Medieval ‘Hobbit City’ Unearthed in Bulgaria
Archaeologists in Bulgaria have made a fascinating discovery at the ancient site of Perperikon, unearthing a cluster of humble medieval dwellings that have earned the informal nickname "The City of the Hobbits." These findings offer a glimpse into the lives of the poorer residents of the strategic 14th-century settlement.
Humble Dwellings and Difficult Lives
The newly discovered homes, dating from the 13th to 14th centuries, were excavated directly into the earth and constructed using stones from older religious structures. Professor Nikolay Ovcharov, leading the excavation, noted the small, simple nature of these dwellings. Significantly, the graves of residents were found within these living spaces, indicating the challenging conditions and poverty experienced by the inhabitants. This area, along with a large necropolis from the same period, suggests it was likely the quarter for the poorest residents of Perperikon.
A Strategic and Contested City
Despite the humble living conditions of some of its inhabitants, Perperikon remained a significant bishopric and a crucial strategic center during the 14th century. The city was a focal point of military conflict, with repeated struggles between the Bulgarian and Byzantine empires for its control.
Echoes of Medieval Warfare
Adding to the historical narrative, a substantial military artifact was recovered this season: a 15-kilogram stone projectile. Experts believe this was fired from a ballista, a type of medieval catapult, and was used in conflicts during the 13th and 14th centuries. These projectiles, capable of shattering on impact, were akin to modern missile systems in their destructive intent, according to historical accounts.
Ongoing Excavations and Rich History
The current archaeological efforts are concentrated between Perperikon’s Acropolis and the Great Basilica. This extensive campaign, Bulgaria’s largest this year, has been ongoing for two months, focusing primarily on the medieval layers. However, beneath these lie even older Roman-era and early Christian layers, revealing paved streets, plazas, and a monumental 6th-century basilica. Perperikon, situated in the Eastern Rhodope mountains, is a vast megalithic complex with a history stretching back 8,000 years, bearing the marks of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval Bulgarian civilizations.
