June 2009: Archeology Headlines

On the Greek island of Limnos, an international team of archaeologists comprised of Greeks, Italians, and Americans has made a discovery that has produced a host of stone tools that date back 14,000 years ago. Because of this, the site is now known as the site of the oldest human settlement known in the Aegean. In this article, you will learn more about this discovery, as well as the latest archeological happening taking place in Bulgaria.

Taking place in early June, the start of the excavation kicked off with an assortment of finds that consisted of high-quality stone tools estimated to belong to the Epipaleolithic Period , nearly 14,000 years ago. With the discovery of the settlement, researchers will be able to learn more about the activities of hunters, food-collectors and fishermen that lived during the 12th millennium BC. The excitement surrounding the find stems from the belief that the oldest human presence in the Aegean was situated in the Archipelagos. Nicknamed Cyclops Cave, this site was positioned on a rocky islet called Yioura, which is located north of the island of Alonissos. The land dates back to before 8,000 (8th millennium) BC.

Linmos is filled with important prehistoric archaeological finds. From the middle of the 5th millennium BC to the end of the 2nd millennium BC, the site served as the location for the Poliochne settlement and the Koukonesi islet settlement was also found here, which represented the Early to the Late Bronze Ages.

Oldest Thracian Settlement Found in Bulgaria?

Located close to the southeast town of Nova Zagora, a collection of Bulgarian archaeologists has discovered a Thracian settlement situated in Bulgaria. Inside, the archeologists were greeted by an array of artifacts and surprises to explore, including uncovered stored grain, weaving looms, pottery, and treasures made of bronze, glass, and bone. If they succeed, Konstantin Gospodinov and Veselin Ignatov (hailing from the city of Burgas) will become the proud discoverers of the first Thracian settlement to be found intact.

With a moat decorating the scene, the settlement situated along the Blatnitsa River had large buildings peeking from beneath the ground. As the researchers further investigated their find, they uncovered decorative objective made from the alloys of gold, silver, and copper. Imported ceramics linking the region to the ancient Greeks were also found.

However, one of the most impressive of finds is most likely the silver coin originating from the Greek coastal town of Apolonia (known as Sozopol today), which dates back to the 5th century BC. Researchers hope to use this discovery to shed light on the trade relations that took place between the Thracians and surrounding Greek towns that lived along the Black Sea coast. As of right now, archeologists believe this particular Thracian settlement dates back between the 6th and 5th century BC.