Archaeologists have made a significant discovery during excavations at a necropolis in northeastern Bulgaria, uncovering a Roman chariot between the towns of Provadia and Vetrino. This marks the first time such a find has been made in the Varna district, bringing new insights into Roman burial practices in the region.
Dr. Vladimir Slavchev, an archaeologist at the Regional History Museum in Varna, explained to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) that mysterious stone structures were revealed during the excavation of a burial mound. In addition to these enigmatic structures, the remains of a Roman chariot were found—an unprecedented discovery for this area.
A Burial Mound Full of Surprises
The necropolis, dating back to the Roman era of the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, has been yielding unexpected discoveries since the very beginning of the excavation. According to Dr. Slavchev, archaeologists initially believed that the mound was from the Early Bronze Age, similar to a nearby excavation. However, evidence now points to the Roman period, indicating that this mound was part of a more complex burial tradition.
The burials in this necropolis were cremations performed at the site. The burial pits were dug, and wooden beds with the bodies were placed inside. After cremation, the pits were filled in. Although it remains unclear whether the mound was used by specific families, the proximity to a nearby settlement suggests it was used by a larger community.
Interestingly, the mound was not located on a traditional hilltop, as is often the case with burial mounds, but rather on a slope. This unusual placement, along with the intricate construction phases of the mound, has intrigued archaeologists.
Complex Construction and Mysterious Stone Structures
The mound underwent several construction phases. Initially, a primary mound was covered with a whitish layer of marl. Later, the mound was expanded and sealed again in a similar manner. During the subsequent phase, the team uncovered mysterious stone structures and additional cremation tombs, with burial pits narrowing at the bottom. These structures, which are round and elliptical in shape, remain an enigma.
Slavchev described the discovery of these stone structures as one of the most puzzling aspects of the site. Built close together and surrounding the mound’s southern side, the purpose of these domed stone features is unknown. While archaeologists have explored some of them, they found nothing inside, leaving their function a mystery. Importantly, there are no signs that the structures were looted or destroyed by humans, further deepening the mystery.
Roman Burial Practices and Grave Goods
Cremation was a common burial practice in the Roman Empire, especially up until the mid-2nd century AD. The social status of the deceased could often be determined by the grave goods placed alongside them. In this necropolis, archaeologists uncovered ceramic and glass vessels, iron and bronze objects, and a few coins. These items, often placed to assist the dead in the afterlife, help paint a picture of the burial customs of the time.
Interestingly, the coins were thrown into the graves after the cremation, during the process of filling in the burial pit. One of the coins was minted during the reign of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, while others date to the Severan dynasty, offering a glimpse into the time period when these burials occurred.
The Chariot: A Remarkable Find
Among the most significant discoveries was the well-preserved remains of a Roman chariot buried with the horse and pottery in the mound. Dr. Slavchev noted that while such finds are not uncommon in Bulgaria, this is the first instance of a Roman chariot being uncovered in the Varna district. The two-wheeled chariot, likely used for transportation, could potentially be reconstructed due to its excellent condition.
While chariots were commonly used for both daily life and ceremonial purposes in Roman times, the chariot found in this burial mound was likely part of the funerary practices, possibly signifying the status of the individual buried with it.
Rescue Excavations for a Pipeline Project
The excavation of the necropolis is part of a rescue operation, as the burial mound lies in the path of the future Bulgaria-Romania gas pipeline. The project is funded by the Bulgartransgaz company, under a contract with the National Archaeological Institute with Museum – BAS, and aims to preserve and document any significant historical findings before construction begins.
The discovery of the Roman chariot, along with the mysterious stone structures and other grave goods, has shed new light on the burial practices and social structures of the Roman era in northeastern Bulgaria. As archaeologists continue to investigate this remarkable site, they hope to unravel more of the secrets hidden within the mound.