THE ROCK THRONE

 

              In the foot, at about 50 m northwestern from “Badjaliata” there is a big rock block with measures 4,40 х 4,10 m, which rises at about 2.00 m above the present terrain (samples 3, 8 - 10). It probably broke off as late as the prehistorical times from the rock garland (it is fixed in at a depth of 4 m from the present terrain) and ever since the antiquity it has been manipulated in addition. It has been cut under the form of a throne with a sea 0.37 m high, 0.60 m   wide and a back 0.70 m high and it is in a straight visual connection with the alter of the sanctuary.

              At 32 m in front of it begin the  cultural lodgements in the foot of “Badjaliata”. There by the sitting in the symbolic throne spirit of Zalmoksis could observe the ceremonies in the alter, and literally in his feet in front of the throne fall the victims. The raise of Zalmoksis as a supreme priest, co-ruler, king and god made explainable and obligatory also his enthroning - a main privilege of the kings and supreme deities. Here has been found a Thracian fibule and a coin of the Emperor Elgabal (218-222 A.C.).
              The practices thrones to be cut, is registered also in other Thracian rock sanctuaries in the Bulgarian lands. Alike “Badjaliata” they are usually oriented to the south or the east. Probably it is all about a regional tradition in this epoch, because rock thrones, connected with sanctuaries and accepted as an emanation of the divine power are registered in Anatolia.