Ostrusha

The Ostrusha funerary and cult complex, beneath the mound of the same name near Shipka in Stara Zagora Province, was discovered in April 1993 by the Bulgarian archaeologist Georgi Kitov. The complex dates from the mid-4th century BC and was used as a temple of Sabazios, the Thracian god of immortality, until the 4th century AD. In its size and layout, the structure beneath the mound ranks among the most important architectural achievements in Thrace and the Valley of the Thracian Rulers.

The complex covers 100 square metres and consists of five rectangular chambers and one circular chamber. The tomb was built from two monolithic stone blocks weighing a total of 60 tonnes. The first block is cube-shaped and contains the burial chamber, while the second forms the roof structure. Of particular interest is the tomb's ceiling, where human portraits, animal figures and flowers are incorporated into the carved ornamentation.

A horse skeleton, weapons, a silver jug, silver horse-harness ornaments, a phiale, coins of Philip II of Macedon, pottery vessels and other objects of high artistic value were found in the mound.

Investigations by Georgi Kitov's archaeological team led to the discovery of the central chamber of the structure beneath the mound, which stood on the southern edge of the earthwork and faced south. The temple comprises six chambers covering 100 square metres. Its architecture is impressive, consisting of well-dressed stone blocks securely joined with iron clamps set in lead.

The Ostrusha mound was also a subject of study during the Early Byzantine period, when it was used as a Christian necropolis. During the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation of 1877–1878, the mound served as the headquarters of the Russian forces.