This 6,500-year-old tomb hides the world's oldest Gold treasure and the secrets of Europe's first king
Buried in the Chalcolithic soil, this ancient cemetery holds the oldest known processed gold in the world, dating back to 4,600–4,200 BC.
This archaeological discovery consists of over 3,000 gold objects. These objects speak volumes about power and trade networks in prehistoric Europe. The discovery of elite tombs, especially one surprising burial overflowing with more gold than any other site of its era, suggests a structured society with clearly defined social tiers.
In the industrial outskirts of Varna, Bulgaria, lies the Chalcolithic Necropolis, which is home to the world's oldest processed gold. First found in October 1972 by operator Raycho Marinov, the site was found with 294 graves filled with over 3,000 gold artefacts, weighing approximately six kilograms. Radiocarbon dating places the burials between 4,600 and 4,200 BC— predating the pyramids of Egypt, according to the official guide website, visit Varna.
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One tomb is special among these
Among these tombs, Grave 43 stands out. Inside was the skeleton of a tall man, likely aged 40–50, wrapped in more than 1.5 kilograms of gold jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, appliqués, a gold-covered scepter, and even a penis sheath. This extraordinary wealth leads scholars to believe he was a chieftain, king, or priest, and his burial is considered the first elite male burial found in Europe.
The range and refinement of the gold items were done using advanced techniques like hammering, incising, and granulation; these are symbolic of a highly skilled metallurgical tradition in those times.
But not all graves contained such wealth, with elite tombs, including symbolic burials without bodies, containing most of the gold, indicating clear social stratification.
This discovery is not just special because of the amount of Gold found in the tombs, but also tells about the varied trade routes that might have existed during those times. The copper in the tools was likely sourced from the Sredna Gora mines, and Mediterranean Spondylus seashells, possibly used as currency, as it points to exchanges with the Aegean.
The community was well constructed to the extent that it also extended to burial rituals, gender-differentiating body positions, empty symbolic graves with clay masks, and goods arranged in specific patterns suggest elaborate spiritual beliefs.
Till now, only about 30% of the necropolis has been excavated, and the remaining finds hint at many more hidden treasures. Today, these artefacts are placed in the Varna Archaeological Museum and on display worldwide, giving an opportunity to have a glimpse into a prehistoric civilisation.
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