In 1972, an excavator in Varna’s industrial zone unearthed the significant Varna Necropolis, dating 4,600-4,200 BC. This site, located half a kilometer from Lake Varna and 4 km from the city center, revealed around 300 graves. Among them, Grave 43 stood out, holding a high-status individual adorned with treasures, surpassing the combined gold findings of contemporary archaeological sites.
The Varna Culture, dwelling on the Black Sea shores in modern-day Bulgaria 7,000 years ago, was initially underestimated. Yet, it predated Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations, boasting advanced development. The Varna Necropolis exposed the first-known gold artifacts from this culture, marking it as the largest prehistoric necropolis in southeastern Europe.
Gold processing in Varna began between 4600 and 4200 BC, showcasing evolving ore processing technology. Skilled craftsmen excelled in producing copper and gold items, fostering trade due to Varna’s strategic location between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. This wealth accumulation led to a societal structure of metallurgists, merchants, and farmers, forming the basis for a powerful culture that influenced Europe for millennia.
Before 1972, Varna Culture artifacts were limited to tools, vessels, and figurines crafted from stone. The Necropolis discovery reshaped our understanding of this mysterious civilization.
e, flint, bone, and claystone made. But, after archeologists Mihail Lazarov and Ivan Ivanov revealed the Varna Necropolis to the world, this amazing civilization was viewed from a different perspective.
Within the 300 graves of the necropolis, archaeologists discovered over 22,000 unique artifacts, including 3,000 golden items totaling 6 kilograms of pure gold. The extensive inventory featured high-quality copper, flint, and stone tools, as well as jewelry, Mediterranean mollusk shells, pottery, obsidian blades, and beads.
Within the necropolis, grave 43 stood out as exceptionally spectacular, believed to be the resting place of a high-status male—perhaps a ruler or influential leader. It marked the wealthiest grave globally at that time. The individual was interred with a splendid golden scepter, symbolizing elevated rank or spiritual authority.
The entire setting exuded opulence, adorned with golden necklaces, bracelets, earrings, strategically placed round-shaped golden items, and even a golden plate around the genitals. Weapons associated with this figure were carefully positioned around the body.
Beyond material richness, the Varna Necropolis unveiled insights into ancient societal hierarchies, religious beliefs, and burial customs. Distinct burial positions differentiated genders, with males laid out on their backs and females in the fetal position. Additionally, symbolic graves, termed cenotaphs, devoid of skeletons but rich in gold and treasures, featured clay masks and gold amulets resembling women, placed beneath the mask where a buried person’s neck would be. This archaeological treasure trove provided a glimpse into a sophisticated and stratified ancient society.
The amulets found in the symbolic graves served as symbols of pregnancy and fertility, suggesting their intended association with women. These graves, devoid of human remains but containing a copper pin, flint knife, and spindle whorl, likely held significance as offerings to women or as gifts for deities representing the feminine principle. The mystery of why these graves lacked human remains persists.
The Varna civilization, having no direct descendants, likely assimilated into surrounding European and Asian cultures during the region’s centuries of turmoil. Despite their disappearance, the Varna people left a profound legacy, paving the way for subsequent European civilizations. While the exact details of Varna life remain elusive, the enchanting artifacts from the Varna Necropolis spark the imagination, providing a glimpse into their mysterious world.