Nebet Tepe

Nebet Tepe, known locally as Небет тепе, stands as one of the six hills around which the vibrant city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is built. This ancient hill, along with its companions Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe, forms the Trihillium, now more commonly referred to as the Old Town of Plovdiv. This archaeological complex, recognized as a national cultural monument, unveils the remnants of the first prehistoric settlement dating back to the Chalcolithic period (4th-3rd millennium BC).

The Origin of Nebet Tepe

The name Nebet derives from the Turkish words nevbet meaning guard and tepe meaning hill. It is believed that in antiquity, a garrison was stationed on the hill to protect the ancient city. Another name for the hill is Muse Hill, associated with the most gifted disciple of Orpheus, the Thracian Muse. In later times, the hill was also known as Eumolpia, a name used by ancient authors to refer to Plovdiv. Briefly, Nebet Tepe was named after the newborn heir to the Bulgarian throne, Prince Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

A Journey Through History

Archaeologists suggest the existence of several prehistoric settlements in Plovdiv, with the oldest and most significant located on Nebet Tepe. Initially, the settlement emerged in the naturally fortified and protected area at the forefront of the northern hill. Over time, it expanded to the other hills. During this era, the city was inhabited by the Thracian tribe of Bessi, although scholars are still debating whether the city's name was Eumolpia or Pulpudeva.

In 342 BC, Philip II of Macedon conquered the Thracian settlement on Nebet Tepe and renamed it Philippopolis. During the Hellenistic period, the city expanded eastward, primarily within the confines of the Trihillium and its foothills. The Nebet Tepe complex continued to play a crucial role as an element of the city's fortifications until the 14th century, with numerous additions and improvements during Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Exploring the Ancient Complex

Excavations on Nebet Tepe have revealed remnants of fortress walls and towers, as well as other structures. The oldest part of the fortress is constructed without any binding material, using large syenite blocks in the so-called Cyclopean masonry. During the Hellenistic period, ancient Thracian Eumolpia expanded across the entire Trihillium and its foothills, and the old settlement with the fortress on Nebet Tepe became the citadel of the city acropolis, encompassing the highest parts of the three hills. From this period, the remains of the western fortress wall with an impressive quadrangular tower and an entrance from its inner side have been preserved. Thick fortress walls surround a palace and additional buildings.

Hidden Secrets and Ingenious Engineering

One of the most intriguing discoveries is a unique postern from Roman times – a secret tunnel in the rock mass of the northern wall from the time of Justinian the Great (6th century). It is speculated that the Apostle Paul may have passed through this tunnel. The tunnel features a preserved staircase leading to the right bank of the river. Historians believe that the Maritsa River once flowed through this area, with its bed being so large that it occupied today's Sixth of September Boulevard.

Also preserved are water reservoirs used during enemy sieges. The rectangular reservoir, still intact today, is notable for its size and capacity of 350 cubic meters. It is built with alternating layers of stones and bricks, and its walls and floor are coated with a hydrophobic plaster. At the foot of the hill are the churches St. Constantine and Helena and St. Nedelya.

The Enigmatic Valeli Tepe

In the 17th century, Evliya Çelebi mentioned Valeli Tepe in his description of Plovdiv. At that time, there was also a neighborhood with the same name. Greek historian Kosmas Apostolidis suggests that it refers to the broken northwestern extension of Nebet Tepe, of which only the memory remained by the 20th century. Apostolidis' indication points quite precisely to the location of the hill – it was situated at the intersection of Sixth of September and Tsar Boris III Boulevards.

A Cultural and Historical Treasure

Nebet Tepe is home to several significant landmarks, including the churches St. Nedelya, St. St. Constantine and Helena, and St. Kevork, as well as the Ethnographic Museum, Historical Museum, Art Gallery, Balabanov House, Hindliyan House, Artin Gidikov House, the house and cellar of Hadji Dragan Kaloferec, the house of Dr. Dimitar Birdas, the house of Dr. Stoyan Chomakov, the house of V. Stambolyan, the house of Nedkovich, Hisar Kapia Square, St. St. Constantine and Helena Square, Suborna Street, and the Armenian School Victoria and Kirkor Tyutyundzhiyan. Nearby are the Plovdiv Theological Seminary and the Grain Market.

In conclusion, Nebet Tepe is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of Plovdiv's rich and diverse past. Its ruins tell stories of ancient civilizations, epic battles, and cultural evolution. A visit to Nebet Tepe is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once walked its grounds and shaped the history of this remarkable city.