50 Years of Excavations at the 'Yunatsite' Mound: Prototype of European Cities and the First Worked Gold

A significant jubilee was marked in Pazardzhik – 50 years of continuous archaeological studies of the 'Yunatsite' settlement mound. This site is not just an archaeological object, but a potential prototype of the first European cities, possessing unique historical significance for the entire continent.

According to the head of the excavations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, the settlement, dating back about 7,000 years, was a complex structure with fortified zones and specialized production areas. The studies provide valuable data on the architecture, lifestyle, and beliefs of the people who lived there, as well as their economic achievements.

Among the most significant discoveries are evidence of one of the earliest productions of worked gold in the world, as well as data that positions the region as one of the first centers for winemaking in the Balkans. Even more astonishing is the discovery suggesting the presence of one of the earliest successful surgical interventions in Europe.

Despite the rich history, the future of the studies remains in question. Assoc. Prof. Boyadzhiev emphasized the uncertainty regarding funding from the Ministry of Culture through the Regular Program for Archaeological Research. He concluded with a call for greater public care and appreciation for the historical heritage left by our ancestors.