Mysterious site with rock-carved animal heads found in Bulgaria

At first glance, there seems nothing unusual about a group of craggy rocks in eastern Bulgaria – until you look closer and notice creepy carved animal heads peering out from the stone.

A view of part of the semi-circular rock niche near Bulgaria’s Sliven where
 mysterious rock carvings of animal heads have been discovered 
[Credit: Sliven Agency]

The mysterious archaeological site, known as ‘The Rock Herd’ is made by an unknown sculptor and has yet to be dated.

But the weathered appearance of the stone heads of cattle and goats have led some to believe they were created in ancient times.

The unusual rocks were discovered in the mountains of eastern Bulgaria, near the city of Sliven and have since captured locals’ imaginations, Archaeology in Bulgaria reported.

The heads are carved into the edge a semi-circular rock niche and are made in different styles.

Heads of cattle, goats and other animals are clearly visible carved into 
the rock at the “Rock Herd” site near Bulgaria’s Sliven 
[Credit: Sliven Agency]

It’s thought that the majority depict cattle and goats, but it’s also been suggested some show wild and aquatic animals and may have astrological significance.

The carvings have been examined by experts from the Sliven Regional Museum of History, but they have not shared a conclusion about when the animal rocks may have been carved.

Already, one head from the mysterious monument has been broken off to prop up a nearby water source and locals fear it will not be long before treasure hunters break up the find.

It’s possible that the site may be linked to the Romans, because Sliven has ruins including Tuida Fortress on Hisarlaka Hill that was used in the Late Roman, Early Byzantine and medieval periods.

The heads are carved into the edge a semi-circular rock niche and are made
 in different styles. The weathered appearance of the stone heads of cattle 
and goats have led some to believe they were created in ancient times 
[Credit: Sliven Agency]

Images of Capricorn were used by the Romans in coinage and in the army, while horned goats were used to depict Pan, god of nature.

The surrounding area is rich in history, meaning the carvings could have been created as early as in the Iron Age.

Archaeologists have discovered nearby remains of a Late Iron Age Thracian settlement dating back to between 100 and 600BC, which was converted into a market in Roman times.

Equally, the animal heads may have been created by an artist just 50 years ago.

Author: Sarah Griffiths | Source: Mail Online [October 14, 2015]

TANN

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