A team of archaeologists from the Regional History Museum in Varna have discovered the remains of a Roman chariot during excavations of a necropolis mound on the route of a planned gas pipeline in Bulgaria’s Varna Province.

Previous studies in the area found evidence of Bronze Age activity, however, the mound dates from the 2nd and early 3rd century AD during the Roman period.

According to the researchers, the mound was built in multiple stages, with the construction of an initial mound covered with marl (an earthy material rich in carbonate minerals, clays, and silt), which was then expanded with the addition of domed stone structures.

Within the mound are cremation pits where the deceased were placed on wooden beds, cremated, and then the pits were backfilled. Based on the concentration of burials, the archaeologists suggest that the necropolis served a large community rather than a family setting, especially given the proximity of a nearby Roman settlement.

Remains of the Roman chariot – Image Credit : BTA

Cremations were a typical funerary practice in the Roman period, and the grave goods provide insights into the social status of the deceased. Although no gold was discovered, archaeologists found ceramic and glass vessels, iron and bronze artefacts, as well as several Roman coins.

The most notable find is a two-wheeled Roman chariot known as a biga, which was found buried alongside the remains of a horse. These chariots were typically used for sports, transportation, and ceremonies, and are a common symbol featured on Roman coins.

Although Roman chariots are not unheard of in Bulgaria, this is the first such discovery in the Varna region. Based on the high level of preservation, Dr. Slavchev from the Regional History Museum in Varna suggests that it may be possible to reconstruct the chariot for public display.

Header Image Credit : BTA

Sources : BTA – Bulgarian News Agency

This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily

Archaeologists are excavating a fortified settlement associated with the Linear Pottery Culture at Eilsleben in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

The Linear Pottery Culture (LBK) is a major archaeological horizon of the European Neolithic period from 5500 to 4500 BC.

The site at Eilsleben was first identified during the 1920’s, revealing one of Central Europe’s largest Neolithic settlements.

Excavations conducted from 1974 to 1989 unearthed the remnants of ancient homes, numerous burials, and pits likely used for ritualistic human and animal sacrifices.

The settlement phases of the site can be divided into two distinct periods.

The earliest phase features north-south oriented dwellings, as well as remnants of a defensive trench measuring up to 3 metres in width. In the later phase, a central spring was fortified with a rampart, palisade and ditch, with further structural changes to form a giant trapezoidal structure.

Archaeologists from the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology (LDA) Saxony-Anhalt recently excavated a 200-square-metre area to carry out a sediment analysis, along with micromorphological and phytolith studies.

Using these modern scientific methods, the researchers hope to understand the site formation, as well as the levels of occupational activity within the wider settlement area.

Excavations also found extensive find material, consisting of pottery vessel fragments, stone implements (e.g., blades, arrowheads, axes) and bone and antler objects.

According to the archaeologists, the find material is providing deeper insights into the interactions between the region’s earliest farmers in the fertile Magdeburg Börde and the contemporary hunter-gatherer societies.

The LDA said: “The excavations are already showing that the Neolithic settlement remains are surprisingly well preserved. The excavators found post holes of houses as well as the remains of wattle and daub house walls. The concentrations of finds are enabling conclusions to be drawn about the use of the spaces within the settlement.”

Header Image Credit : LDA

Sources : State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology (LDA) Saxony-Anhalt

This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily