Telish-Lîga, North Bulgaria . The Late Copper Age Site

The prehistoric settlement of Lîga is situated ca.1.5 km north of Telish village, municipality of Cherven Briag ( North-Central Bulgaria , using the local geographical terminology). It lies on the western edge of a broad plateau, stretching from south to north. The plateau is formed in a range of hills some 190-200 m above sea level. The sites, where remains of prehistoric settlements have been discovered stand out in this landscape due to the obvious human impact on their surroundings: The sites are levelled and the abrupt lines of the hilly landscape diminished as the result of human activity.

The terrain slope towards the west is up to 15 degrees. At the foot of the settlement there used to run a stream, which today is transformed into three medium sized fish-ponds (the biggest one covering an area of app. 20,000 m2). The original width of the stream can still be distinguished when the water in the ponds is sunk low. At the bottom, two rows of wooden poles are visible, indicating the site of an old bridge, bridging a ford. At the base of the plateau there is also a thick layer of greyish clay. Apparently, the sources of clay and the access to freshwater, in particular at a ford, were a decisive combination for choosing this particular spot for establishing a habitation site. In fact, lime-stone blocks, abundantly found on the site as supporters of posts, had to be transported from a place four kilometres away.

Excavation team year 2002 on a trip to Karlukovo caves.

It should also be mentioned that the sites and the micro-region are framed by two major rivers - Iskar (distance to the river: 7½ km) and Vit (distance to the river: 7 km). Both rivers are tributaries of the Danube , and running from south to north. The river Iskar distinguishes itself by being the major access-route through the Balkan Range. This river runs in deeply cut valleys, and is, even today, an important route of transportation. In view of the central parts of the Balkan Peninsula , this passage can be equivalated with the famous "Iron Gates". Lîga is thus situated close to a highly important corridor of communication.