Fragments of statues and a pedestal dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries have been discovered at Perperikon, Professor Nikolay Ovcharov, head of the excavation team, told BTA. The finds bear traces of desecration carried out by Christians, he said. Tomorrow, September 24, the team will officially present them at the site itself.

The unearthed pieces prove that the squares and temples of Perperikon were once adorned with statues, Professor Ovcharov explained. Archaeologists have long been waiting for finds like these, he added.

The discovery comes a week after a dolabra and a spearhead were found at the site. Those finds revealed the weapons and equipment used by the Roman legionaries stationed at Perperikon.