Bulgaria, August 2004: archaeologist Georgy Kitov makes a spectacular discovery in the Valley of the Thracian Kings, a valley which concentrates around twenty temples and royal tombs. He enters an ancient, inviolate tomb of unexpected richness which dates from the 4th century BC, the apogee of Thracian culture.

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In front of the gigantic mausoleum, archaeologists find a magnificent life-size bronze head, one of the most beautiful specimens of sculpture from this period, with a disconcertingly modern style. Who was this king and what does his tomb reveal to us about Thracian culture? Was he buried according to the Thracian custom of Orphic rites and what do we know today about these secret rites which promised eternal life?

The search for identity makes it possible to attribute the tomb to King Seuthès III. With the help of archaeologists and historians who decipher the remains left by this king, the film reconstructs the puzzle of the life of Seuthes III, modern king open to Hellenization, warrior king opposed to Macedonian power, priest king attached to the conservation of the rites of Thracian culture."

SEUTHÈS THE IMMORTAL, THE SECRETS OF A THRACIAN KING
Director: Zlatina ROUSSEVA
Authors: Zlatina ROUSSEVA and Delphine Morel
Production: ARTE FRANCE, CRESCENDO, GOOD & BAD NEWS, PALIMPSEST, RTBF, CBA
©ARTE