The only large Thracian city preserved in Bulgaria is located some 10 kilometers away from the present-day town of Yambol. Kabyle is very well preserved, unlike many other settlements of this era. It has been thoroughly researched by archaeologists. Kabyle was declared an archaeological reserve. There is a modern multimedia museum in its immediate vicinity, where some of the finds are exhibited and documentaries are shown.

What do we know about Kabyle’s millennial history?

The town emerged back in the 2^nd millennium BC near a large shrine on Zaychi Vrah hill. The place offers a breathtaking view of the plain and the restored walls of former buildings and fortifications. In 341 BC, Kabyle was conquered by Philip II of Macedon. Later, his son Alexander the Great (Alexander III of Macedon) stayed there for some time. In the 3^rd century BC, Kabyle became the residence of Thracian kings Spartokos and Skostokos. Later, in the Roman Empire, the city turned into one of the largest military camps in the province of Thrace. At the end of the 6^th century AD, it was destroyed by the Avars.

What can visitors see in Kabyle today?

Years ago, the archaeological site was restored with EU funding. Thracian defensive walls with towers, two Roman thermae, large barracks, grain stores and a neighborhood, which dates back to the time when Kabyle was a Roman military camp, are now accessible for tourists.

You can read more details about the ancient town of Kabyle in Radio Bulgaria’s article: “The rise and fall of the legendary city of Kabyle”.

Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov