Archaeologists in northeastern Bulgaria continue to excavate at the prehistoric complex Provadia-Solnitsata, considered the oldest known salt mining center in Europe. The head of the excavation, scholar Vasil Nikolov, report new findingswhose age exceeds 7000 years. The complex is notable for its architectural complexity, social practices, and ceremonial traditions.
A massive mound and the elegance of ancient buildings
The strong wine offering ceremony in the family attracts special attention from scientists. Under the floor, they found a deer skull with antlers, a ceramic jar, a flint ax, the remains of a dog and more than 20 stone tools. Some sacrifices were accompanied by fire, which was unusual for the period and region.
One of the sensations is a small clay figurine with round holes instead of eyes, which archaeologists call a “prehistoric emoticon.” An earlier discovery of a triangular ceramic head representing a local salt deity sparked sensational explanations of “extraterrestrial” origin, but scientists insist it reflects artistic and ritual traditions.
Excavations have revealed the use of red ocher to paint pottery and walls as well as complex methods for constructing multi-story buildings. Two-tiered furnaces weighing more than a ton were discovered, as well as unusual round vessels with spouts reminiscent of bird beaks, used to pour brine in salt production. These findings demonstrate the high technical and technological level of prehistoric inhabitants.
Solnitsata in cultural context
Solnitsata is a unique monument to prehistoric European economic organization and urbanization. Researchers see here the first manifestations of resource control, as well as the distribution of labor and wealth in society. The complex will be part of a future European Salt Heritage Route, linking ancient salt production centers in Poland, Romania, Serbia, Germany, France and Italy.
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