The Madara Rider, also known as the Madara Horseman, is a large rock relief located in northeastern Bulgaria, near the village of Madara. It depicts a horseman on a cliffside, along with several other figures and inscriptions, and is considered a masterpiece of medieval European art.
The carving is believed to have been created during the early 8th century, during the reign of the Bulgar Khan Tervel. It is thought to depict Tervel himself, and to symbolize his victories against Byzantine and Arab armies. The relief also includes a number of other figures, including a hunting dog, a lion, a snake, and a bird.
The Madara Rider was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and is considered one of the most important cultural monuments in Bulgaria. It has been the subject of numerous studies and interpretations over the years, and remains an important symbol of Bulgarian history and culture.