Decades ago, researchers uncovered a necropolis in modern-day Bulgaria that provided invaluable insights into one of the richest cultures of its time—and an early form of capitalism.
Over 7,000 years ago, someone accidentally placed lead or cinnabar near a fire and discovered it could melt. This accidental discovery, occurring long before the invention of writing, revealed that certain “rocks” could be transformed. Thousands of years later, during the Copper Age, humanity had already mastered the art of metal smelting.
Among the great masters of this craft were the ancient inhabitants of present-day Varna, Bulgaria. They left behind a legacy immortalized in a necropolis discovered in 1970—a “golden graveyard” containing the world’s oldest known collection of gold artifacts.
Varna. Located on the Black Sea coast, Varna boasts a history spanning thousands of years. Its fertile land and strategic location have made it a cultural and commercial hub of Southeastern Europe for millennia. The region served as a bridge between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
Varna became a prominent center due to its robust trade networks and technological advancements. Local artisans perfected their skills over centuries, producing finely crafted armor, weapons, and jewelry. They worked with precious metals like silver and gold, despite gold’s challenging properties. This metal, being more malleable than silver or bronze, required exceptional expertise to shape. The mastery of Varna’s goldsmiths elevated the city above its contemporaries, leaving an enduring mark on history.
The necropolis. In 1972, Raycho Marinov, a 22-year-old excavator operator working on the outskirts of Varna, unearthed an unusual set of objects: pieces of ceramic handicrafts and tools. Recognizing their potential significance, Marinov reported the find to the authorities.
Archaeologist Mihail Lazarov led the initial excavation. What seemed like a modest discovery turned out to be a vast Copper Age necropolis dating back more than 4,000 years. It contained around 300 tombs. However, the most fascinating aspect was the treasure buried within.
A (gold) mine. Gold dominated prehistoric Varna’s society, inspiring goldsmiths to create an array of intricate objects. Archaeologists uncovered hundreds of gold artifacts in the necropolis, collectively weighing about 13 pounds. Alongside the gold, they found copper tools, obsidian blades, jewelry, amulets, and abundant pottery.
The most significant find was Tomb 43. In addition to skeletal remains, archaeologists discovered a ceremonial wand, a gold penis sheath, jewelry, and other ornaments. This single tomb contained more gold than had been found anywhere else in the world at the time. Had it belonged a king or a prince? Initially, researchers believed so, but later evidence suggested he was likely a blacksmith.
Rituals. Some graves lacked skeletal remains but included gold artifacts or other objects, hinting at the society’s elaborate burial rituals. These findings indicate a complex belief system and advanced skills in metallurgy and craftsmanship.
There were notable differences in how the inhabitants buried men and women. Men were interred lying face up, while women were buried in a fetal position. Social stratification was also evident in the quantity and quality of goods found in each tomb, reflecting differences in class.
Capitalism in antiquity. Beyond the funerary rituals, the necropolis revealed stark social stratification. According to an article published in Smithsonian, archaeologists noted the irony of their findings during the excavation, as Bulgaria was a communist country eager to promote its ideology.
“I joked with a colleague that this cemetery was the first nail in the coffin of communist ideology,” Alexander Minchev, a 25-year-old archaeologist who participated in the discovery, said. “It showed that even in the 5th century b.c., society was very stratified, with very rich people, a middle class, and mostly people with nothing but a pot or a knife to call their own. It was the opposite of the official ideology,” Minchev added.
Fall and legacy. Like many great ancient civilizations, the society in Varna eventually fell. The burial practices observed in the necropolis occurred over a few centuries, between 6,600 and 6,200 years ago, during the Copper Age. They ended abruptly around 4,000 years ago.
Researchers attribute this decline to environmental changes, such as climate shifts that turned fertile lands into swamps. Other factors may have influenced burial practices, but the legacy of Varna’s advanced culture remains clear. Its innovations in trade and goldsmithing helped lay the foundations for modern civilizations.
Images | Viajeaeden | Varna Archaeological Museum
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