Exhibit of the month – February 2026

Burial mound near the village of Blatino, Municipality of Dupnitsa, grave No 6

Middle of 1st century

Excavations in 2025, N. Borislavova, S. Ilieva

Photo: Ch. Chomakov

During the archaeological excavations of a burial mound near the village of Blatino, Municipality of Dupnitsa, a total of nine graves and various structures related to ritual and funerary practices were uncovered. Grave No 6 is primary. The grave structure represents a pit dug into sterile soil, oriented east-west. Burnt animal bones and cremated human remains were found in it. The grave goods include ceramic vessels, a bronze spoon and iron knives, jewelry, costume elements, as well as a pot with two bronze coins of Emperor Claudius I (50–54). Next to it, on top of charcoal and cremation remains, two ceramic bird figurines facing each other, have been placed. It is assumed that the original grave was double, probably for a man and a woman.

The exhibits are part of the temporary exhibition "Bulgarian Archaeology 2025" and will be on display at the National Archaeological Museum from February 13 to June 7, 2026.