Finds from the Hellenistic Era in Nessebar: Discoveries from Excavations in the Courtyard of Sofia University

18.03.2026 | Region

The Old Nessebar Museum has discovered artifacts from the Hellenistic era in Nessebar, including a bronze wreath, silver coins, and pottery. The discoveries will be displayed in a temporary exhibition.

Снимка от Colin W, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Findings from the Hellenistic era (3rd–2nd century BC) were discovered during excavations in the courtyard of "Lyuben Karavelov" Secondary School in Nesebar. The excavations were prompted by the team of the "Ancient Nesebar" Museum after the construction of a new educational building began.

Among the most interesting artifacts found in a stepped pit, which is a rare type for the necropolis of ancient Mesambria, are a bronze wreath with gilding, a silver coin - the so-called "Charon's obol", a jug, strigils, and astragali.

During the studies, silver and bronze coins, relief-decorated cups, lacrimaria, strigils, glass beads, and ceramic vessels were also discovered.

The team also studied four medieval structures from the 13th–14th century, as well as three pits from different periods - one from the Hellenistic era and two from the Middle Ages. Some of the findings are fragmented and will be restored.

All artifacts will be stored in the funds of the "Ancient Nesebar" Museum and will be displayed in the Archaeological Museum in the city in the near future, arranged in a temporary exhibition. The museum is also planning a public lecture dedicated to the latest research in the necropolis area.