The Madara Horseman
The Madara Horseman was carved at the very beginning of the 8 th Century, about three decades after the foundation of the Bulgarian State (the year was 681). The sculpture marks a triumph – the Byzantine Empire had recognized the new state. Furthermore, the Madara horseman is connected to a new epoch, the beginning of the new European world. Even today the horseman remains unique - nothing like it has ever been made.The work of the unknown sculptor is really wonderful. The horseman on the rock evokes admiration and excitement even today - thirteen centuries after its creation.
The profound historical meaning of the relief is further revealed by the inscriptions around the figures. These carvings were made in three stages, one after the other, and are related to important events. They are the earliest proto-Bulgarian inscriptions, the earliest written data on Bulgarian history.
What’s interesting about the relief is the fact that it is carved into the rockface at a height of 25m above the ground. The details can be seen on sunlight because the monument is quite eroded. The carving is said to represent a horseman who is trampling a lion. He holds a pike in one hand and a wine cup in the other. There are inscriptions around the image of the Rider, which are written in old Greek language and telling about some Bulgarian rulers. The oldest inscription mentions the name of the Bulgarian Khan Tervel - probably the relief was carved in 8th century. There are different opinions what the relief represents. The Rider of Madara is a unique example of the Bulgarian medieval art. It is included in the UNESCO list of cultural monuments with world significance.
The area around the Madara Horseman is always related to mystery and mysticism. This used to be the main sacred place of worship of the ancient from the First Bulgarian Kingdom.
The profound historical meaning of the relief is further revealed by the inscriptions around the figures. These carvings were made in three stages, one after the other, and are related to important events. They are the earliest proto-Bulgarian inscriptions, the earliest written data on Bulgarian history.
What’s interesting about the relief is the fact that it is carved into the rockface at a height of 25m above the ground. The details can be seen on sunlight because the monument is quite eroded. The carving is said to represent a horseman who is trampling a lion. He holds a pike in one hand and a wine cup in the other. There are inscriptions around the image of the Rider, which are written in old Greek language and telling about some Bulgarian rulers. The oldest inscription mentions the name of the Bulgarian Khan Tervel - probably the relief was carved in 8th century. There are different opinions what the relief represents. The Rider of Madara is a unique example of the Bulgarian medieval art. It is included in the UNESCO list of cultural monuments with world significance.
The area around the Madara Horseman is always related to mystery and mysticism. This used to be the main sacred place of worship of the ancient from the First Bulgarian Kingdom.
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