Lead seal of Tsar Simeon discovered during excavations at the Mostich monastery near Preslav

Significant discoveries at the Mostich monastery

Archaeological excavations in the area of the Mostich monastery have concluded, BTA reported, according to the head of the research, Assoc. Prof. Rosina Kostova. The studies were conducted between July 8 and August 5 and were funded by the Ministry of Culture through the state budget.

A major success of the season is the discovery of a lead seal of Tsar Simeon, dating from the period 917-927 AD. On the seal, the monarch is designated as a "peace-making basileus." The object contains an image of the Tsar with his insignia, while on the other side is the image of the Holy Virgin, patroness of the dynasty of Tsar Boris, holding the image of Jesus Christ in a medallion.

Confirmed structures and material culture

Archaeologists completed the study of a building located east of church number 5 in the monastery complex. The find confirms the predictions from the geophysical surveys conducted in 2024 by the Institute of Oceanology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. According to Assoc. Prof. Kostova, the discovered building is a chain structure that combines residential and economic functions.

In addition to the seal, during the 25 working days, the following were discovered:

• two bronze pectoral crosses (one of them with an image of the crucifixion);
• a bone plate with openwork decoration characteristic of Preslav;
• fragments of Preslav painted ceramics;
• various household items important for the study of medieval material culture.

Funding and future plans

The total amount of the project is approximately 43 thousand euros. The research involved 14 workers from Veliki Preslav and 15 Archaeology students from Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and St. Methodius," who completed their regular internship.

Assoc. Prof. Kostova emphasized that although the project was implemented, the funding parameters for 2025 were not met due to changes in management and a lack of funds. She added that approximately 4,000 euros were allocated from the budget for field conservation, which meets the requirement of a minimum of 10% of the total amount.

Call for state responsibility

The head of the excavations expressed concern regarding the state of Preslav and the need for resources for conservation and restoration. She reminded that next year marks 1,100 years since the death of Tsar Simeon and called on the state to take a more active position and prepare a program to commemorate the jubilee.