Unveiling the Secrets of Europe’s Oldest City: Bulgaria’s Fortified Salt City! AncientHistoryNews, April 27, 2024April 27, 2024 Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Bulgaria lies the ancient city of Provadia-Solnitsata, a place steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, this remarkable site offers a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors and the remarkable achievements of early European civilization. 1. A Salt Mine City: Archaeologists have long been captivated by the story of this ancient city, and for good reason. The salt mines of Provadia-Solnitsata were not just a source of wealth—they were a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancient ancestors. At its peak, Provadia-Solnitsata was home to some 350 people, making it a bustling hub of activity and trade. The salt produced here was not just for local consumption—it was traded far and wide, reaching as far as neighboring regions. But Provadia-Solnitsata was more than just a center for salt production—it was a thriving community with its own unique culture and traditions. The city’s two-story dwellings and ritual sites are a testament to the rich tapestry of life that existed here thousands of years ago. The discovery of Provadia has shed new light on the lives of our ancient ancestors. It has shown us that even in the most unlikely of places, great civilizations can flourish. The salt mines of Provadia are a reminder of the importance of salt in ancient times, and of the resilience of the human spirit. As we gaze upon the ruins of Provadia, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of our ancestors. Their story is our story, and it is a story worth telling. So let us raise a toast to the salt of life, and to the ancient city of Provadia—a place where the past comes alive. 2. Impressive Fortifications: One of the most striking features of Provadia is its impressive fortifications. The walled fortified settlement, located near modern-day Provadia, boasts stone walls that are an astounding two to three meters thick in parts. These walls are not only the earliest but also the largest prehistoric European fortifications ever discovered. The sheer scale of these walls is a testament to the importance of Provadia-Solnitsata as a center of trade and commerce. They were not just walls—they were a statement of power and authority, a visible reminder to all who passed by of the city’s strength and resilience. But the fortifications of Provadia were more than just a show of force—they were also highly functional. The walls were equipped with bastions, which provided added defensive capabilities. These bastions allowed the defenders to see approaching enemies from a distance and to mount a strong defense if necessary. The discovery of these impressive fortifications has opened up new avenues of research into the lives of our ancient ancestors. It has shown us that they were not just simple hunter-gatherers, but sophisticated builders and engineers who were capable of creating complex and formidable structures. As we marvel at the walls of Provadia, we are reminded of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancient ancestors. Their ability to create such impressive fortifications is a testament to their skill and determination. And as we ponder the mysteries of Provadia-Solnitsata, we are reminded that the past is not so distant after all—it is all around us, waiting to be discovered and explored. 3. Early Origins: Provadia-Solnitsata predates the ancient Greek civilization by about 1,500 years, making it a truly ancient and significant site in European history. The city’s origins date back to a time when much of Europe was still inhabited by nomadic tribes, making it one of the earliest known settlements in the region. The fact that Provadia was able to thrive and develop into a thriving urban center at a time when much of the world was still living a nomadic lifestyle is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its inhabitants. It is also a testament to the importance of salt in ancient times, as the city’s wealth and prosperity were largely driven by its salt mines. The discovery of Provadia has reshaped our understanding of early European civilization. It has shown us that the people of ancient Europe were not primitive cavemen, but sophisticated and skilled individuals who were capable of building complex societies. And as we continue to uncover the secrets of Provadia, we are reminded that there is still much to learn about the ancient world and the people who inhabited it. 4. Salt Production: The residents of Provadia-Solnitsata were not only skilled in the production of salt but were pioneers in the industry, developing innovative techniques that set them apart from their contemporaries. Salt, a vital commodity in ancient times, was not only used for seasoning food but also for preserving meat and hides, essential for survival in an era without refrigeration. The process of salt production in Provadia-Solnitsata was a meticulous one, requiring careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of the natural resources available. The residents would collect brine from a local spring and then boil it in large ceramic vases, a method that allowed them to extract pure salt. This salt was then shaped into bricks and baked in domed kilns, creating a durable and long-lasting product that could be easily transported and traded. The salt bricks produced in Provadia-Solnitsata were highly prized, not only for their utility but also for their symbolic value. Salt was often seen as a symbol of purity and was used in religious ceremonies and rituals. The residents of Provadia-Solnitsata understood the value of their product and used it to their advantage, establishing a thriving trade network that spanned across the region. The discovery of Provadia-Solnitsata has provided archaeologists with valuable insights into the lives of our ancient ancestors. It has shown us that even in the most unlikely of places, great civilizations can flourish. The salt mines of Provadia-Solnitsata are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived there, and their story is a reminder of the enduring legacy of our ancestors. 5. Sophistication and Technological Advancement: Before the dawn of the great civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, Old Europe, encompassing sites like Provadia-Solnitsata, stood as a beacon of sophistication and technological prowess. This ancient civilization, flourishing between 5000 and 3500 BC, was a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, showcasing remarkable advancements that were far ahead of their time. At the heart of this sophistication were the metal artisans of Old Europe, whose mastery of their craft was unparalleled. These skilled craftsmen produced vast quantities of copper and gold artifacts, demonstrating a deep understanding of metallurgy and metalworking techniques. The artifacts recovered from Old Europe, totaling about 4,700 kilograms of copper and over 6 kilograms of gold, are a testament to the skill and dedication of these ancient artisans. The technological achievements of Old Europe extended far beyond metallurgy. The settlements of Old Europe were among the largest in the world at the time, with some villages growing to city-like sizes, surpassing even the earliest cities of Mesopotamia. The inhabitants of these settlements developed sophisticated political, technological, and ideological systems, laying the groundwork for the complex societies that would follow. One of the most intriguing aspects of Old Europe is the presence of female “goddess” figurines found in almost every settlement. These figurines have sparked intense debates among archaeologists about the ritual and political power of women in ancient society, highlighting the advanced social structures that existed in Old Europe. The sophistication of Old Europe is further evidenced by the discovery of signs inscribed on clay, suggesting the presence of a primitive notation system, if not full-fledged writing. These early signs of written communication point to a highly developed society with a complex culture and belief system. Overall, Old Europe, including sites like Provadia-Solnitsata, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our ancient ancestors. The technological advancements and cultural achievements of this ancient civilization continue to fascinate and inspire us today, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human history. 6. Ritual and Political Power: The presence of female “goddess” figurines in the settlements of Old Europe, such as the ones found in Provadia-Solnitsata, offers a fascinating glimpse into the role of women in ancient societies. These figurines, often depicting women with exaggerated features associated with fertility and abundance, have long been a subject of scholarly debate, with experts speculating about their significance and the social status of women in these early societies. One of the prevailing theories is that these figurines represent a form of goddess worship, with women playing a central role in religious and spiritual practices. This theory suggests that women in Old European societies may have held significant ritual power, serving as priestesses or spiritual leaders within their communities. The abundance of these figurines in almost every settlement indicates the importance of female deities in the belief systems of these ancient cultures. Another theory proposes that these figurines are not representations of goddesses, but rather symbols of fertility and abundance, linked to the agricultural practices of the time. In this interpretation, women were revered for their ability to bear children and nurture the land, and these figurines served as talismans for fertility and prosperity. The discovery of these figurines also raises questions about the political power dynamics of Old European societies. Some scholars argue that the prevalence of female figurines suggests a more egalitarian society, where women held significant influence in political and social affairs. Others suggest that these figurines may have been used as symbols of authority by male rulers, highlighting the complex interplay of gender and power in ancient societies. Overall, the discovery of female “goddess” figurines in Old European settlements like Provadia-Solnitsata provides valuable insights into the role of women in ancient societies. While much about these figurines remains shrouded in mystery, their presence serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse history of human culture. 7. Advanced Civilization: Old Europe, at its zenith, represented a remarkable advancement in human civilization, laying the foundations for what we now recognize as the hallmarks of a sophisticated society. Villages within Old Europe expanded to sizes that surpassed even the earliest cities of Mesopotamia, a testament to the thriving communities and complex social structures that existed during this period. One of the key indicators of the advanced nature of Old European civilization was its economic prowess. The demand for valuable commodities such as copper, gold, and Aegean shells led to the development of extensive trade networks that spanned hundreds of kilometers. These trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, enriching the cultural tapestry of Old Europe and contributing to its economic prosperity. In addition to its economic achievements, Old Europe also demonstrated significant advancements in technology and ideology. The metal artifacts recovered from Old Europe, totaling over 4,700 kilograms of copper and 6 kilograms of gold, highlight the advanced metallurgical skills of its inhabitants. These artifacts are a testament to the craftsmanship and technological innovation that flourished in Old Europe during this period. Furthermore, Old Europe exhibited signs of political organization and ideological development that are characteristic of a civilized society. The presence of large villages and towns, along with evidence of social hierarchy and governance structures, suggests a level of political sophistication that was unparalleled in other parts of the world at the time. Overall, Old Europe stands as a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of our ancient ancestors. The advancements made by the people of Old Europe in the fields of technology, trade, and ideology laid the groundwork for the development of complex societies that would shape the course of human history. In the heart of Bulgaria lies a city shrouded in the mists of time, its story hidden beneath layers of earth and rock. Provadia-Solnitsata, a bustling town dating back to between 4700 and 4200 BC, was not just any city—it was a city of salt.Imagine, if you will, a landscape dotted with humble dwellings and bustling marketplaces, where the air is filled with the sound of laughter and the clinking of salt bricks. This was Provadia-Solnitsata, a place where salt was more than just a seasoning—it was life itself. 8. Primitive Notation: The discovery of signs inscribed on clay in Old Europe provides intriguing insights into the early development of writing and record-keeping practices in ancient societies. These inscriptions, while rudimentary in nature, suggest the presence of a system of primitive notation that was used for communication and possibly record-keeping purposes. The signs found on clay artifacts in Old Europe are believed to be among the earliest examples of written communication in human history, predating the emergence of writing systems in other parts of the world. While the exact meaning of these inscriptions remains a subject of debate among scholars, their presence indicates a level of intellectual and cultural sophistication in Old European societies. One theory proposes that these inscriptions were used for basic record-keeping, such as tracking trade transactions or recording important events. This theory is supported by the discovery of these inscriptions on items such as pottery, figurines, and even houses, suggesting that they were used in everyday life for practical purposes. Another theory suggests that these inscriptions may have had a ritual or symbolic significance, serving as markers of identity or religious symbols. The presence of these inscriptions on items associated with rituals and ceremonies indicates that they may have played a role in the spiritual and cultural life of Old European societies. Overall, the discovery of signs inscribed on clay in Old Europe provides valuable insights into the early development of written communication and record-keeping practices. While these inscriptions may appear primitive by modern standards, they represent an important step in the evolution of human communication and are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our ancient ancestors. Provadia-Solnitsata stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our ancient ancestors. As we uncover more about this remarkable city and its people, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history woven across the landscapes of Europe. Before the first cities emerged in Mesopotamia and Egypt around 4500 BC, Old Europe stood as a beacon of sophistication and technological advancement. From 5000 to 3500 BC, Old Europe experienced a peak of development, showcasing political, technological, and ideological advancements that hinted at the dawn of civilization. Villages in Old Europe grew to sizes larger than the earliest cities of Mesopotamia, reflecting a thriving and complex society. One of the remarkable aspects of Old Europe was its mastery of metallurgy. Old European metalsmiths were renowned for their skill and innovation, producing a staggering amount of metal artifacts. Archaeologists have uncovered over 4,700 kilograms of copper and 6 kilograms of gold from Old European sites, quantities unmatched in any other part of the ancient world before 3500 BC. This abundance of metals fueled a vibrant trade network that spanned hundreds of kilometers, showcasing the economic prowess of Old Europe. Art and craftsmanship flourished in Old Europe, with pottery, figurines, and even houses adorned with striking designs. Female “goddess” figurines, found in abundance across Old European settlements, have sparked debates about the ritual and political power of women in ancient societies. Additionally, signs inscribed on clay artifacts suggest the presence of a primitive notation system, hinting at early forms of writing or record-keeping. Overall, Old Europe’s technological advancements, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements place it among the most sophisticated and advanced societies of its time, laying the foundation for the development of civilization as we know it. sources: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Europe_(archaeology)2. https://www.france24.com/en/20121031-bulgaria-oldest-prehistoric-town-discovered-europe-provadia-solnitsata-ancient-salt-site-archaeology3. https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/210434. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-oldest-cities-in-europe.html#:~:text=Plovdiv%2C%20Bulgaria%20%2D%206000%20BCE&text=Plovdiv%20is%20by%20far%20the,Thracians%20during%20the%20Iron%20Age Uncategorized