Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis

The Chalcolithic Necropolis of Varna is a noteworthy burial site that may be found in the western industrial zone of Varna, Bulgaria. The significance of this archaeological site in the history of the world’s prehistoric period cannot be overstated. It is located about four kilometres from the city core and a half km away from Lake Varna. At the location, researchers discovered the world’s oldest gold treasure, which dates back to between 4,600 and 4,200 BC. The treasure was discovered at the site.

Raycho Marinov, who was operating an excavator at the time, was the one who discovered the location in October of 1972. Dimitar Zlatarski, the founder of the Dalgopol Historical Museum, was the first person to identify the significant historical value of the location. His presence was requested by the community members in order to examine the find that they had made earlier in the day. This smart guy, upon realising the significance of his finding, immediately contacted the Varna Historical Museum in order to obtain further information. Following the completion of the essential papers required by the government, he transferred his research to the skilled hands of Mihail Lazarov (1972–1976) and Ivan Ivanov (1972–1991). It is thought that around thirty percent of the necropolis area has not been excavated.

The necropolis has been the site of the discovery of a staggering 294 burials, each of which contains a treasure trove of antique items. These burial sites have produced an astounding assortment of complex objects, including bits of gold and copper that have been expertly created, over 600 pieces of pottery fragments (some of which have been decorated with gold paint), high-quality blades made of flint and obsidian, gorgeous beads, and delicate shells. Inhumations can be performed in either a crouching or straight position. Some graves do not contain a skeleton; instead, they are adorned with cenotaphs, which are offerings to the deceased. The most priceless artefacts produced of pure gold are buried in these tombs, which are devoid of all living things. There has been a remarkable finding of three thousand gold objects, each of which weighs around six kilogrammes. The amount of gold that was found in Grave 43 was so astounding that it exceeded the total amount of gold that was discovered during that time period all across the world. Three clay masks, each with its own unique significance, were found in the tombs.

The results suggest that the Varna civilization had developed trade ties with distant places, maybe including the lower Volga and the Cyclades. These contacts were formed for the purpose of conducting business. From the Provadiya rock salt mine, it is thought that they may have been involved in the exportation of metal items as well as salt. The copper ore that was used in the artefacts originated from a mine in Sredna Gora, which is located close to Stara Zagora. On the other hand, the shells of Mediterranean Spondylus that were found in the tombs might have been used as early forms of payment.

• Archaeological Museum – View the finds here
• The Archaeologist
• Raycho Marinov – Discoverer of  the Gold

• Wiki Varna Necropolis