The Varna Necropolis is a large burial site in Bulgaria
It was discovered in the 1970s during excavations for a new industrial zone in the city of Varna, Bulgaria. The site contains a total of 294 graves, dating from 4569-4340 BC, which make it one of the largest and most significant burial sites of the prehistoric world.
The most significant discovery at the Varna Necropolis is the oldest collection of worked gold in the world, dating from 4,600 BC to 4,200 BC. The gold artifacts found at the site are believed to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes, and include objects such as bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and buttons. The amount of gold found in the necropolis was unprecedented for that time period, and suggests the existence of a highly organized and sophisticated society.
294 graves
The graves at the necropolis are divided into three main groups: elite, standard, and simple. The elite graves are larger and more elaborate than the others, and contain the remains of individuals who were likely members of the ruling class. One of the most notable graves is Nr 43, which contained the remains of a high status male who was buried with a large amount of gold artifacts, including a gold scepter and a gold-covered copper ax.
The Varna Necropolis is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, providing insight into the development of prehistoric civilization and the origins of metallurgy. The site is open to visitors and has a museum that displays the gold artifacts and other archaeological finds from the necropolis.
Significant archaelogigal site
In addition to the gold artifacts, the Varna Necropolis also yielded other significant archaeological finds, such as pottery, stone tools, and copper artifacts. The pottery discovered at the site is notable for its intricate designs and fine craftsmanship, and is considered to be some of the earliest examples of pottery in the world.
The Varna Necropolis also provides important information about the social structure and burial practices of prehistoric societies. The elite graves at the site, with their larger size and more elaborate burial goods, suggest the existence of a social hierarchy and the importance of social status in these societies. The different types of graves at the site also indicate that different social classes existed in this prehistoric community.
The Varna Necropolis has been extensively studied by archaeologists and continues to be a subject of research and exploration. The site remains an important archaeological landmark and a source of valuable information about the history of human civilization.
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