Roman Chariot found in Ancient Varna Necropolis
Archaeologists in Bulgaria have uncovered something they did not expect while excavating a necropolis mound in the Varna Province. The site has previously revealed only Bronze Age finds, but the new mound is far later, dating to the Roman period around the 2nd or 3rd century AD.
Chief among the finds from the new excavation is a magnificent Roman chariot, a sporty two-wheeled vehicle known as a biga. This is the first such discovery in the entire region, reports Heritage Daily.
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The mound, which was built up in successive stages as successive generations were interred within, is filled with cremation pits. Once the deceased had been cremated the hollow was filled with earth as they took their place in the afterlife.
There are so many pits in this mound that archaeologists believe it may have served as a burial site for the entire community, not just a single family. Nonetheless the chariot suggests that at least one high status individual was interred here.
Other finds at the site include Roman glassware and coins. No gold has yet been found there, although excavation work is ongoing ahead of the site being destroyed to make way for a gas pipeline.
Featured image: The remains of the chariot in the Roman burial mound in Varna (Heritage Daily / BTA)
