Ktenia
Ruined fortress guarding the Karnobat Pass.
Ktenia (Bulgarian: Ктения, Greek: Κτένια) is a ruined fortress from the Roman and medieval periods, situated 2.1 kilometers north of the village of Lozarevo in Sungurlare Municipality, Burgas Province, southeastern Bulgaria. Its remains lie northeast of the town of Sungurlare, in the Grebenets section of the Eastern Balkan Mountains. In ancient and medieval times, the fortress held a key defensive role, guarding the Karnobat Pass through the mountains. Nearby castles included Rusokastro to the southeast and Aytos to the east. It is unclear whether Ktenia is the same as the nearby castle called Goloe, or if they were separate fortifications.
In 705, the Zagore area, including Ktenia, was ceded to the First Bulgarian Empire by the Byzantine Empire under Tervel. After the Bulgarian Empire was reestablished at the end of the 12th century, Ktenia returned to Bulgarian control until it was taken by the Byzantines during the Uprising of Ivaylo (1277–1280). Bulgaria recovered the fortress in 1304 following a successful war by Emperor Theodore Svetoslav (r. 1300–1321). It was lost again during the instability after the early death of his son George II Terter (r. 1321–1322), but was quickly recaptured by the new emperor Michael Shishman (r. 1323–1330) in 1324. After another brief Byzantine occupation between 1330 and 1332, the Bulgarians may have retaken it following the Battle of Rusokastro on 18 July 1332, though specific evidence for Ktenia's recovery in that campaign is lacking.
- Location
- 2.1 km north of Lozarevo, Burgas Province, Bulgaria
- Type
- Ruined Roman and medieval fortress
- Period
- Roman and medieval
- Region
- Grebenets section, Eastern Balkan Mountains
- Known for
- Guarding the Karnobat Pass; frequent changes between Bulgaria and Byzantium
Lore & Background
Ktenia's ruins lie northeast of the town of Sungurlare, in the Grebenets section of the Eastern Balkan Mountains. In ancient and medieval times, it was a key defensive position guarding the Karnobat Pass. Neighbouring castles included Rusokastro to the southeast and Aytos to the east. It is uncertain whether Ktenia is identical with the castle named Goloe, which lay in the same region, or whether these were separate fortifications.
Reader's Guide
Ktenia's significance lies in its strategic role controlling the Karnobat Pass, a vital route through the Eastern Balkan Mountains. Its history reflects the shifting borders between the Bulgarian and Byzantine empires. In 705, it became part of the First Bulgarian Empire when the Zagore area was ceded to Tervel. After the reestablishment of the Bulgarian Empire at the end of the 12th century, Ktenia was under Bulgarian control until conquered by the Byzantines during the Uprising of Ivaylo (1277–1280). It was recovered by Bulgaria in 1304 under Theodore Svetoslav, lost after the death of George II Terter, and recaptured by Michael Shishman in 1324. After another brief Byzantine occupation (1330–1332), it was captured by the Bulgarians following the Battle of Rusokastro on 18 July 1332. The uncertainty over its possible identity with the castle Goloe adds to its historical interest.
Did You Know?
- Ktenia is located 2.1 km north of the village of Lozarevo in Burgas Province, Bulgaria.
- It guarded the Karnobat Pass through the Eastern Balkan Mountains.
- The claim that Ktenia was captured by the Bulgarians after the Battle of Rusokastro on 18 July 1332 is not supported by established historical sources.
More in Castles in Bulgaria 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced