Archaeologists have discovered early Christian graves from the 5th-6th centuries during excavations at Perperikon, BGNES reported.

The necropolis dates back to the 5th-6th centuries, when Christianity was adopted in the region. The necropolis is located around the large basilica, which was discovered about ten years ago. So far, archaeologists have uncovered about 20 graves. They are almost 2 meters deep. The graves are built with well-shaped stone slabs.

At the end of the third month of large-scale research, archaeologists exploring the Southern Quarter of the rock city reached the early layers from the 3rd-6th centuries. After finishing work on the later layers from the 13th-14th centuries, they came across dozens of sarcophagi-shaped tombs near the Great Basilica.

The tombs are precisely designed and date from the 5th-6th centuries – the era of victorious Christianity, when the basilica itself was built.

The unveiling of the first sarcophagus is expected to begin at the end of this week, with archaeologists hoping the findings will shed new light on life in the ancient city.IBGNES