Archaeologists excavating the ancient Greek city of Heraclea Sintica in modern-day Bulgaria have uncovered a second inscription linked to Heracles (Hercules) Kynagidas, or “Heracles the Hunter,” providing fresh evidence for a local cult dedicated to the mythological hero.
The discovery was made during ongoing excavations led by Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Researchers found the inscription on a large stone cup that survives only in part but remains well enough preserved for the text to be clearly identified.
Stone cup was found near an earlier dedication
The vessel was discovered near an altar where archaeologists recently uncovered another inscription connected to Heracles Kynagidas. That earlier text, deciphered by Senior Assistant Prof. Dr. Nikolay Sharankov of Sofia University, included a dedication from Antigonus to Heracles Kynagidas.
The proximity of the two finds suggests they belonged to the same ritual setting and may date to the same period.
The newly discovered cup features more than an inscription. Beneath the text, archaeologists identified a carved shield associated with ancient Macedonian iconography. Similar shield designs are known from Macedonian coins and other artifacts.
On the opposite side of the vessel, researchers identified part of another figure that may depict the head of a horse or a boar.
Imagery points to ritual use
The imagery could offer important clues about the vessel’s purpose. Heracles Kynagidas, meaning “Heracles the Hunter,” was a regional form of the hero associated with hunting, strength, and protection. The combination of symbolic imagery and dedicatory text suggests the stone cup played a role in ritual activities connected to his worship.
Archaeologists in Bulgaria have uncovered a second inscription dedicated to Heracles Kynagidas, or “Heracles the Hunter,” at the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica. The inscription was carved on a stone ritual cup found near an altar linked to the same cult. pic.twitter.com/oKy6duCfOf
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 22, 2026
The discovery represents the second epigraphic monument found during the current excavation season that directly references Heracles Kynagidas. Archaeologists say the growing body of evidence strengthens the case for an established cult centered on the hero at Heraclea Sintica.
Evidence grows for local hero cult
Researchers believe the vessel was used in ceremonies linked to a sanctuary dedicated to ancient Greek demigod Heracles. The inscription, the altar, and the accompanying imagery all point to organized religious practices that formed part of the city’s spiritual life.
The excavation team has also recovered a fragment from the base of a similar stone vessel. Specialists plan to conduct petrographic analysis to determine whether the fragments belonged to the same object or to separate ritual vessels. The results could provide additional information about the production and use of ceremonial objects at the site.
Ancient city continues to reveal its past
Located near the modern village of Rupite, close to Petrich, Heraclea Sintica occupied a strategic region between ancient Macedonia and Thrace. Excavations at the site have revealed inscriptions, public buildings, sculptures, and other finds that continue to shed light on the city’s political, cultural, and religious history.
For archaeologists, the latest inscription adds another important piece to the picture. Together, the discoveries suggest that the cult of Heracles Kynagidas held a prominent place in the religious landscape of Heraclea Sintica and remained an enduring part of the city’s identity.
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