Presentation of the book "Lead Soundings from the Bulgarian Black Sea" by Prof. Hristov in Burgas

The new book by Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov, “Lead Logs from the Bulgarian Black Sea”, will be presented on January 21st at the “Morsko Kazino” Cultural Center in Burgas. Co-publishers of the book are the Regional Historical Museum (RIM) – Burgas, the National Historical Museum, and the National Military History Museum.

The publication summarizes findings from antiquity to modern times, illustrating the development of the log – one of the oldest navigational instruments used for measuring water depth. The author, who is the deputy director of the National Historical Museum and a leading underwater archaeologist, offers detailed information on the instrument’s importance for navigation and analyzes the largest findings in the Mediterranean Sea and the World Ocean. In his research, Prof. Hristov establishes that along the Bulgarian coast, the concentration of such artifacts is highest in two zones – between Shabla and Durankulak, and between Primorsko and Ahtopol.

The book will be presented by the director of RIM – Varna, Dr. Igor Lazarenko, and the director of RIM – Burgas, Dr. Milen Nikolov. The work is aimed at both the specialized scientific community and the general public with an interest in maritime history and archaeology.

BTA recalls that in the past year, RIM – Burgas has been actively involved in the study and exhibition of underwater cultural heritage. In the autumn of 2025, the museum presented the results of large-scale underwater research in the Chengene skele bay, where valuable glass vessels from late antiquity were discovered. In addition, at the end of last year, the institution hosted an international conference dedicated to Black Sea archaeology and opened a renovated exhibition in the Archaeological Museum, including the latest finds from the Poros fortress and prehistoric settlements in the region.