Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and is in the top ten of the oldest cities still existing in the world. As such, Plovdiv has a rich history and numerous stories and tales about different aspects of city life and the establishment of the city. One of Plovdiv’s nicknames is “The city on seven hills” because of the hills (called tepe in Plovdiv) that rise inside the city. Plovdiv’s hills are not broad like in other cities, but look like enormous stones that have been placed there. The legend of the seven hills of Plovdiv presents an extraordinary view on how the hills were formed
Plovdiv was the most splendid town in the Thracian Valley. It was situated along the banks of the Maritza (or as it was called then, the Hebros) river and was an important trade center. Stories tell of the good life that the people of Plovdiv were leading – they were growing wheat and vegetables, harvesting juicy grapes, drinking wine and worshipping the Thracian gods. Plovdiv men were famous for their bravery and skills in battle, whereas Plovdiv women were well-known for their mesmerizing beauty.
One day a young boy left the town dreaming of exploring the world, visiting far-away lands and learning about other people and cultures. The young boy joined the army of Alexander the Great on its march to the East. The Thracian boy was quick to show his bravery in battle and was the first one to climb the walls of Babylon when Alexander’s army conquered the city. At this stage, the boy was already a grown man. He had the respect of everyone and because of his achievements; Alexander the Great made him the governor of Babylon.
At the same time, Plovdiv was attacked by barbarian tribes and was struggling under their pressure. The mother of the boy who left Plovdiv to become the ruler of Babylon, sent her youngest son to ask for help from his brother. The young boy had to go through numerous obstacles until he reached the magnificent Babylon. He met his brother and asked him to help Plovdiv against the barbarian tribes. The governor of Babylon, though, was too busy with his own and the city’s matters and declined to help his hometown. The younger brother returned home to his old mother and retold what happened in Babylon. The mother was furious that her own son declined to help his relatives and Plovdiv. So, she cursed him that when the day comes when he wishes to return to his birthplace, his own hometown will not accept him and will turn him and everything he owns into stones.
So infuriated was the mother that she grabbed a sword and rushed to defend the city. At the sight of this wild old woman, the defenders of Plovdiv gained extra powers, while the barbarians were terrified. Thus, Plovdiv was saved, but the spell was cast.
Years passed, the governor of Babylon was getting old and he wished to return to his hometown. He embarked on the journey back to Plovdiv with seven camels that were carrying some of his most precious things. As he was approaching Plovdiv, he could feel that his legs were getting heavier, his body stiffened and a sense of coldness was running through him. He was so close to his birthplace, he could see the fortress by the river. However, he was never able to enter inside the city because right before that he turned to stone and so did the seven camels. All we have left now as a memory of the man who disrespected his city are the seven hills that were formed when the humps of the camels turned into stones. Maybe this is why not one person who has visited Plovdiv can remain indifferent to this eternal city.
