In brief
In a state‑funded dig near the inner southern wall of Rusokastro, archaeologists found a 7.60‑metre wide building that likely functioned as a water reservoir or food store. The site also yielded silver coins from the reign of Tsar Ivan Alexander and Venetian grosso coins, underscoring the fortress’s importance during medieval Bulgarian‑Byzantine wars. The discovery supports Bulgaria’s cultural‑tourism agenda and is part of a broader effort to preserve historic sites on the nation’s Black Sea coast.
Archaeologists working for the Regional History Museum in Burgas announced on Thursday that they had uncovered a monumental building at the medieval town of Rusokastro, a site on the Black Sea coast that was a key battleground between Bulgaria and Byzantium in the 14th century. The structure, 7.60 metres wide and with walls 1.1 metres thick, sits just beside the inner southern fortress wall and appears to have functioned either as a water reservoir or a storage wing for food.
Field teams discovered the building at the very end of this year’s excavation schedule. Its walls are constructed of stone bound with ample mortar, and the interior surfaces are coated with a thick layer of pink hydrophobic (waterproof) mortar, a feature that strongly suggests the building was designed to hold water or to keep stored goods dry. The archaeologists speculate that this was the ground floor of a multi‑story structure; a second, residential floor likely stood above it, making the complex a building of both practical storage and domestic use.
Alongside the building, excavators uncovered a wealth of artefacts including silver coins issued during the reign of Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Alexander (reign 1331‑1371), as well as Venetian silver grosso coins known as matapans. Copper coins and numerous other objects were also recovered. The coins, currently undergoing cleaning and conservation at the Burgas Museum’s restoration laboratory, provide tangible evidence of the fortress’s economic and logistical ties during a period of intense conflict with neighboring powers.
The discovery adds depth to the understanding of Rusokastro’s role in the 14th‑century Bulgarian‑Byzantine wars. Historical chronicles describe a decisive battle in the town on 18 July 1332, in which Tsar Ivan Alexander defeated a Byzantine army led by Emperor Andronicus. The fortress itself was later destroyed during Ottoman campaigns in 1443, yet the new find shows that a substantial and organised infrastructure existed well before its decline.
Rusokastro— the first name given to the settlement by Arab geographer El Idrisi in his work “Geography of the World”— was later featured in Byzantine chroniclers’ accounts. Its inclusion in maps and histories signifies that it was a major and bustling town in the medieval period. The contemporary find ties back to those old narratives by providing physical evidence of the town’s administrative and supply functions.
State Funding and Cultural Tourism
The dig was financed by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria and Kameno Municipality. Both bodies have earmarked substantial funding for the restoration and conservation of medieval sites that form a key part of Bulgaria’s cultural‑tourism strategy. Rusokastro is listed among priority archaeological sites receiving state support, indicating the government’s interest in boosting the local economy through heritage tourism while safeguarding national patrimony.
According to officials from the Regional History Museum, the release of the new site underlines how much remains hidden beneath the Black Sea coast and stresses the necessity of continued archaeological work. The museum’s role in the excavation and its subsequent conservation work signals a partnership that incorporates state sponsorship, local municipality support, and the expertise of regional historians.
The find also offers an opportunity for civic education and public engagement. By opening the discoveries to local communities, the museum aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Bulgaria’s past among residents and visitors alike. The pottery, coins, and structural remains can be displayed in a wall‑mounted exhibit, allowing citizens to see the layers of history that are otherwise hidden from view.
For historians and traditional scholars, the new discovery provides a tangible link to dates and events recorded primarily in written sources. It also raises new questions about the daily life and administrative decisions of the medieval Rusokastro inhabitants. The potential residential floor above the foundation indicates that the fortress was not merely a defensive outpost but also a junction of affairs for soldiers and civilians alike.
Both the building and its artefacts are being carefully conserved, a process that helps preserve Bulgaria’s medieval heritage for future generations. The conservation work is part of a larger effort under the Ministry of Culture’s umbrella to prepare sites for inclusion in tourist itineraries, thereby blending public accountability with cultural enrichment.
In conclusion, the discovery of the monumental building at Rusokastro is a significant development for Balkans archaeology and demonstrates how state‑funded initiatives can illuminate important chapters in regional history. The multifaceted findings underscore the importance of preserving Slavonic heritage, promoting public participation, and sustaining cultural tourism that benefits citizens across Bulgaria.
