The Varna Necropolis, located on the western coast of the Black Sea in present-day Bulgaria, stands as a testament to the rich and enigmatic history of human civilization. Dating back over 6,000 years, this ancient burial site is widely regarded as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Unearthed in 1972, the Varna Necropolis offers a captivating glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and remarkable craftsmanship of the people who once thrived in the region.
When we think of ancient civilizations, our minds often gravitate toward well-known cultures like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. However, there is a mysterious civilization that predates these great empires and emerged on the shores of the Black Sea over 7,000 years ago—meet the fascinating Varna culture.
Situated near modern-day Varna in Bulgaria, the Varna culture was far from an inconsequential society tucked away in a corner of history. Instead, it was a remarkably advanced civilization that predates the empires of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Notably, it is recognized as the first known culture to create intricate golden artifacts, showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship.
Varna is now home to the largest prehistoric necropolis in southeastern Europe. This necropolis reveals a wealth of cultural practices, intricate funerary rites, an ancient belief system, and the ability to produce exquisitely crafted goods. It stands as a testament to the cradle of civilization in Europe.
The Rise of Goldsmithing and Prosperity
Around 4600 to 4200 BC, the art of goldsmithing emerged in Varna. As skilled craftsmen honed their metallurgy techniques with copper and gold, the residents gained a valuable commodity for trade. Increased interactions with neighboring regions to the north and south facilitated trade connections within the Black Sea and Mediterranean, solidifying Varna’s status as a prosperous trading hub.
The burgeoning trading activities allowed the metallurgists to accumulate great wealth, resulting in a significant societal divide. The top echelon consisted of the metallurgists, followed by merchants, and farmers comprising the lower class. In addition, the nearby cemetery provided astounding discoveries that hinted at the presence of powerful rulers or kings, which we will delve into later.
Thus, the foundation was laid for the rise of a powerful and flourishing culture. Their influence reverberated throughout Europe for thousands of years to come.
Unveiling the Ancient Varna Civilization
The first evidence of the Varna civilization emerged through the discovery of tools, vessels, utensils, and figurines made from stone, flint, bone, and clay. However, a groundbreaking find in October 1972 sent shockwaves around the world. Excavator operator Raycho Marinov stumbled upon a vast Copper Age necropolis, housing the oldest gold artifacts ever unearthed.
This discovery in Bulgaria became one of the most significant archaeological breakthroughs. Over the following years, extensive excavations under the direction of Mihail Lazarov (1972–1976) and Ivan Ivanov (1972–1991) revealed the magnificent civilization of Varna.
The necropolis yielded more than 300 graves, boasting over 22,000 exquisite artifacts, including a staggering 3,000 items made of gold, with a combined weight of 6 kilograms (13.23 pounds). Copper, high-quality flint tools, jewelry, Mediterranean mollusk shells, pottery, obsidian blades, and beads were among the other precious relics discovered.
Unearthing Grave 43’s Unparalleled Riches
Among the numerous elite burials, one stood out—grave 43. Inside this burial, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a high-status male, likely a ruler or leader of some kind. Astonishingly, the amount of gold found in Grave 43 surpassed that of the entire rest of the world during that period. This individual, known as the Varna man, was buried with a scepter, symbolizing high rank or spiritual power, and wore a sheath of solid gold over his penis.
This burial holds immense significance beyond its precious grave goods. It represents the first known elite male burial in Europe, as previous elaborate burials primarily focused on women and children.
According to Marija Gimbutas, a renowned Lithuanian-American archaeologist, the transition to male dominance in Europe began towards the end of the 5th millennium BC. In the Varna culture, this transition was observed as men started receiving more lavish posthumous treatment.
Elaborate Funerary Rites in the Varna Necropolis
The burials within the Varna necropolis offer more than just a treasure trove of artifacts and insights into social hierarchies. They provide valuable glimpses into the religious beliefs and complex funerary practices of this ancient civilization.
Researchers discovered that males and females were laid out in distinct positions within the graves. Males were positioned on their backs, while females were placed in a fetal position. Intriguingly, certain graves contained no skeletal remains and were considered “symbolic graves.” These symbolic graves contained the richest troves of gold and other treasures. Human-sized clay masks, representing the head, were found in these graves.
Additionally, gold amulets shaped like women were placed where the neck would be, symbolizing pregnancy and childbirth. The absence of battle axes in these cenotaphs, coupled with the presence of copper pins, flint knives, and spindle whorls, indicates that these “burials” were intended for females.
The Decline and Legacy of the Varna Culture
By the end of the fifth millennium BC, the once-powerful Varna culture began to disintegrate. Its downfall has been attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change that transformed arable lands into marshes and swamps, as well as the incursion of horse-riding warriors from the steppes.
While the Varna civilization did not directly give rise to subsequent cultures, its members left behind lasting legacies that shaped the emergence of civilizations across Europe. Their unparalleled metallurgy skills set new standards in Europe and beyond. The societal structure they developed, featuring a centralized authority, laid the groundwork for the fundamental principles of modern civilization that endure to this day.
The Varna culture, once shrouded in obscurity, has now claimed its place as an extraordinary civilization. Its story serves as a testament to human ingenuity, craftsmanship, and the indelible impact of ancient cultures on the tapestry of human history.
The Varna Necropolis stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity, skill, and cultural richness of the people who lived in the region over 6,000 years ago. The opulence of the burial goods discovered within the necropolis showcases the social complexity, advanced craftsmanship, and far-reaching trade networks of the Varna culture. This ancient burial site continues to offer valuable insights into our shared human heritage and reminds us of the timeless fascination with life, death, and the mysteries of the past.