New Discoveries at the Medieval Settlement of ‘Dolnata Chatma’: Insights into the Development of the Region during the Middle Ages

The archaeological excavations in 2024 at the medieval settlement in the area of “Dolnata Chatma” near the village of Velino have revealed new and interesting data about the development of the region during the Middle Ages. This year’s research is based on the results of geophysical surveys conducted in 2022 using non-destructive methods, combined with regular archaeological excavations from the 2023 season. During the investigations, two main excavation sectors were established – the “Eastern” and the “Western.”

Eastern Sector

This sector draws attention due to its extensive scatter of stones used in masonry, which, after clearing, revealed the foundations of a building with the working number 5, oriented east-west. During the excavations, two new elliptical-shaped graves were found, containing the skeletons of adult individuals, but without grave goods. The second grave, numbered 4, is located at a depth of 1.60 meters below the modern ground level, and traces of wood were found around the skeleton.

Western Sector

Similar to the Eastern sector, a dense scatter of stones was also discovered here. After clearing them, researchers uncovered a building with the working number 2, which, like building number 5, is oriented east-west and has an internal length of 6.60 meters. Its load-bearing walls are made of broken stones with clay mortar and have a width of 0.70 meters. An especially interesting fact is that all the corners of the building are rounded, raising the question of whether it is part of a unique type of building created for specific functional or ritual purposes. In the eastern part of the building, flat stones arranged like pavement were found, suggesting careful planning of its internal structure. Unfortunately, in some areas, this pavement has been destroyed.

In the western part of the sector, a well-plastered hearth base with a diameter of 1.30 meters was discovered, providing important clues about the technologies and lifestyle used. To the south of the hearth base, a burning feature was found, which, at this stage, can be interpreted as a potential sacred space.

One of the most interesting discoveries during the archaeological research in “Dolnata Chatma” is a graphite drawing depicting a bull, dated to the 10th century. The find is of particular significance as it provides valuable information about visual arts and cultural practices during the Middle Ages.

Chronology and Significance

The discoveries from the 2024 season in the “Dolnata Chatma” area near Velino not only enhance our understanding of architectural practices from this period but also clearly define the chronological framework of the site. The research indicates that the settlement was active during the rise of the medieval Bulgarian state and the consolidation of Christianity in the second half of the 9th and late 10th centuries. These finds help us understand the social and religious changes in the region during periods of significant political and cultural transitions.

The archaeological excavations at “Dolnata Chatma” represent a key step in uncovering a broader picture of the medieval Bulgarian world, providing important evidence of the existence of trade, cultural, and religious networks that formed the foundations of Bulgarian culture during the Middle Ages.

The scientific leaders of the project are Associate Professor Dr. Konstantin Konstantinov from Shumen University “Bishop Konstantin Preslavski” and Ivaylo Kunev from the National Historical Museum.