Zvezdel Mine Explained

Zvezdel mine
Pushpin Map:	Bulgaria
Coordinates:	41.4592°N 25.5175°W
State/Province:	Kardzhali Province
Country:	Bulgaria
Products:	Gold, silver

Zvezdel Mine was a gold and silver mine in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, protected by the Asara Fortress, which saw construction between the 9th and 11th centuries.^[1] The mine is located approximately a 5.1 km drive south from the village of Zvezdel via Route 59 on to Route 5902.^[2]

Archeological Findings

Medallions

Excavations and research at the mine site and the surrounding areas have uncovered significant historical gold leaf and bone medallions,^[3] some of which are now exhibited at the Regional History Museum in Kardzhali.

Bronze Censer

The bronze censer was uncovered between the Zvezdel Mine and the ruins of the nearby Asara Fortress. This find was part of a broader archeological effort to uncover artifacts related to the fortress's historical use. The bowl is made of bronze and features embossed decorative patterns.The craftsmanship of the bowl demonstrates the high level of metalworking skill present in the region during the medieval period. The bowl is now located in a museum in Sevlievo.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: The village of Zvezdel . USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT ALL CITIES, VILLAGES AND RESORTS IN BULGARIA . mirela.bg . 6 August 2024.
2. Web site: 41°27'33"N 25°31'3"E to Zvezdel, 6820, Bulgaria . Google Maps . google maps . 6 August 2024.
3. Web site: Take a look at the breathtaking footage of the medieval fortress Asara in the Eastern Rhodopes . Radio Bulgaria . Bulgarian National Radio . 6 August 2024.
4. Web site: Nadezhda . Boteva . Late Byzantine bronze censer from the museum in Sevlievo . Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, National Archaeological institute with Museum . 6 August 2024.