Abstract:
The application of geophysical methods to the systematic study of the tumuli near the village Sveshtari in northeastern Bulgaria spans already five decades of history. So far, the main focus of the field studies was concentrated on the tumular embankments which were expected to cover various types of tombs and the most favoured method was the vertical electric sounding. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed extensive circumtumular dug-out features enclosing one tumulus in a manner comparable to better known ancient sanctuaries from France referred to as Celtic. As no comparable feature has been excavated in Bulgaria so far, it is often presented as a ritual monument unique on the Balkans. Closer examination of some magnetic plans of other circumtumular areas in the same necropolis and two other sites in Bulgaria suggest, however, that it is likely they were more popular in fact. Therefore, more extensive use of the magnetic method for the study of the areas surrounding the tumuli is strongly advised.