page_title: Nebet Tepe
section_title: Archeology
hierarchical_section_title: Nebet Tepe / Archeology
caption_attribution_description: English: View from Nebet tepe
context_page_description: Nebet Tepe is one of the hills of Plovdiv where the ancient town was founded. The earliest settlements on Nebet Tepe are dated back to 4000 BC. The site was first settled by Thracians, later expanded by Philip II of Macedon and the Roman empire. As the town expanded, Nebet Tepe became the citadel of the town's acropolis. There are remains of a fortress walls, towers, and a postern from the time of Justinian leading down to the Maritsa river. Today, the archeological complex on the hill is one of the most popular tourist sights in Plovdiv and a cultural monument of national significance.
context_section_description: The remains of fortress walls, towers and ancient buildings were found during the excavations on Nebet Tepe. The oldest part of the fortress on the hill was built with large syenite blocks roughly fitted together with minimal clearance between adjacent stones and no use of mortar, typical for the cyclopean masonry. The remains of the Western wall with the imposing quadrangular tower and its entrance are evidence of the Hellenistic period when the ancient town expanded and the fortress on Nebet Tepe became the citadel of the town's acropolis. There are also thick stone walls from latter periods and other ancient buildings.
  One of the most interesting excavations is the unique postern with staircase from Roman times - a secret tunnel in the rocks under the North wall built in the 6th century AD during the reign of Justinian. Some historians say that Apostle Paul walked through this tunnel. The postern is thought to have led to the banks of the Maritsa river.
  Water reservoirs used during enemy sieges were also located on the hill. A large rectangular water reservoir with a volume of 350 cum.m  is preserved in the Southern part of Nebet Tepe. It was built of alternating layers of stones and bricks while the inner walls and the floor were treated with hydrophobic coating.
caption: View from the top of Nebet Tepe
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