РЕЗУЛТАТИ ОТ ТЕРЕННИ ИЗСЛЕДВАНИЯ НА ЧОВЕШКИ ПОГРЕБЕНИЯ ОТ ВАРНЕНСКИЯ НЕКРОПОЛ
SOME RESULTS OF THE FIELD STUDIES OF THE VARNA NECROPOLIS HUMAN BURIALS

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: The Eneolithic Varna Necropolis (VN), discovered in 1972 in the western industrial zone of Varna, represents one of the most significant archaeological sites on the northwestern Black Sea coast. Its study has demonstrated the existence of a highly developed society during the middle of the fifth millennium BC, associated with the so-called Late Eneolithic culture of Varna. Aim: The aim of this study is to present the results of field anatomical and anthropological investigations of human remains from the Varna Necropolis and to highlight the potential of such studies for reconstructing biological and social characteristics of the buried individuals. Materials and Methods: The study includes all 315 graves excavated during the archaeological investigations of the Varna Necropolis conducted between November 2, 1972, and August 30, 1991. Field archaeological research was carried out by Mihail Lazarov (1972–1975) and Ivan Ivanov (1975–1991). Anatomical and anthropological analyses were performed during excavation through detailed examination of the human remains, accompanied by written, graphic, and photographic documentation. Where possible, conservation procedures were applied. After fieldwork, the bones were transported to the Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences for laboratory analysis using visual and metric methods. Results: The field studies allowed for detailed documentation and preservation of anthropological information directly during excavation. Restoration and laboratory analysis made it possible to determine the physical and anthropological characteristics of the buried individuals. A notable example is Grave 43, excavated as a block together with the grave goods, which revealed a well-preserved skeleton of a 40–45-year-old man accompanied by gold artefacts weighing more than 1.5 kilograms. Conclusion: Field anatomical and anthropological studies at the Varna Necropolis proved essential for the comprehensive interpretation of human remains. The results confirm significant social differentiation within the Varna culture and demonstrate the importance of integrated archaeological and anthropological approaches in the study of prehistoric societies.

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