On May 20, 2013, Georgi Georgiev and Ivelina Georgieva explored a wooded area of the rhodopes when they spot an unusual rock partially concealed under the vegetation. Impressive dimensions, it draws attention to a clear Strie which crosses its surface, interpreted as a representation of the Milky Way. By examining it closely, the researchers discover 56 conical cavities distributed with intriguing precision. A sky card?
A coincidence that sheds light on the past
On May 20, 2013, Georgi Georgiev and Ivelina Georgieva walked the Rhodopes mountains during an exploration mission carried out near an old Thrace necropolis. Nothing suggested that they would come across an archaeological element of such a singularity. By following an unrevee forest path, their attention was drawn by a rock partially rushing under the vegetation. Its unusual position, oriented according to an east-west axis, and the presence of a brilliant vein of white marble aroused their curiosity. Approaching, they discovered a surface engraved with dozens of carefully arranged cavities.
The stone, about 2 meters by 3, had 56 conical hollows of variable diameters. The distribution between the north (24 cavities) and south (32 cavities) halves intrigues by its regularity. According to Georgiev, this provision does not result from natural erosion, but from intentional human work. “” The contrast of marble under daylight recalls the Milky Way and reinforces the impression of a sky transcribed into stone“, He specifies toArkeonews.
© Georgi Georgiev.
Drawing of stone.
Several constellations are readable with sharpness: Ursa Major and Leo are most easily recognizable, while other aligned patterns suggest Cassiopia, Cygnus, Lyra or the Pleiades. This fortuitous discovery triggered a series of analyzes aimed at understanding whether these brands could constitute a stellar map.
Unexpected astronomical sophistication
The first observations of the researchers suggest that the provision of the cavities on the stone is therefore in no way arbitrary. Each cut conch seems to obey an astral logic. According to Georgi Georgiev, there is a particular distribution between the northern half and the southern half. It could reflect a voluntary division of the sky into two hemispheres. The varied diameters of cavities would not constitute a simple aesthetic effect. They would indicate the apparent magnitude of the stars, allowing visually differentiating the brightest stars of others.
Ivelina Georgieva advances the hypothesis that the stone would have worked as a primitive form of stellar calendar. By observing the displacement of the constellations engraved over the seasons, prehistoric communities could anticipate climate change, organize sowing or punctuate rituals. “”This arrangement is no coincidence, it translates a fine reading of the sky and its cycles, ”she says.
Another notable element: the surface of the rock contains mica. This mineral reflects light and produces a sparkle under the sun's rays. This visual effect was probably not chosen by chance. In broad daylight, he evokes a starry sky, thus strengthening the symbolic and ritual impact of the site.
Finally, the strategic location of the rock, combined with a second stone with a cavity facing east, suggests a double use. It could be a celestial observatory and a benchmark for travelers or navigators circulating in rhodopes.
Dating and archaeological context
The absence of organic materials or ceramic fragments on the site excludes for the moment any analysis in carbon 14 or by stratigraphy. Faced with this constraint, researchers use a comparative approach. They situate the creation of the stone engraved between the final Neolithic and the beginning of the Iron Age, between 2000 and 500 BC. This estimate is based on the proximity of the site with several Thracians and Tumulus necropolises. They testify to a dense and ritual human occupation at that time.
© Georgi Georgiev
The researcher Georgi Georgiev studies the ancient stone.
The similarities with other prehistoric sanctuaries of the Balkans reinforce this hypothesis. In these places, the alignment of structures with celestial events such as solstices or the raising of major constellations is already attested. “”These archaeological clues suggest that local communities were monitoring the sky to organize their agricultural and ceremonial activities“Explains Georgiev.
The Skobelevo site also presents an intriguing element. As mentioned above, a second stone, dug from a cylindrical cavity, is oriented towards the east. This arrangement suggests an observation system to mark the heliac raising of certain stars. Many civilizations used this phenomenon to define the start of the seasons.
This archaeological context, although partial, positions stellar stone in a tradition of primitive cultural sites and observatories. He suggests that local populations associated celestial movements with social, agricultural and religious practices. They thus anchored their relationship to heaven in everyday life.
A heritage in danger
Despite its archaeological and scientific importance, Skobelevo's stellar stone remains to date without official protection status. No legal device preserves it from natural or human degradations. In addition, its situation in the forest makes the site particularly vulnerable to vandalism or erosion. Georgi Georgiev and Ivelina Georgieva have already alerted the Bulgarian authorities. They plead for its registration in the national register of archaeological monuments. They believe that official recognition would guarantee the conservation of this single artifact and encourage new research.
The works carried out so far are based exclusively on non -invasive methods. GPS surveys, sunrise and sunset observations, as well as geological analyzes confirm the anthropogenic origin of engraving and its astronomical alignment. These results support the idea of astronomical knowledge transmitted over several generations and anchored in cultural practices.
This old link between heaven and culture is also found in more recent objects. Comparable stellar patterns appear on currencies and jewelry from the 1st and ie centuries of our era, testifying to symbolic and artistic continuity. For researchers, these parallels illustrate how the observation of the sky has shaped the collective imagination of societies in the Mediterranean basin and beyond.
To preserve the Skobelevo site is therefore to protect a rare piece from the puzzle of human history. Its in -depth study could make it a reference for European archeoastronomy and a major interest site for scientific and cultural tourism in Bulgaria. But without rapid intervention, this testimony of prehistoric celestial knowledge may disappear forever.
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