Phone: +359 (0) 96 30 74 81 - Director

+359 (0) 96 30 51 56, +359 (0) 96 30 72 86 - curators and Administration

e-mail: pr@museum-montana.tk, admin@museum-montana.tk

www.montana-museum.weebly.com