Gabrovo and its Suroundings in Prehistoric and Antique Times

Abstract

The advantageous geographical position of the Gabrovo district, whose territory is situated north of the main ridges of the Kalofer, Shipka and Trevna sections of the Central Balkan Mountains, through which five passes pass, with its mountain and foothill part, the favourable climatic conditions, the fertile soil, the dense forests and the lush mountain pastures, the numerous caves suitable for settlement have attracted man here since the earliest times. This study, based on archaeological monuments, traces the existence of man in the territory of the county from the Mousterian period of the Middle Palaeolithic (100 000-40 000 BC) continuously until the Early Middle Ages. Here, multi-layered settlements and fortresses have been traced through excavations, several necropolises have been excavated, and many monuments of material culture and art from different eras have also been discovered so far accidentally, which speak of a rich and high culture in this region. However, the archaeological exploration of the territory of Gabrovo district has lagged far behind in comparison with what has been achieved in this respect in other districts.