Archaeologists discover unique gold artifacts found in a Thracian tomb of a warrior

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Reported by Archaeology News Online Magazine:

Archaeologists in Bulgaria, led by Daniela Agre from the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, have unearthed a Thracian warrior‘s tomb filled with unique artifacts dating back to the early 1st century CE in the village of Kapitan Petko Voyvoda.

The tomb, believed to belong to a Thracian aristocrat who served in the Roman military, contained an impressive array of grave goods. Among the most notable finds were several gold items, including a necklace, a diadem, a ring, and a knife adorned with gold elements and semi-precious stones. The knife is particularly unique, with a handle encrusted with precious stones and a gold band intricately depicting hunting dogs, a design that archaeologists have not seen in Thrace before.

In addition to the jewelry, the tomb also held numerous weapons such as swords, spears, a decorative knife, and a rare plaited breastplate, which was uncommon during the Roman period. The warrior’s full battle gear was laid to rest with him, signifying his status as a well-equipped soldier. Adjacent to the burial site, the skeletal remains of a horse were discovered, further indicating that the warrior was a mounted horseman, a prominent feature in Thracian culture.

The Thracians were an Indo-European people who inhabited areas that now include Bulgaria, Romania, northern Greece, and parts of Turkey. Emerging during the early Bronze Age, they developed a distinct warrior culture that left a lasting impact on the military history of the Balkans and surrounding regions. Known for their skill in light infantry, particularly as peltasts, Thracian soldiers were recognized for their distinctive crescent-shaped pelta shields made of wicker covered in goat or sheepskin. These warriors played crucial roles in the armies of neighboring civilizations such as the Greeks, Persians, and Romans.

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