Kabile

Kabile ( _bg. Кабиле) is a village in Southeast Bulgaria.It is situated in the Tundzha municipality, Yambol Province. The ruins of an ancient city of the same name are located nearby. Ancient Kabile was a capital of a Thracian state and it remained an important fortress throughout the Middle Ages.

Geography

Kabile village is situated at 3 km to the northwest of Yambol. At 1,5 km to the north of Kabile is situated the last hill of the mountain Sredna Gora - Zaychi vryh (Tavshan tepe).

The road from Yambol to the village of Zhelyu Voyvoda (in the Sliven Province) passes through Kabile, as well as the road from Yambol to the village of Drazhevo.

History

The history of Kabile is closely connected to the ancient Thracian town Kabile. The town is founded in the end of the second millennium BC.

Kabile used to be one of the the most important and largest town in Thrace. It was the capital of the Thracian state of the King Spartok. Architecture remains are impressive, most of them are preserved and restored. The discovered artifacts including coins from King Spartok are exposed in the Archeological museum at the place. In 341 BC the town is conquered by Philip II of Macedon.

Christianity became widespread in the area as early as fourth century AD and Kabile became an episcopal center. The town was finally destroyed in the 6th century AD by the Avars. In 9th century, the surrounding region was fully integrated into the Bulgarian Empire and a Bulgarian settlement was established over the ancient ruins.

During the Ottoman rule) the village was known as "Tavshantepe" (Rabbit Hill), after the nearest hill.

After restoration of the Bulgarian state, the village was renamed to "Izvor" (Spring), after the nearest water spring.

The name "Kabile" was reintroduced in the 1950s.

Economy

Most of the population of Kabile works in Yambol. The economy is based on agriculture. There is also a factory for sweets.

Religion

100% Christian population.

There are 2 churches.

Social institutions

* Municipality, library club „Napreduk“ (Progress), stadium
* Primary school „Hr. Smirnenski“, Kindergarten, Post office, Police station, Internet cafe etc.

Honour

Kabile Island off Greenwich Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Kabile.