Dr. Vladimir Slavchev is an archaeologist and chief assistant at the Regional Museum of History in Varna. He has directed fifteen archaeological expeditions, including the resumed in 2021 excavations of the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis. His research focuses on prehistory, the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, funerary practices, settlement organisation, and the social developments of Northeastern Bulgaria and the western Black Sea coast. For more than two decades, Dr. Slavchev has dedicated his work to unraveling one of archaeology's greatest mysteries - the Varna Civilization, the society that produced the world's oldest known processed gold. He has also curated and organised numerous exhibitions in Bulgaria and abroad, showcasing the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of Varna and the surrounding region.
My father was a historian, and growing up surrounded by the many history books in our home naturally sparked my interest in the past. I enrolled in the History programme at Sofia University, where, during my first year, I found every subject fascinating. It was Chief Assistant (now Associate Professor) Petya Georgieva who first invited me to take part in her archaeological fieldwork. When the University's new Archaeology programme was established, she encouraged me to transfer, setting me on the path that would become my profession. She remains one of my most important mentors, and I continue to learn from her to this day. The next person who helped me getting into the complexities of archaeological research and documentation was Professor Lyudmil Vagalinski, with whom I worked on the excavation of the Late Antique fortresses near the villages of Krivina, in the Ruse region, and Tutrakan. The third person to whom I owe my professional growth was the late Professor Henrieta Todorova. Her guidance helped me develop a broader understanding of the past and a deeper appreciation of the true essence of archaeology, shaping me into the researcher I am today.
The most important reason why the necropolis is a world famous archaeological site is because it provides the earliest known evidence of social inequality in human history. The burials contain the world's oldest known symbols of power - sceptres, diadems and ornaments - demonstrating that society had begun to differentiate between those who ruled and those who were governed. This is the beginning of the path to the state organizations, and that's where the significance of the necropolis lies - it's where the development of the modern structure of today's political and administrative systems began, based on structures in which there are subordinates and leaders.
The appearance of gold items is closely linked to the understanding that people are no longer equal. Objects made from this precious metal reflected the position their owners held within society and the roles they fulfilled. These items were also deeply personal - when their owners died, the gold was buried with them. This suggests that the earliest leaders derived their authority from personal qualities and achievements, and that the insignia of their status left the world with them.
More broadly, the emergence of processed gold forms is part of the development of early metallurgy, where copper was worked. This economic field required a year-round commitment of a certain number of people who could no longer devote their time to agriculture and animal husbandry. There is a need for a new division of duties in society - part of the population produces food for the newly emerged craft class as well, which provides them with its production. These changes ultimately led to the emergence of leadership - chiefs, whose responsibilities were maintaining the new "social contract".
First of all, it is important not to refer to it as a "treasure". The gold discovered in the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis consists of grave goods buried with their owners. This is fundamentally different from a treasure hoard, which is deliberately concealed for safekeeping with the intention of being recovered once danger has passed. The Varna Necropolis offers the rare opportunity the gold objects to be associated with the individuals to whom they belonged. Because they were deposited as part of carefully structured burial rituals, they provide an extraordinary wealth of information - about the origin, composition and manufacturing techniques of the metals, about the genetics of the buried individuals, their diet, their environment studied through the ancien pollen, the composition of pigments used as well as many others. Taken together, this evidence allows archaeologists to reconstruct a remarkably detailed picture of the ancient civilisation. Without such contextual information, our understanding of this civilisation would be far more limited. The Gold from the Necropolis is invaluable historical source for the study of the past, not just a collection of objects that give insight into the aesthetic tastes and technological skills of our ancestors.
The surprises come from how different the image of the necropolis is built the partial publications and exhibitions, which have focused on the richest graves. In fact, these represent only a small proportion of the 335 burial complexes excavated to date. Only about one-fifth of them contain gold objects, and of the approximately six kilograms of gold discovered in total, five kilograms were found in just four graves. What is truly remarkable is the complexity of the ancient people's beliefs about the afterlife and the wide variety of burial rituals that accompanied the deceased on their final journey. The technological knowledge and craftsmanship demonstrated by the metalworkers are far more advanced as well. Even after decades of research, not everything about the necropolis is known - in 2024, for example, we uncovered a niche grave - a type of burial that had never before been identified for the Chalcolithic period anywhere in the Balkans and had not even been suspected to exist. Another unexpected discovery came from dietary analyses, which showed that fish and other seafood accounted for only around 5% of the diet of the buried individuals, despite the community living in close proximity to both the lake and the Black Sea. So it seems there will be a lot more surprises to come.
It was community of people starting to specialise in different economic fields. Craft production emerged as an increasingly important part of the economic life. Extensive trade networks covered large parts of the Balkan Peninsula - from the Aegean coast, through the Rhodope Mountains, the Balkan Mountains and Ludogorie, all the way to the Carpathians. Men played the leading roles in trade, warfare and governance, while women held a dominant position in the religious sphere. The processes of the formation of proto-state organisation are evident in the Black Sea region and not that developed within the inner part of the peninusla. The period also seems to have been one of considerable instability - many men were buried with their personal weapons, including battle axes, bows and spears. Despite these changes, the foundations of society remained unchanged. Most people continued to rely on agriculture and animal husbandry - the traditional livelihoods of the Balkans, established more than fifteen centuries earlier.
Absolutely. The Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis has long been presented in the archaeology textbooks around the world. The gold bull figurines from grave 36 have long become one of the most famous symbols of the necropolis and the city. I believe the enduring appeal of the Gold rests on three factors. The first is the timeless, almost mysterious allure of gold itself - a metal that resists the effects of time and the environment. To the general audience descriptions as the "oldest", the "first" or the "unique" attract to the site. The third reason is the simple geometric forms and clean lines, free from unnecessary ornamentation which makes them memorable and easy to understand and - even for the youngest visitors.
Archaeological heritage is among Varna's most valuable assets and has enormous potential to attract visitors from around the world. The city possesses a unique historical legacy - from the world's oldest processed gold, discovered in the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis, to remarkable monuments dating from Antiquity, the Middle Ages and more recent history.
An increasing number of travellers are seeking authentic experiences and opportunities to engage with the culture and history of the places they visit. This presents an opportunity for Varna to further establish itself as a leading cultural destination in the Black Sea region. The socialisation and public presentation of archaeological sites, together with their integration into tourist itineraries, contribute to longer visitor stays and help attract new audiences.
In recent years, a number of initiatives have been implemented to promote Varna's cultural and historical heritage. Future investments in conservation, presentation and supporting infrastructure will enable the city to showcase its history even more effectively to both Bulgarian and international visitors. This is a resource that not only enriches Varna's tourism product but also strengthens its international image as a destination with deep historical roots, a rich cultural heritage and a unique identity.
As archaeologists, we inevitably begin to view the objects we uncover through a professional lens, and the excitement of handling artefacts gradually gives way to analytical observation. Even so, I have never lost my sense of wonder whenever I touch something made by human hands thousands of years ago. Each time, I try to imagine the person who once used that object - what motivated them, what mattered to them, and what kind of individual they were. The search for answers to these questions is, in fact, the driving force behind my research.
If I were to show Varna to an international visitor beyond its museums and archaeological sites, I would begin with the Sea Garden, undoubtedly one of the city's most beautiful and iconic places. It combines the sea, nature, culture and opportunities for recreation in a way that few European cities can offer. During the summer, it hosts concerts, festivals and a wide variety of events, while the seaside promenade is full of life and atmosphere. However, Varna has much to offer in every season. Beyond its coastal charm, the city impresses with its architecture, welcoming urban spaces, rich culinary scene, numerous cultural events, theatre and music performances, sporting events, and opportunities for wellness and spa tourism. Some of the most remarkable natural sights along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast are also located in the near the city. What makes Varna truly special is the combination of its maritime spirit, rich history, vibrant cultural life and the hospitality of its people. It is this combination that makes the city an attractive destination not only for a summer holiday, but for visits throughout the year.
