Bulgarian archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery—the long-awaited palace and tomb of a powerful Thracian king from the Triballi tribe. This significant find was uncovered during construction for a new apartment building in Vratsa, Northwestern Bulgaria, concluding a 50-year search for this royal center. Initially, the excavation revealed what appeared to be a medieval necropolis, but further digging exposed a massive stone platform known as a *crepis*, beneath which lay the remains of what experts believe is a Thracian royal palace later transformed into a mausoleum. The breakthrough came when the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture ordered the *crepis* to be dismantled for closer examination.

To the astonishment of the archaeological team, they discovered a magnificent structure consisting of carefully shaped and perfectly aligned stone blocks devoid of mortar. Georgi Ganetsovski, the lead archaeologist, remarked on the impressive craftsmanship that aligns with Thracian royal architecture. The building techniques suggest it belonged to a king of the Triballi, a significant tribe during the Iron Age, known historically for their warrior culture and resistance to both Persian and Macedonian expansion. The newly discovered palace connects with the nearby Mogilanska Mound, an archaeological site that contains exquisite treasures representing Thracian royalty.

Items retrieved from the mound include a beautifully crafted golden wreath, ceremonial vessels, and a chariot, along with jewelry that showcases the Thracian elite’s craftsmanship. According to Ganetsovski, the palace was likely dismantled after the king’s death and converted into a mausoleum, housing the ruler’s remains alongside the artifacts from previous excavations. While this discovery opens up new avenues for understanding Thracian civilization, it also poses challenges for preservation due to its location in the city center. The Bulgarian Ministry of Culture faces the decision of either preserving the site on location for public access or relocating it for further study.

This discovery not only offers insight into Thracian political structures and royal practices but also underscores the importance of rescue archaeology in urban development, ensuring that significant historical contexts are preserved.