Τhe Seventh International Conference “Roman and Late Antique Thrace” (RaLATh) will be held between 1st and 4th October 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

The seventh consecutive edition of the international archaeological conference “Roman and Late Antique Thrace“ (RaLATh) will be held in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, between 1st and 4th October 2026. Μain theme of the conference this year is “Visible and Invisible Frontiers in Roman and Late Antique Thrace”. The National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Regional Museum of History – Veliko Tarnovo are the organisers, in partnership with Istanbul University (Turkey) and the Ephorates of Antiquities of Rhodope, Hebros and Xanthi, Greece.

In Graeco-Roman tradition, ancient Thrace was often perceived as a region at the frontier of the civilised world. In Roman and Late Antique times, its key location and physical landscape features led to rapidly changing historical roles, including as a barrier and a periphery. Meanwhile, several transformations occurred within the region itself: urban borders were reshaped, cities fell under different administrative jurisdictions, and new provinces emerged. Furthermore, several invisible division lines existed within the cities and their territories, and among the population – in terms of status, economy, background, culture, etc.

You can find more details about the sessions and reports in the conference program.