Kabyle (ancient city)

Kabyle (Bulgarian: Кабиле) is an ancient Thracian city near the modern city of Kabile. It is situated less than 10 km away from Yambol, south-eastern Bulgaria. Kabyle used to be one of the most important centers of south-eastern Thrace. It was established around 2000 BC on the Zaychi Vrah Heights. It was proclaimed part of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria. The territory of the city and the surrounding area was proclaimed a territory of national importance in 1965 and converted to an archaeological reserve. The area of the reserve is around 65 km².

Many of the findings are housed in the onsite museum which also includes an exhibition tracking the excavation history of the site.

History

In 341 BC Kabyle was conquered by the army of Philip II of Macedon and was later included in the Empire of Alexander of Macedon. In the 3rd century BC it was governed again by the Thracians.

In 71 BC it became part of the Roman Empire after the city was conquered by the troops of Marcus Lucullus and after 45 BC it was included in the Roman province of Thracia. The city was a major trade and military center between the 3rd and the 2nd century BC. Kabyle was one of the most important cities of Thrace following the reforms of Emperor Diocletian in 4th century.

In late 4th century Kabyle was seized by the Goths. It was finally destroyed by the Avars and never settled again. During the Middle Ages there was a small settlement located in the territory of the ancient city.

Coordinates: 42°33′02″N 26°29′03″E / 42.55056°N 26.48417°E / 42.55056; 26.48417