The Gradishte area in the Strandzha Mountains of southeastern Bulgaria is a place where documented history and enigmatic legend intertwine. Gradishte’s peak, Golyamo Gradishte, is the highest point of the Bulgarian Strandzha (710 m) and is home to the remnants of ancient structures beneath its oak forests (Vagabond). In recent decades, this once-obscure locale near the town of Malko Tarnovo has gained fame not only for its confirmed archaeological significance – including a Thracian (and later Roman) sanctuary and fortress – but also for the mysterious tale of a supposed Tomb of Bastet. The latter is a modern legend about a hidden tomb of an Egyptian goddess said to contain nothing less than the secrets of humanity’s past and future. The site has thus attracted historians, archaeologists, and esoteric enthusiasts alike, all drawn to its unique blend of evidence-based history and alluring, if unproven, lore.

We delve into the Gradishte area’s known historical and archaeological record, then explore the extraordinary tales that have grown around it. We will clearly distinguish between confirmed facts and speculation, maintaining a rigorous yet journalistic tone. By examining both the hard evidence and the modern myths – from the 1981 secret expedition led by Lyudmila Zhivkova to recent geophysical surveys – we aim to illuminate what is known, what remains unknown, and how future interdisciplinary research might finally separate truth from legend in Strandzha’s Gradishte.

Evidence-Based History and Archaeology

Gradishte’s importance long predates the 20th-century legends. Archaeologists identify this locality as part of an extensive ancient Thracian cult complex, later utilized in the Roman era, nestled in the Strandzha Mountains (Pateshestvia and Ancientbulgaria). At the foot of Golyamo Gradishte lies the Mishkova Niva site – a remarkable complex consisting of a domed tomb, a necropolis (cemetery), possibly a priests’ residence, and even remnants of ancient mining activity. Excavations indicate that the Mishkova Niva tomb was a monumental structure: a circular tomb or heroon (hero’s shrine) built of stone blocks, approximately 23 meters in diameter, with a corridor leading into a central chamber.

Mishkova Niva funerary complex in Strandzha, with its ring of megalithic stones amid dense oak forest. Archaeologists excavated this Thracian-Roman tomb complex in the early 1980s, uncovering a large walled mound and a corridor. The site may have originated as a Thracian dolmen and was later expanded or rebuilt during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

The historical timeline of the Mishkova Niva sanctuary spans many centuries. Some researchers believe the complex was in use from the middle of the 2nd millennium BC (Bronze Age) through Late Antiquity. There is evidence that a Thracian aristocrat or high priest was buried initially here (perhaps as early as the 5th–3rd century BC), after which a larger domed tomb was constructed in his honor during the Hellenistic era. By the Roman period (2nd–3rd century AD), the area fell under imperial domain – one theory holds that the estate and its mines belonged to the household of the Roman emperors. Indeed, archaeologists have found that many artifacts from the Mishkova Niva tomb date to the 2nd–3rd century AD, suggesting major construction or use at that time.

What did these excavations reveal? Early 20th-century Bulgarian archaeologists (the Škorpil brothers) first documented the tomb’s impressive architecture, notably a triangular pediment (now displayed in Malko Tarnovo’s museum) carved in relief with a shield, a spear, and two open palms. While mystics later ascribed secret symbolism to this imagery, archaeologists explain that such motifs are common in ancient funerary art. The shield and spear indicate that the deceased had a warrior’s status, and the raised palms were meant to ward off evil or uninitiated intruders. The main tomb chamber, once topped by a false cupola of stone slabs, was found to be collapsed, and the site had been looted in antiquity, yielding few portable artifacts. Nonetheless, ceramic fragments, tools, and structural remains confirm the presence of active human activity here in antiquity.

Meanwhile, atop Golyamo Gradishte peak itself are the overgrown remains of a massive ancient fortress that once enclosed the summit. The fortress walls, about 2.5 meters thick and enclosing a roughly 100-meter diameter area, likely date to the same era as the tomb’s use. This strategic height would have served as a defensive lookout and perhaps a sacred precinct overlooking the sanctuary below. Numerous old mine galleries perforate the surrounding hills – Strandzha was rich in copper ore, and ancient Thracians and later Romans did extensive mining in the region. According to Bulgarian archaeologists, one such mine tunnel runs under the Gradishte peak area, suggesting that some of the site’s later mysteries may have natural explanations in these ancient mines.

Crucially, all of these facts paint a picture of Gradishte as an essential center of Thracian (and Thraco-Roman) culture. It was likely a place of worship and burial for elites, tied to mining activities and fortified for protection. There is no scholarly evidence to suggest that ancient Egyptians or other distant civilizations ever occupied this mountain. Yet, the stage was set for modern imagination: a secluded border-zone hill with unexplored nooks and a majestic tomb ruin nearby – fertile ground for legends to take root once historical facts were obscured by time and politics.

Table summarizing facts and historical information about Bubastis (Tell Basta, Egypt), and Golyamo Gradishte (Strandzha Mountain, Bulgaria).

Tales and Alternative Hypotheses

What makes Gradishte truly famous across Bulgaria today is not only its ancient remains, but the legend of the Tomb of Bastet – a tale of hidden treasure, prophetic knowledge, and even extraterrestrial connections. This modern myth took shape in the late communist era and early 1990s, and it centers on a dramatic secret excavation in 1981. According to the most popular account, a local treasure seeker found an old, inscribed map and brought it to Baba Vanga, the renowned blind clairvoyant of Bulgaria. Vanga, known for her cryptic prophecies, allegedly identified the map’s location in Strandzha and revealed that something of immense importance lay buried there. According to her description, “the history of the world 2,000 years before us and 2,000 years after us,” was hidden in that mountain. She warned, however, that humanity was not yet ready for this secret. In one version of the story, Vanga said the place held the secret of humankind and cautioned seekers to stay away.

The map and prophecy quickly caught the attention of Lyudmila Zhivkova, then Bulgaria’s Minister of Culture and the daughter of Communist leader Todor Zhivkov. Lyudmila was renowned for her profound interest in the occult and ancient history, and she was a patron of ambitious cultural endeavors. In 1981, under utmost secrecy, she organized an expedition to Gradishte to hunt for the prophesied treasure of knowledge. The team included a top archaeologist (Professor Ilya Prokopov, as known later, BNR), several close associates of Zhivkova, and even Vanga’s niece, Krasimira Stoyanova (who had covertly copied the mysterious map). The location pinpointed by Vanga’s map was the foot of Golyamo Gradishte peak – precisely where a small cave opening leads into the hill. At that time, this was a restricted border zone next to Turkey, guarded by the military with orders to shoot trespassers. Zhivkova’s team had state security clearance to dig there under the cover of darkness.

They reached the Gradishte cave and began digging into the earth beneath the rock. It’s said that the secret excavation managed to go down about 25 meters deep over the course of weeks. What did they find in those depths? This is where rumor and speculation run wild. Some claim they unearthed a chamber with strange inscriptions and possibly a sarcophagus. One sensational story says they found the mummified body of an Egyptian woman – or even the cat-headed Egyptian goddess Bastet herself – buried in the mountain, guarding a trove of golden tablets containing lost knowledge. In fact, Krastyu Mutafchiev, a confidant of Lyudmila present at the dig, was among the first to speculate that the site was the tomb of Bastet. This idea has captivated the public imagination ever since. The presence of a vaguely feline-shaped rock face near the cave gave credence to the Bastet theory; to this day, guides will point out a natural formation that, if you squint, looks like a cat’s head carved in the cliff.

Dramatically, just as the expedition seemed on the verge of uncovering something, fate intervened. In July 1981, Lyudmila Zhivkova died unexpectedly at age 38, from a sudden illness (an aneurysm, officially). Soon after, another high-ranking sponsor of the project (the minister overseeing mineral resources) also died under unclear circumstances. These events sent a chill through the team. Fearing a curse or alarmed by the losses, the researchers abruptly abandoned the dig. Before leaving, they reportedly dynamited the excavation tunnel, causing part of the mountain’s spring to flood the cavity and permanently conceal whatever lay inside. What had been unearthed by that point was literally buried under tons of rock and water. The Gradishte site fell silent, and under the shadow of Communist state security, it remained a closely guarded secret throughout the 1980s.

Only after the collapse of Communism in 1989 did the story become public. Two insiders from the expedition, Krasimira Stoyanova (Vanga’s niece) and Krastyu Mutafchiev, published memoirs in the early 1990s describing the 1981 adventure. Their accounts were astonishing and often contradictory, but both insisted that the discovery at Gradishte proved Bulgaria was a land of immense ancient importance – “sacred ground” holding world-changing secrets. The Bulgarian media, newly free and hungry for sensational stories, seized on the tale. In the 1990s and 2000s, newspapers and TV shows added ever more fantastic details to the Bastet tomb legend. Some claimed Nazi German occultists had actually known of the site during WWII, or that Soviet KGB agents had later taken an interest. Others speculated that extraterrestrials were somehow involved – perhaps the “treasure of suprahuman knowledge” came from aliens, and the Egyptian goddess narrative was a cover for an otherworldly artifact. A particularly colorful element (allegedly from Baba Vanga’s own words) describes the buried woman as holding a rod made of extraterrestrial material, on which a message was inscribed detailing 2,000 years of human history and a prophecy for the next 2,000 years (Drumivdumi). Thus, over time, the story blended ancient Egyptian lore with science fiction.

By the late 2000s, thousands of Bulgarians had heard of the Tomb of Bastet at Gradishte. The once-forbidden peak became a pilgrimage site for New Age spiritualists and curious tourists. Visitors would camp at the cave, reporting strange sensations or visions, and leave flowers, candles, or cat statuettes as offerings by the cave’s dark pool. Local guides from Malko Tarnovo’s tourist center now lead tours to the spot. They dutifully recount the legends: how squinting at just the right angle reveals the cat’s face on the cliff, how electronic devices allegedly malfunction near the cave, or how some visitors feel an “ominous aura” or “dark energy” in the air. These tales, of course, are anecdotal – a mix of psychological suggestion and the naturally eerie atmosphere of an abandoned dig site in the woods. Sceptics who hike up to Golyamo Gradishte see nothing more than a mossy rock face and a stagnant pond where a tunnel once was (Vagabond).

Importantly, mainstream archaeologists and historians dismiss the wildest claims. They point out that no Egyptian artifacts have ever been documented in Strandzha, and that Bastet was an Egyptian deity whose tomb is highly unlikely to be in Thrace. Their professional assessment is far more mundane: what the 1981 team stumbled into was probably an ancient mine shaft or natural cave related to local copper mining, not a mystical tomb (Vagabond and Vagabond). Indeed, even at the very time of the secret digging, Bulgarian archaeologists were legitimately excavating the Mishkova Niva Thracian tomb just a few hundred meters away, unaware of their clandestine neighbors. In hindsight, it appears the enthusiasm of Zhivkova’s circle, fueled by Vanga’s cryptic map, led them to misinterpret an archaeological curiosity (perhaps an old tunnel) as something far more extraordinary.

Yet, despite scientific skepticism, the Bastet myth endures robustly in popular culture. The interplay of partial truths, secrecy, and coincidences – not least the untimely death of Lyudmila Zhivkova – created a classic mystery narrative. To this day, some locals insist that there’s a cover-up to conceal whatever lies beneath Gradishte. For instance, in 2018, an excited team announced that they had detected a strange rectangular object under the cave water (more on that below). Still, local rumors suggest that “the historians” or authorities suddenly halted the research, which conspiracy theorists interpret as proof of a secret too dangerous for disclosure. These alternative hypotheses, ranging from ancient Egyptian priests traveling to Thrace, to lost Atlantean libraries, to alien technology buried in Strandzha, remain firmly in the realm of speculation without evidence. They do, however, contribute to the intrigue that keeps Gradishte in the public eye.

What We Don’t Know

Despite all the attention, much about Gradishte remains unknown or unverified. Decades after the events of 1981, no conclusive public record exists of what (if anything) was found in that secret dig. The Bulgarian authorities of the time kept all documentation classified, and those files – if they still exist – have not been released to scholars or the public (BNR and BNR). Thus, we don’t know precisely what the expedition uncovered before it was abandoned. Were there really inscriptions in an unknown script? Did the team retrieve any artifacts (metallic rods, tablets, mummified remains), or were they digging through soil and bedrock? No outsider can say for sure. The only testimonies came from participants who may have embellished or misremembered details, and their accounts often conflict (Vagabond and Vaagabond).

We also don’t know the nature of the anomaly detected in recent years. In 2018, archaeologist Daniel Pantov conducted a geophysical scan of the site – the first scientific survey of Gradishte since the 1980s. His ground-penetrating radar reportedly identified a metallic, perfectly symmetrical object buried about 18–20 meters below the cave’s floor. Pantov described it as a cuboid shape that appeared unnatural and was located within what could be a man-made chamber accessible via tunnels. This tantalizing find raises many questions: Is the object a significant metal artifact or just an odd mineral deposit? Is the chamber an actual carved space or a quirk of the radar image? At present, without excavation, the true identity of this subsurface feature remains unknown. Pantov himself has been cautious – he noted that it’s “very likely that [the radar signals] are only ore galleries containing tools used in mining and may have nothing to do with the rumors and legends”. In other words, the radar hit could be an ancient mine tunnel with leftover mining equipment. Only digging could tell – and so far, digging has not been permitted.

There are further uncertainties about the chronology and purpose of the ancient features on Gradishte. The fortress ruins on the peak, as well as the relationship between the Mishkova Niva tomb and the cave site, remain largely unexplored. Were the Thracians using that cave for rituals, or was it purely a modern coincidence that the map led there? No documented Thracian or Roman texts mention anything extraordinary about this mountain. The legend of an Egyptian tomb appears to be entirely a modern creation; historians have found no trace of such a story in Bulgarian folklore before the late 20th century. It’s possible that local Strandzha folklore held no specific tales about Gradishte at all – the area’s strict access under Communist rule meant few locals could even wander there to create new legends. Thus, much of the narrative was imported via Vanga and the treasure-hunter’s map rather than arising from deep folk memory.

We also lack knowledge on an important point: what was on that mysterious map from 1981? Allegedly, it was covered in strange symbols that Vanga’s niece copied. Some say it was a Thracian map, while others claim it is an Arab or ancient script. Without seeing it, researchers cannot determine whether it was an outright hoax, a misinterpreted historical document, or something else. Similarly, Lyudmila Zhivkova’s true motivations and thoughts remain partly speculative – did she genuinely believe in the prophecy or was she hoping to find a sensational archaeological discovery to boost national pride? Her sudden death means we don’t have her perspective, and it inevitably spawned conspiracy theories that she was “punished” by a curse or even assassinated (though no evidence supports foul play).

Finally, we do not know what the Bulgarian authorities might do if a significant discovery were confirmed. The region falls under strict cultural heritage laws and also environmental protections (Strandzha is a Natural Park). Any excavation seeking, say, a tomb or treasure trove would require official approval. Pantov has hinted that there are impediments beyond just funding – possibly bureaucratic or academic resistance to excavating a site so steeped in sensationalism. This gap between public interest and official caution means the mystery persists in a sort of limbo: too famous to ignore, but not verified enough to resolve conclusively.

A significant knowledge gap exists between the rich lore and the sparse confirmed data. We know that Strandzha’s Gradishte area was of great importance to the ancient Thracians/Romans, and we also understand that a secretive modern dig took place. We do not know what lies under the peak right now, nor whether the legendary elements (Egyptian burials, alien relics, hidden histories) have any basis in reality. These lingering uncertainties set the stage for future investigations to bring clarity in the end.

Future Research

Clarifying the truth of Gradishte’s mysteries will require a careful, interdisciplinary approach. Scholars agree that future research can combine archaeological rigor with modern technology – and perhaps a dash of open-mindedness – to address the unanswered questions. Here are several promising directions:

Archaeological Excavation (With Transparency)

The most direct way to know what lies beneath the cave is to excavate the site in a controlled archaeological dig. Daniel Pantov and his colleagues from the Primorsko Museum have expressed a strong interest in organizing such an excavation properly. Any dig should be done scientifically and transparently, with involvement of experts in Thracian archaeology as well as geologists. One encouraging sign is that Pantov has maintained contact with Professor Ilya Prokopov, the only surviving archaeologist from the 1981 expedition, and hopes to include him in a new research team. His firsthand memories could guide where to look and what to expect. For this to happen, local and state authorities would need to grant permits and likely provide funding. Pantov notes that the municipality is financially constrained and that the state has not funded such unconventional projects to date. If financing and approvals are secured, a new dig could either verify the existence of hidden chambers/objects or put the more outlandish theories to rest.

Advanced Geophysical Survey

Before any intrusive digging, additional non-invasive surveys would help map what’s underground. Ground-penetrating radar was used in 2018, but more passes or different technologies (electrical resistivity tomography, magnetometry, 3D seismic scans) could provide more explicit images of subterranean anomalies. An interdisciplinary geophysical team can confirm the shape, size, and exact depth of the cuboid object, as well as any surrounding voids or tunnels. Such data would allow archaeologists to pinpoint targets and assess risks (e.g., water table, cave-ins) before excavation. Given that Pantov’s museum operates one of Bulgaria’s only georadars, collaborating with international institutions that have cutting-edge equipment could be beneficial. The goal would be to distinguish natural geological features from man-made structures with greater confidence.

Re-examination of 1981 Records and Artifacts

Although official archives remain sealed, researchers can attempt to track down any physical evidence from the 1981 dig. For instance, if the team recovered small finds, such as pottery shards, tools, or inscriptions (as hinted by anecdotal sources), these might still be preserved in museum storage or private collections. Likewise, any photographs or diaries from participants could be invaluable. Encouraging those involved (or their descendants) to share information in an academic setting could shed light without the pressure of media sensationalism. It may also be worth petitioning the Bulgarian government or Academy of Sciences to declassify documents related to the Zhivkova expedition, now that four decades have passed. Historians could comb State Security archives for references to “Gradishte” or code-named operations in Strandzha around 1981. Access to those records would help separate fact from later myth-making.

Folklore and Cultural Studies

Interestingly, future research could also involve ethnographers and folklorists to document how the Bastet legend has evolved and what it means to local culture. By interviewing residents, guides, and mystics who frequent the site, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the sociological impact of the legend. This not only preserves an intangible heritage of contemporary Bulgarian folklore, but also helps researchers discern which elements of the story might have older roots. For example, is there any local tale of a treasure in the mountain that pre-dates 1981?

Understanding this could calibrate how much weight to give various claims. It also highlights the importance of public communication – if a new excavation happens, accompanying it with public education can prevent misinformation from filling the void.

Interdisciplinary Analysis of Possible Egyptian Links

Given the bold hypothesis of an Egyptian connection, a thorough cross-disciplinary analysis would be prudent if any evidence emerges to support it. This means if, hypothetically, an artifact with Egyptian hieroglyphs or an unusual metal alloy is found, experts in Egyptology, materials science, and even astrobiology (for purported “extraterrestrial” matter) should be consulted. Even in the absence of a direct find, scholars can explore historical connections between Thrace and Egypt, such as ancient trade routes or the migration of cults. While no serious historian expects to find a pharaonic tomb in Strandzha, examining the symbolic resonance (such as cats and deities) might provide context. Pantov himself has said he “does not rule out the possibility of a presence of Egyptian civilization on these lands in the past” as a very tentative notion. This should be investigated with healthy skepticism but with an open mind and curiosity. Sometimes legends, however far-fetched, can lead to surprising minor discoveries (for example, maybe an imported Egyptian amulet exchanged through Greek traders could one day turn up in the area).

Environmental and Preservation Work

Future efforts must also consider preserving the site’s integrity. The cave and surrounding forest are part of a natural park, so ecological surveys should accompany any dig. If the site does contain ancient structures, conservation specialists will need to stabilize and protect them once exposed. Additionally, if no spectacular find is made, managing public expectations will be key – the site can still be valuable as a cultural tourism destination (much as it is now for mystery seekers) but perhaps re-framed with improved interpretation. On the other hand, if something remarkable is discovered, security and preservation protocols would be crucial to prevent looting or damage. Planning for these scenarios in advance is a vital aspect of interdisciplinary research, which involves collaboration with local authorities, law enforcement, and heritage professionals.

The mystery of Gradishte’s “Tomb of Bastet” can only be resolved by combining science, history, and open inquiry. As one Radio Bulgaria report put it, the biggest challenge is to verify whether we are talking about a tomb or something else, and to do things the right way with people unafraid of the legends. The Strandzha region stands to gain from such research – not only could it solve a decades-old enigma, but it would also shine a light on the rich heritage of this corner of Bulgaria, from Thracian sanctuaries to Byzantine forts. Gradishte is a case study in how history and myth can co-exist; by addressing both, future scholars can ensure that this captivating story is told fully – with intrigue, but also with evidence. The next chapter of Gradishte’s tale, one hopes, will replace whispers and conjecture with knowledge and understanding, all while preserving the sense of wonder that makes Strandzha’s mysteries so enduring.

Sources & Further Reads

• Additional references from Malko Tarnovo Historical Museum and academic publications on Thracian archaeology, vagabond.bg, and ancientbulgaria.bg.
• Bulgarian National Radio – “Sanctuary of goddess Bastet near Malko Tarnovo – between legends and reality”, Darina Grigorova (2020), bnr.bg, and bnr.bg.
• Vagabond (Bulgaria’s English Magazine) – “Land of Fake Mysteries”, Dimana Trankova (July 2020), vagabond.bg, and vagabond.bg; “Bulgaria’s Most Fascinating Spiritual Vortexes”, Dimana Trankova (Feb 2025), vagabond.bg, and vagabond.bg.
• Hidden Bulgaria – Strandzha Mountain, Veneta Nikolova (2020), pateshestvia.net, and pateshestvia.net.
• Ancient Bulgaria (heritage portal) – “Mishkova Niva Tomb” (n.d.), ancientbulgaria.bg, and ancientbulgaria.bg.
• Drumivdumi Travel Blog – “12 Incredible Sights in Strandzha”, (2017), en.drumivdumi.com, and en.drumivdumi.com.

Acknowledgements

This article was made possible through the synthesis of verified archaeological records, comparative cultural analysis, and documented regional folklore. Special recognition is given to the researchers and institutions whose excavations and scholarly work on Bubastis (Tell Basta, Egypt) and Golyamo Gradishte (Strandzha, Bulgaria) have significantly enriched our understanding of these two vastly different yet symbolically intertwined sites.

We respectfully acknowledge the enduring significance of Thracian heritage in Strandzha and the foundational legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization, which has shed light on the true origins of Bastet. We should also recognize the role of local memory, myth, and modern curiosity in shaping new narratives and inspiring interdisciplinary exploration.

We aspire to maintain a clear boundary between historical evidence and symbolic legend, while honoring the human need to seek meaning, continuity, and wonder in the landscapes of the past.