CEREDIGION archaeologists have made startling discoveries in the foothills of the Balkan mountains in central Bulgaria this summer.

Part of an archaeological team hosted by the Devetaki Plateau Association and working with Nadedzha Boteva, archaeologist for Sevlievo Museum, the group are taking part in an investigation of the remarkable hilltop fortress of Hotalich.

The building dates back to the Byzantine period from the fifth century and its occupants lived in a sprawling town around the walled citadel.

The buildings and churches of the city have been revealed by excavations since the early 1980s and unexpectedly rich burials have just been unearthed as part of this season’s excavation.

Lampeter archaeology student Grace Loveday has been sifting through material to recover the minuscule glass beads by hand.

Dr Jemma Bezant, from Lampeter, is supervising the UK students on behalf of Grampus Heritage, a UK-based company that places participants with archaeological and environmental projects across Europe.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity to work on an extremely well-preserved archaeological site from the middle ages,” she said.

“Already we have discovered high-status burials with rich grave goods, including that of an infant child buried with beautiful silver bangles and a necklace made of thousands of tiny black, yellow and red-coloured handmade glass beads.”

The burials date from the later medieval period but the team are also looking for a lost Byzantine church near the necropolis.

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