Varna Archaeological Museum

The Varna Archaeological Museum, known locally as Варненски археологически музей, is a beacon of history and culture situated in the heart of Varna, Bulgaria. Since its inauguration in 1906, the museum has been a custodian of the rich archaeological heritage of the region, offering visitors a fascinating journey through time, from the Paleolithic era to the 19th century. Nestled in a neobaroque building designed by architect Petko Momchilov, the museum is as much a historical landmark as the treasures it holds within its walls.

The Genesis of the Varna Archaeological Museum

The idea of establishing a museum in Varna was conceived in 1887 by the Shkorpil brothers, Karel and Herman. Their vision was to preserve and showcase the archaeological findings from the Varna region. Initially, the collection was housed in the city library, but it was soon moved to Sofia in 1893. Undeterred, Karel Shkorpil spearheaded the creation of a new collection in 1894, which found a home in a building originally intended as a girls' high school. The official inauguration of the Varna Archaeological Museum took place in 1906, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the preservation of Bulgaria's archaeological heritage.

Exploring the Varna Archaeological Museum

Stepping into the Varna Archaeological Museum is like entering a time capsule. The museum's extensive collection spans several millennia, offering a comprehensive overview of the region's history. The exhibits are meticulously organized, taking visitors on a chronological journey through the ages.

From the Paleolithic to the Copper Age

The museum's journey begins with the Paleolithic era, showcasing an array of stone, wood, and bone tools that provide a glimpse into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the Varna region. Highlights include the tools discovered at Pobiti Kamani, a site dating back to the Mesolithic period.

The Copper Age section is particularly noteworthy, featuring an impressive collection of tools, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic clay figurines, and ceramic fragments. Among the most significant exhibits are the gold beads from a necklace found in a tomb on the northern shore of Lake Varna. These beads are believed to be the oldest worked gold in the world, dating back to the Middle Copper Age.

The Enigmatic Varna Necropolis

One of the museum's crown jewels is the collection from the Varna Eneolithic Necropolis. The excavations at this site unearthed skeletons and funerary artifacts that reveal a highly developed society with extensive trade connections across the Mediterranean. The gold artifacts, including scepters and clay masks adorned with gold, are particularly striking, offering a glimpse into the opulence and sophistication of the ancient Varna culture.

The Bronze Age and the Thracian Legacy

The Bronze Age section features a variety of artifacts, including stone axes and wooden objects, discovered around Lake Varna. The collection also includes numerous bronze tools from the Suvorovo area and a unique sword from Cherkovna. The Thracian period is well-represented, with an array of ceramics, coins, bronze ornaments, and iron weapons. The museum also houses a stone stele from a tomb, possibly linked to the Cimmerian culture, and horse decorations from the Scythians.

Greek and Roman Influences

The arrival of Greek colonists from Miletus in the 6th century BC marked the beginning of a new era for the Varna region. The museum's Hellenistic collection includes gold jewelry, sarcophagi, terracotta figurines, coins, and glass and metal objects. The Roman period is equally well-represented, with a variety of lamps, ceramics, coins, architectural elements, and artifacts made of glass, bronze, gold, and silver. The collection also includes items related to the early Christians and the Byzantine era.

The Medieval Period

The medieval section of the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Slavic and Proto-Bulgarian inhabitants of the region. Highlights include jewelry, everyday objects, metal belts, and leather ornaments from tombs dating back to the First Bulgarian Empire. The collection also features architectural elements and decorations from religious buildings, including a model of a Proto-Bulgarian yurt adorned with a cult scene relief and two lead seals of Boris I and Simeon I.

The Byzantine period is represented by ceramics, artisan tools, and jewelry, while the Second Bulgarian Empire is showcased through a collection of intricately decorated ceramics and high-quality gold and silver jewelry discovered near Doliste.

The Ottoman Era and Beyond

The Ottoman period brought a new cultural influence to the region, reflected in the museum's collection of jewelry and imported Anatolian pottery. The museum also features artifacts related to the practice of theriaca, a medicinal mixture of opium and herbs that was popular during the Ottoman era.

Additional Treasures

In addition to its extensive archaeological collection, the Varna Archaeological Museum manages several other significant sites, including the Aladzha Monastery and the Roman Baths of Odessos, a monumental area dating back to the 2nd century.

In conclusion, the Varna Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of history and culture, offering visitors a captivating journey through the ages. Its meticulously curated exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the region's archaeological heritage, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Whether you're fascinated by ancient gold artifacts, intrigued by the enigmatic Varna Necropolis, or simply interested in exploring the rich history of the Varna region, the Varna Archaeological Museum promises an unforgettable experience.