Ancient bronze chariot unearthed
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 21:50:00 11/21/2008
Filed Under: Archaeology
SOFIA—A bronze chariot dating back to the second century AD has been unearthed in a Thracian burial mound in southeastern Bulgaria, archaeologists said Friday.
Over 10,000 Thracian burial mounds are scattered across central and southeastern Bulgaria, considered home to the ancient Thracians, who inhabited the region between 4000 BC and 300 AD.
"It is an ancient four-wheel chariot with a richly ornamented framework and a yoke of figured bronze," archaeologist Veselin Ignatov told national radio.
He said the chariot, which was exceptionally well preserved, had probably been buried in the tomb of a rich Thracian man in line with the Thracians' belief that belongings accompany the dead into the afterlife.
Archaeologists started digging in the ancient mound near Karanovo after local authorities voiced concern about possible looters.
Many of the burial mounds have fallen prey to treasure hunters who frequently smuggle their finds abroad.
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