Bulgaria Plovdiv History: A Look Into the Ancient City
Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, is a city with a rich and ancient history. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with evidence of habitation dating back to the 6th millennium BC. Throughout its long and varied history, Plovdiv has been ruled by a number of different empires and civilizations, and it has played a major role in the development of the region.
The earliest known inhabitants of Plovdiv were the Thracians, a group of Indo-European tribes who settled in the region around 2000 BC. The Thracians were a powerful and influential people who left behind many artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and weapons. They were also known for their skill in metalworking and their mastery of horsemanship.
In 342 BC, Plovdiv was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Philip II renamed the city Philippopolis, and it quickly became an important center of trade and commerce. During the Roman Empire, Plovdiv was known as Trimontium and was an important stop on the Via Militaris, the main military road between Rome and Constantinople.
In the 5th century AD, Plovdiv was conquered by the Ostrogoths, a Germanic tribe. The Ostrogoths left behind many churches and fortifications, and the city became an important center of Christianity. In the 6th century, the city was conquered by the Bulgars, a Turkic-speaking people from Central Asia. The Bulgars left behind many mosques and other Islamic monuments, and they established the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
In the 13th century, Plovdiv was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled the city for more than 500 years, and during this time, Plovdiv became an important center of trade and culture. In the 19th century, Plovdiv was liberated from Ottoman rule and became part of the newly-formed Bulgarian state.
Today, Plovdiv is a vibrant and modern city, but it still retains its ancient charm. The city is home to many historical monuments, including the ancient Roman amphitheater, the ruins of the Roman Forum, and the Church of St. Marina. Plovdiv is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a number of cultural festivals and events.
Whether you’re interested in its ancient history or its modern culture, Plovdiv is a city that has something to offer everyone. With its rich and varied history, Plovdiv is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the fascinating history of Bulgaria.