History of Hisar

The history of Hisar dates 5000 BC. The first inhabitants of the posy valley were the Thracians. Later at the times of Roman Empire, Hisar became a big city due to its well-known thermals. The emperor Diocletian, who gave the name of the city, had made Hisar the third largest city in the region after Philiphopol and Beroe. The main characteristic of the city was its healing thermals. The emperor had build up a modern resort with huge and straight streets, decorated with statues of Gods. Diocletian had constructed palaces for Roman patricia, marble baths and unique parks. The city was protected by a fortress, which has been preserved by now. According to the archeologists, at this time Diocletianopol (present Hisar) had rich cultural, social and political life. The favorite place for entertainments was the amphitheatre where gladiators’ games were held. After the conversion into Christianity, the Amphitheatre had become a terrain where sport races were conducted. Since these ancient times, this region had been famous with its musical tradition the highlight of which is Orpheus. The ancient Thracians and Romans had developed a cult for God Dionysus with folk merriments and music, as the wine had always been present at their tables.
Undoubtedly, at this time the Romans had a great inclination towards thermals. They used to not only bath in them, but also to have personal and social contacts at the mineral baths. The thermals were impressive buildings; most of them were buildings of marble. They included rooms for hot and cold baths, as well as large entrees for recreation and social talks. There were additional rooms where priests, who were also doctors, used to heal the diseased.
In V century the city became а Christian Centre with its own bishop. Many churches were build at this time.
Unfortunately, the Middle Ages are marked with decline. Only at the end of XVII century on the remnants of Diocletianopol a small village was build up which was named Hisar - an Arab word for “fortress”.
Today the ancient Roman city with its preserved cultural monuments surrounded by a fortress is declared an archeological reserve.
Recently, 20 km away from Hisar a Thracian cult temple was discovered which dates from the end of V and the beginning of VI century BC. It is another proof for the ancient history of this region. Starosel village (where this temple is located) became a favorite tourist destination for many Bulgarians as well as foreign tourists.

The emblem of the modern resort Hisar is a part of the fortress, which represents a huge door and resembles two-humped camels standing face to face.