Bulgaria archaeological discovery reveals long-term pagan worship

Archaeologists in Bulgaria have uncovered a three-room temple near the Arda River that suggests pagan worship continued for decades after Roman authorities banned such practices. Located at the Balak Dere site near Ivaylovgrad, the temple features a 15-meter trapezoidal structure consisting of three connected rooms: one for an altar, one for sacrifices, and one for storing offerings.

According to the National Historical Museum of Bulgaria, the site may have been used to honor ancient gods until approximately the mid-fifth century. This timeline contradicts the 392 AD law signed by Roman Emperor Theodosius I, which prohibited all pagan rituals, including private ones. The excavation, led by chief curator Ivaylo Kanev and funded by the Ministry of Culture, has yielded what officials describe as “more than impressive” results.