Archaeology

The permanent exhibition in Archaeology hall displays various exhibits of the material and spiritual culture of Pazardzhik and its surrounding region.
The area dedicated to the Prehistory showcases the life and traditions of people that inhibited the region in the period spanning from Palaeolithic Era up to late Iron Age. The oldest exhibited items are flint tools dated as of the Middle Palaeolithic. The more developed ancient agricultural societies are presented through display of different vessels, stone and bone tools, jewels and ornaments and ritual objects that have been found during archaeological excavations of Neolithic settlements situated near Rakitovo, Kapitan Dimitrievo and Kalugerovo.
One of the main attractions is the reconstructed interior of Neolithic house furnished with original objects from the period.
Special place in the exhibition is allocated to the archaeological findings from Yunatsite tell pronounced by some specialists as the oldest European town that has been established as early as 4700-4600 year BC. A collection of tools, religious statuettes and ceramic pottery from Chalcolithic and Eneolithic Age provides rich material for this period. Worth seeing are the one of a kind pointed bottom cups of Yunatsite type.
The part of the hall dedicated to Middle Ages provides insight of the historical development of Pazardzhik region in the period from the establishment of the First Bulgarian Empire up to 15th century AD. The presented pottery vessels, agricultural tools, weapons and adornments originate from important archaeological sites such as the necropolis in Kovachevo, Tsepina Fortress near Dorkovo and the Medieval church Sveti Dimitar in Patalenitsa. Exhibits related to the Crusades are also available in this area of the hall.
The town of Pazardzhik has been founded at the end of 14th century AD and it quickly managed to grow and establish itself as an importance centre of trade and commerce in the Ottoman Empire. The elaborate architectural model of Kurshum Han inn and the pictures in the Archaeology hall that depict important public buildings portray the town as place of spiritual and economic importance. The varied display of weapons traces the history of Haydutstvo freedom movement in the region and the eagerness of local population to fight against the Ottoman rule.