Границите в тракийската култова архитектура
Boundaries in Thracian Cult Architecture

Summary/Abstract: A boundary can have different tangible and intangible forms, and it has a complex, usually subjective meaning since it depends on the perspective of the perceiving person. The boundary defines and changes the essence of what it surrounds. Architecture, as one of the earliest human activities aimed at enclosing spaces, is fairly able to express the complexity of this abstract term. Using both physical and metaphoric means, architecture sets boundaries defining oppositions like in/out, known/unknown, sacred/ profane, terrestrial/celestial. This distinguishing quality is most clearly pronounced in cult architecture, where part of the process of creating sacred atmosphere consists in juxtaposing and distinguishing the enclosed space to that of the profane (the environment). This paper considers some of the earliest examples of cult architecture, where the first boundaries were set, defining concrete space as sacred. Gradually, the structure of these buildings became more complex and developed into a whole system of material and virtual boundaries defining also the rules (rituals) of crossing them. For the aim of this paper I present and analyse Thracian cult buildings found on the territory of Bulgaria as representatives of the ancient cult architecture. It is my purpose to trace and identify different boundaries inherent in their structures and suggest interpretations of their symbolism.

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