Discovering Varna: A Prehistoric Society’s Burial Rites and Golden Regalia
In 1970s, Archaeologists in Bulgaria stumbled upon a vast Copper Age necropolis from 5th Millennium BC, containing oldest golden artifacts ever discovered near city of Varna, Bulgaria. Most people have heard of the great civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Indus Valley, which are all noted for being earliest known civilizations to feature urbanization, organized administration and cultural innovation. But few have heard of Mysterious civilization that emerged on the shores of lakes near the Black Sea some 7000 years ago. The first evidence of Varna’s ancient civilization came in the form of tools, vessels, utensils, and figurines made from stone, flint, bone, and clay. Then an incredible chance discovery came to light, that made headlines around the world. It was to become one of most important archaeological discoveries ever made in Bulgaria. Extensive excavations were launched under direction of Mihail Lazarov (1972–1976) and Ivan Ivanov (1972–1991), revealing for first ...