Мадарският конник - стари и нови въпроси
The Madara Horseman – Old and New Questions

Summary/Abstract: After the last expedition to study the famous Madara Horseman and the inscriptions around him in 1954, in Bulgarian historical science prevailed the view that originally had been cut the relief with inscriptions I a, b, c, in connection with Bulgarian-Byzantine relations in 705 and that the horseman was the image of Khan Tervel. Inscriptions II and III are linked to the reign of Kormesii and Omourtage. The author draws the attention to some facts noted in the 20s and 30s and adds his observations according to which the inscription and relief were cut simultaneously and most probably were connected with the reign of Kroum. Concrete proof of their simultaneousness was the red mortar coat covering the figures and the inscription. The question of the earliest stone inscriptions in Greek in Bulgaria is considered and arguments are advanced in favour of their appearance during Kroum’s time. According to the author the equestrian figure is not a particular ruler and in the overall composition there are no elements of triumph as is usually claimed. It is generalized visual expression of the idea of the strength of the Khan’s centralized authority.

• Details
• Contents