Tomb of Seuthes III in mound of Golyamata Kosmatka

The Thracian mound "Golyamata Kosmatka" ("The big Kosmatka") is located southeast of the town of Shipka and east of the village of Sheynovo, about 1 km from the main road between Kazanlak and Shipka. In 2004, durring a study of the mound, the archaeologist Georgi Kitov and his team discover a majestic and rich Thracian tomb with fully preserved tomb of a Thracian king who was buried with his horse. Because the size of the tomb and the great value of the treasures found here it suggested this is the tomb of the Thracian king Seuthes III - king of the Thracian town of Seuthopolis.

The tomb dates from the V century BC. It consists of three chambers and a corridor with a total length of 26 meters. The first room is rectangular and there was found a horse skeleton. The second room is rounded and has beautiful, 4.5 meters high, domed roof. At the entrance of this room is situated marble door with images. The third room is a monolithic granite block - sarcophagus with weight about 60 tons. There, with great precision, was carved a space where is located the stone bed of the Thracian king buried here.

At the site were found many valuable artifacts - a gold wreath of oak leaves and acorns, wine chalice, horse appliques, a glass of wine, gold coins of Seuthes, a head of the deer, a head of the goddess, numerous silver and bronze vessels, an iron sword with gold applique, a bronze sword, a helmet, an armor, and others. Very valuable and important is an exquisite sculpture - a wonderful piece of the Ancient Greek art. It resemble bronze head of a bearded man with eyes of semiprecious stones. The head was part of а statue and was ritual cluttered with stones.

"Golyama Kosmatka mound" is very well maintained and adapted to the visits of many tourists.