The First Civilization in Europe and the Oldest Gold in the World - Varna, Bulgaria

Varna civilization and the oldest gold jewelry in the world (Bulgaria 5th millennium BC)

In the 1970s, archaeologists in Bulgaria stumbled upon a vast Copper Age necropolis from the 5th millennium BC containing the oldest golden artifacts ever discovered near the modern-day city of Varna. But it was not until they reached grave 43 that they realized the real significance of the finding. Inside burial 43 were the remains of a high status male and unfathomable riches – more gold was found within this burial than in the entire rest of the world in that period.\nMost people have heard of the great civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Indus Valley, which are all noted for being the earliest known civilizations to feature urbanization, organized administration, and cultural innovation. But few have heard of the mysterious civilization that emerged on the shores of lakes of the Black Sea some 7,000 years ago in Bulgaria. The Varna culture, as it has come to be known, was not a small and inconsequential society that emerged in a little corner of Bulgaria and disappeared quickly into the pages of history. Rather, it was an amazingly advanced civilization, more ancient than the empires of Mesopotamia and Egypt, and the first known culture to craft golden artifacts. Varna is also now home to the largest known prehistoric necropolis in south-eastern Europe, which reflects a richness in cultural practices, complex funerary rites, an ancient belief system, and the capacity to produce exquisite and expertly-crafted goods. It has come to be known as the cradle of civilization in Europe. The Rise of the Varna Culture. Evidence suggests that it was between 4600 and 4200 BC, when gold smithing first started in Varna. As advances were made, and craftsmen mastered metallurgy of copper and gold, the inhabitants now had something extremely valuable to trade. Increased contacts with neighbours both north and south eventually opened up trade relations within the Black Sea and Mediterranean region, which was of great importance for the development of the society. The deep bay, along which the settlements of Varna, provided a comfortable harbor for ships sailing across the Black Sea and Varna became a prosperous trading center. Increased trading activity allowed the metallurgists to accumulate wealth and very quickly, a societal gap developed with metallurgists at the top, followed by merchants in the middle, and farmers making up the lower class. Incredible discoveries made at a nearby cemetery also suggest that Varna had powerful rulers or kings – but we will come back to that.\nAnd so, the foundations had been laid for the emergence of a powerful and flourishing culture, whose influence permeated the whole of Europe for thousands of years to come.

Discovering ancient Varna

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. In October, 1972, excavator operator Raycho Marinov stumbled upon a vast Copper Age necropolis containing the oldest gold artifacts ever discovered. It was to become one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made in Bulgaria. Extensive excavations were launched under the direction of Mihail Lazarov (1972–1976) and Ivan Ivanov (1972–1991), revealing for the first time the magnificent civilization of Varna. More than 300 graves were uncovered in the necropolis, and between them over 22,000 exquisite artifacts were recovered, including 3,000+ items made from gold with a total weight of 6 kilograms. Other precious relics found within the graves included copper, high-quality flint, stone tools, jewellery, shells of Mediterranean mollusks, pottery, obsidian blades, and beads.

[kaloyantodorov]

first civilization in europe? why not in the world

[jhnndrs]

Very impressive that the hammer handle was made of clear glass!

[ssherrierable]

Forget the gold look at the skeletons perfect teeth! 😂

[Anticommunism]

Bulgaria is the oldest country in the whole world , soon it will be a superpower again

[SPD]

Thank you for showing the truth. If you come to
Bulgaria, you'll see the same people the same DNA that is held in Bulgaria for centuries. Today's Bulgarian people are still caring this DNA of the first advanced civilisation in Europe, maybe in the world as well as after this civilisation, Sumer and after that Egypt became very advanced. After the float of the Black Sea, many people from the Varna Culture, left their land and spread to Europe and Asia, creating the first advanced European civilisation and the first advanced civilisation in Middle East - Sumer (Mesopotamia) and after that Egypt. If you see the golden items from Varna you'll see the PI and the golden number of Fibonacci. This has later been used to help Egyptians to build the pyramid and to be one of the most advanced civilisation of its time. Don't wonder if you see mummies, that are actually with Eastern Europe gens and DNAs.

[raymondjjohnsonjr]

So r u guys GRAVE ROBBERS or r u gonna give the gold back?

[matimus]

Well the after life didn't work did it?
The religious have been trying for over 6000 year's
Give me a break..