TIMELINE
The Bronze Age marked the first time humans created an artificial material that doesn't exist in nature: bronze, an alloy of copper and another metal (initially arsenic, later tin). This age is divided into three periods—early, middle, and late—spanning from around 3200 BCE to the 12th century BCE. During this time, new tribes known as the Thracians settled in present-day Bulgaria and continued living there into the next era. The beginning of the 1st millennium BCE brought a new metal: iron. People initially used it to make jewelry, blades, and weapons similar to those they made of bronze. Iron, however, proved to be a valuable innovation—it was stronger, more flexible, and easier to work with than bronze.
The Iron Age is divided into two periods: the Early Iron Age (first half of the 1st millennium BCE) and the Late Iron Age (second half of the 1st millennium BCE). By the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, the Thracians had settled permanently in these lands. Ancient Greek authors tell us about their most famous king, Rhesus, who fought in the Trojan War as an ally of the Trojans. Homer, the author of "The Iliad," describes his arrival: a gleaming golden chariot drawn by white horses swift as the wind, weapons shining like gold, befitting immortal heroes. Indeed, archaeological evidence from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages confirms that the Thracians were not only great warriors but also highly skilled craftsmen—miners, metallurgists, and artisans.
The earliest Thracian states emerged at the beginning of the Late Iron Age (5th–1st century BCE). Among them, the Triballi, Getae, and Odrysian tribes stood out for their military power and wealth. As Thracian tribes unified under individual rulers, several important changes occurred: bronze gave way to iron, production and trade expanded, cities appeared, the fast potter's wheel came into use, and coins were minted. Thracian culture flourished during the 5th–3rd centuries BCE. They built impressive residences, temples, and tombs, and large cities arose where craft production thrived. Travelling craftsmen—foreign and local—crisscrossed Ancient Thrace, creating works of art for the Thracian aristocracy. These pieces symbolized political power and economic prosperity: gold and silver vessels, gold masks, wreaths, metal plates, pectorals, exquisite jewelry, clothing accessories, offensive and defensive weapons, and ornate horse harness decorations. These priceless objects were ritually buried in the earth for various reasons: to protect them from military danger, as offerings to the gods, or as personal belongings and grave goods in lavish burials beneath mounds.
During the Roman period, Thracian lands became part of the vast Roman Empire, encompassing two provinces: Moesia and Thrace. These provinces had thriving cities with magnificent squares lined with columns and statues, richly decorated temples, baths, and theaters. The cities offered abundant opportunities for trade and the exchange of diverse goods. They also hosted various forms of entertainment. Among the most popular spectacles were gladiatorial combats—pairs of gladiators fighting each other or facing wild animals. Audiences watched each clash with genuine excitement, eager to see the outcome.
The emperor granted large cities the right to mint coins bearing their names. A well-organized network of maintained roads connected settlements across both provinces. This allowed the Roman army to move quickly and effectively when danger arose, enabled people to travel easily between regions, and ensured prompt mail delivery. Along the Danube River—the empire's northern border—ran another vital road. The Roman army guarded the entire riverbank, with soldiers stationed in specially built military camps.
Bronze Age:
Early: 3200–2000 BCE
Middle: 2000–1600 BCE
Late: 1600–1100 BCE
Iron Age:
Early: 1100–500 BCE
Late: 5th century BCE–1st century BCE
Roman Age:
1st–3rd century CE