Civil_architecture First_Bulgarian_Empire

the ruins of pliska, first capital of bulgaria

the bulgarians constructed forts residences, called contemporary byzantine authors auls, or fortified palaces. example of type of construction aul of omurtag, mentioned in chatalar inscription, bears many similarities pliska, such presence of baths , usage of monumental construction techniques large carved limestone blocks. archaeologists have discovered damaged lion statue 1 m in height , matches description in inscription: in field of pliska staying [omurtag] made court/camp (aulis) @ [the river] ticha ... , skillfully erected bridge @ ticha camp [he put] 4 columns , above columns erected 2 lions. same method of construction employed in fortress on danubian island of păcuiul lui soare (in modern romania), gate similar in plan @ pliska, preslav , aul of omurtag. further north on southern slopes of carpathian mountains located fortress slon, important juncture connected salt mines of transylvania lands south of danube, , constructed in same manner.

the second capital preslav covered area of 5 km in shape of irregular pentagon , pliska divided inner , outer town. city experienced extensive construction programme under simeon intended rival constantinople. inner town contained 2 palaces, called archaeologists western palace , throne hall linked. few elements of decoration have survived –  marble plates , 2 monolith columns of green marble enclosed arch above throne. whole complex larger pliska palace , walled bath adjoining southern wall. ceremonial road covered stone plates linked northern gate , palace complex , formed spacious plaza in front of it. outer town housed estates, churches, monasteries, workshops , dwellings. adjoined outer side of southern gates of inner town there large trading edifice 18 rooms commerce on first floor , accommodation rooms on second. common plan of commercial, artesian , residential monastic edifices rectangular first floor being used production, , second one –  living. of buildings had marble or ceramic tile floors, , others had verandas on second floor. there 2 types of plumbing – made of masonry or of clay pipes brought water mountains city.