In 1878, Bulgaria emerged from centuries of Ottoman rule, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

The period 4600–4200 BC marks a fascinating chapter in prehistory when early civilizations across the globe were emerging and evolving in parallel. In Europe, the Varna culture of present-day Bulgaria astonished archaeologists with the world’s oldest processed gold treasure and evidence of the first social elites.

Embarking on a journey through time, the Iron Gates Mesolithic Culture encapsulates the vitality and ingenuity of early human societies, nestled in the majestic Danube Gorge, offering a fascinating glimpse into the dawn of civilization and the innovative survival strategies that shaped our collective human story.

Archaeologists divide the prehistoric era in Bulgaria into a series of distinct archaeological cultures, each defined by characteristic artifacts, settlement patterns, and chronology.

Explore the Final Copper Age (c. 4250–3300 BCE): the end of the Chalcolithic peak, shifting settlements and trade, and key horizons like Cernavodă I, BSK, Coțofeni and Yamnaya.