Municipiul - Shumen
The earliest traces of human presence in Shumen region dates back to the Early Iron Age, 12th c. BC. The first settlement also correlates to the same period. It was constructed of crushed stone walls, two meters in width.
The name of Shumen, once known as Simeonis (Shimeomis), was mentioned for the very first time in 12th c. In 1153 the Arab georgrapher Idrisi described it as an old and famous city situated amongst highlands on a well watered and cultivated surroundings, having also developed trade. Professor Tomashek claims that Simeonis is the Arab verification of King Simeon’s name. In 14th c. Dubrovnian traders when passing through Sofia and Tarnovo, on their way to Balchik and Silistra, used to pronounce the name as Shumna or Shuman. When describing the wars of Vladislav III Varnenchik in 1444, Behaim refers to the fortress as Shemla. Irechek and Ishirkov explain the origin of the name as coming from “noisy”, for the town was located in a wooded, leafy place.
After conquering the territory, Romans erected a war castel on the same spot where remains of Thracian fortification were. The Ancient Bulgarian fortification that was there dates to 7th-10th c. During the ages, around modern day Shumen were erected defensive walls and towers. That was the way the old Bulgarian fortification was turned into a well-guarded feudal town having its inner and outer fortification consisting of 28 towers, 3 gates, churches and workshops.
After a long siege the place was conquered by the Ottomans. After the Liberation the town declined because of the limited market for craft production, though later it recovered.
MADARA NATIONAL HISTORICAL-ARCHEOLOGICAL RESERVE Madara National Historical-Archaeological Reserve encompasses a rich history, a wide range of archaeological artifacts, beautiful nature ... Mai mult »