Burial with skeleton and gold. The Varna Necropolis was discovered during construction in 1972 and has over 300 graves. The site is renowned for containing the oldest known gold objects and jewelry, dating back to the Copper Age (4600-4200 BCE) Varna Archaeological Museum, Bulgaria [2560×1706]

The final resting place of a prosperous chief, who died in his 40s, was recreated exactly as archeologists found it, using field pictures, plans, and diary descriptions. Though the skeleton is a plastic replica, it is surrounded and adorned by remnants of the chief’s original bow and arrows, spear, and a tomahawk. He holds a gold-handled axe—a symbol of his power—and wears gold bangles, necklaces, and even a gold sheath for his penis. Gold appliqués once attached to his clothing encircle him.