Thracian Tomb Helvetia

The Thracian tomb Helvetia near Shipka, Bulgaria, was built in the mid-4th century BC and discovered in 1996 by archaeologist Georgi Kitov, named after the Swiss Helvetia foundation that funded his work. The tomb served as a mausoleum-shrine where Orphic Mysteries connected with the cult of the mythical Thracian poet Orpheus were likely performed. It featured a unique mechanism for locking from the inside and a small furrow at the doorstep indicating sacrificial ceremonies -- the first such evidence found in a Thracian tomb. Archaeologists recovered silver applications and buttons, along with two fully preserved horse skeletons.