Svetitsa Mound

Svetitsa is a Thracian burial mound near Kran in Kazanlak Municipality, Stara Zagora Province. It dates from the 5th century BC and is distinguished by the discovery of a gold mask, weapons and various vessels. The grave is thought to belong to a Thracian ruler. Svetitsa Mound lies in the northern Kazanlak Basin, in the Valley of the Thracian Kings. It is situated 1.8 kilometres north-northwest of Kran and 3 kilometres southeast of Shipka. A masonry grave was discovered beneath the mound, containing the remains of the deceased and a variety of objects and offerings. Among them is the famous gold mask with a man's face, thought to have belonged to Teres I and weighing 673 grams. Other finds include a gold ring depicting a young man, weapons and armour—a cuirass, an arrow quiver, two swords and spearheads—two transport amphorae, two jugs with red-figure decoration, a silver cup, a bronze hydria, metal vessel handles and a clay cup. The grave dates from the second half of the 5th century BC, as confirmed by the red-figure vessels imported from Athens. The objects and artefacts discovered are considered important evidence of the period and its cultural setting.