Thracians and the Gateway to the Beyond

March 8, 2026

We knew little about the ancient Thracians when we started writing our first fiction book. When people mention Thrace, the only heroes who readily come to mind are Hercules, Orpheus, and Spartacus—if even those. But Thrace has a vast history beyond its mythology or its conflicts with Rome. We enthusiastically rolled up our sleeves and researched their culture, religion, and customs.

Quite often now when we talk about Thrace, people ask, “Where was it?” or “Who were the Thracians?”

So, let’s start with the easy question.

Where Was Thrace?

The Thracians lived in southeastern Europe along the Black Sea, in the region that is now modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. At various times their territory extended far beyond those borders.

For thousands of years this region was home to tribes that shared similar beliefs, traditions, and language. Collectively, these people are known as the Thracians.

Who Were the Thracians?

Answering this question is a bit more complicated.

The Thracians themselves left no written language, so most of what we know about them comes from Greek and Roman writers as well as archaeological discoveries.

One of the earliest written references appears in the epic poem Iliad by Homer, where Thracians are mentioned as allies of the Trojans. Archaeological evidence, however, shows that Thracian culture existed much earlier—possibly as far back as 1500 BC.

The Thracians were often described as fierce warriors who lived among mountains, forests, and river valleys. But they were also highly skilled artisans. Archaeologists have uncovered delicate golden treasures, intricate jewelry, and vividly painted tomb murals that reveal a sophisticated and artistic culture.

A photo from the exhibition of the Lukovit Thracian treasure in the Lovecг history museum
Daznaempoveche, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sacred Horses in Thracian Culture

Among the most revered animals in Thracian culture were horses.

The Thracians believed horses possessed mystical qualities. According to tradition, they could carry riders safely between the world of the living and the realm of spirits. Horses were thought to be immune to evil forces and capable of sensing dangers invisible to humans.

Because of this belief, horses played an important role in both daily life and sacred rituals.

Some customs involving horses included:

· When a ruler died, his horse was sometimes buried with him.

· Women embroidered images of horses onto clothing to protect their families during travel.

· Warriors swore sacred oaths upon their weapons—and their horses.

To the Thracians, horses were more than companions in battle. They were spiritual guides.

A golden Thracian pegasus, found in Vazovo, Bulgaria.
Ivorrusev, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Thracian Gods: Bendis and Dionysus

The Thracians practiced a polytheistic religion and worshiped many gods connected with nature, the heavens, and the underworld.

One of their most important deities was Bendis, often called the Great Goddess. She was associated with the moon, wilderness, and fertility, and her worship eventually spread into ancient Greece.

Another deity closely associated with Thrace was Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstatic ritual. Greek mythology later incorporated Dionysus into its own pantheon, but many ancient writers believed his cult originated among the Thracians.

The tragic story of Orpheus, the legendary musician who journeyed into the underworld to retrieve his wife Eurydice, is also closely tied to Thrace. According to myth, Orpheus ultimately met a gruesome fate when he was torn apart by the Maenads—followers of Dionysus.

Yes… ancient mythology could be brutal.

Bronze head of a statue, probably of Seuthes III, found in front of the Golyama Kosmatka tumulus, Kazanlak district, late 4th century BC
Filipov Ivo, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Thracian Wine and Ancient Legends

Even in antiquity, Thrace was famous for its wine.

In the Odyssey, Homer describes a particularly powerful wine from the Thracian city of Maroneia. The hero Odysseus used this wine to intoxicate the Cyclops Polyphemus before blinding him and escaping.

The connection between Thrace and wine also reinforces the region’s association with the cult of Dionysus.

Even today, Bulgaria remains known for its rich wine traditions.

Rock Sanctuaries and the Gateway to the Beyond

One of the most fascinating aspects of Thracian religion is their sacred rock sanctuaries.

Carved into cliffs and mountain slopes, these sanctuaries often align with celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes. Archaeologists believe they were used for rituals connected with the sun, rebirth, and the journey of the soul.

In her study of Thracian sacred spaces, scholar Valeria Fol writes:

“In the rock sanctuaries the rising of the sun symbolizes the birth of the Sun God and his divine power on the days of the summer solstice. On the day of the autumnal equinox, after which light diminishes, it is equivalent to taking the path to the World of the Beyond.”

These sacred places reveal a belief that nature, the cosmos, and humanity were deeply connected.

Even today, thousands of visitors travel to Thracian sanctuaries in Bulgaria to watch the sunrise on the summer solstice—just as ancient worshippers may have done thousands of years ago.

Buzovgrad Megalithic
Filipov Ivo, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ancient Beliefs About the Afterlife

The Thracians believed death was not an end but a passage into another realm. Some ancient writers, including the Greek historian Herodotus, described Thracian tribes who believed their souls traveled to a divine realm after death. This belief may explain why many Thracian sanctuaries were built high in the mountains or carved into rock—places that symbolically bridged the human world and the realm beyond.

To the Thracians, these sanctuaries may have served as gateways between the living and the dead. A true gate to the World of the Beyond.

Echoes of Dionysus Today

When Christianity spread through the region, the cult of Dionysus gradually faded. Yet echoes of those ancient traditions still survive.

In Bulgaria, the festival of Trifon Zarezan celebrates vineyards and wine each year. During the festivities, people prune vines, pour wine as an offering, and even crown a symbolic “king.”

Many scholars believe these traditions echo rituals once associated with the cult of Dionysus.

But that… might be a story for another post.

If you ever visit Bulgaria, many Thracian sanctuaries can still be seen today—silent stone gateways that once marked the path between this world and the World of the Beyond.