Varna, Bulgaria
Varna, Bulgaria [Si].Late Neolithic/Copper Age cemetery near the Black Sea coast of eastern Bulgaria. The site was discovered in 1972 when drainage works cut through a rich grave. Subsequent excavations by I. Ivanov have uncovered more than 280 graves. Dating to the early 4th millennium bc, the significance of the site is that it is earliest floruit of gold metallurgy in the world. The cemetery comprises flat graves with individuals buried in shallow pits, males, females, adults, and children all being represented. A small proportion of the graves contained exceptionally rich grave goods, including gold sceptres, diadems, pendants, and earrings as well as copper artefacts, pottery, and flint tools. Analysis of the gold itself indicates two sources: the eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus. Other exotic items include copper and graphite, spondylus and dentalium shells, carnelian, and marble. The range of grave goods represented suggests social ranking...
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