Archaeometric Steps to Decipher the Immortalization of the Getae: The Investigations of the Hellenistic Necropolises of the Getic “Dausdava” in the Sboryanovo National Reserve
Archaeometric Steps to Decipher the Immortalization of the Getae: The Investigations of the Hellenistic Necropolises of the Getic “Dausdava” in the Sboryanovo National Reserve

Summary/Abstract: The archaeometric investigations of the tumular necroplises of the spiritual and political centre of the Getae Dausdava- Helis (the Sboryanovo National Reserve) aimed to decipher Herodotus's statement that the Getae practiced immortality. A new approach, combining geophysical methods with new approach in the excavation of burial mounds, has answered the crucial question about the Thracian tombs- looted or connected with specific burial practices states? Key aspects of the rites of immortalization were deciphered. Investigations on the astronomically predetermined organization of the necropolises and orientation of the tombs, provenance analyses on the building materials, anthropological studies and chemical analyses for reconstruction of the diet of the buried individuals, paleozoological studies, etc. revealed the complexity and the essence of the practices of immortalization in which deep knowledges in mathematics, astronomy, architecture, etc. were involved by the vegetarian Getae – followers of the teaching of Zalmoxis and Orpheus in astral immortality in order to help the soul to merge with the universe.

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