Scythian tomb over 2,000 years old discovered in east Moldova settlement

A tomb from the 3rd century BC has been discovered in the tumular necropolis at Gura Bacului, east Moldova, an archaeological site attributed to the Scythian culture of the Late Iron Age. The discovery is considered important for the study of funerary practices among late Scythian communities in the lower Dniester region and brings new information about the archaeological heritage of Moldova.

According to specialists from the National Archaeological Agency, the funerary complex consists of a burial chamber, an access shaft and a dromos, the corridor leading to the actual funerary chamber. Inside, more grave goods were found, including ceramic vessels, arrowheads, beads, a sheathed knife and a worked stone that archaeologists believe may have served as a small altar.

"We are investigating a burial mound and here we have discovered a tomb from the 3rd century BC, consisting of a funerary chamber, an access shaft, and an access passage. In the funerary chamber, more items were identified – ceramic vessels, a worked stone that probably represented a small altar, a censer and other objects typical of Scythian populations," representatives of the agency said.

One of the most valuable finds is a ceramic censer specific to Scythian necropolises from the 3rd–2nd centuries BC, considered a rare piece for the national archaeological heritage.

"This censer is a unique vessel for the archaeological heritage of Moldova and will be an exceptional piece for the National Museum of History," the researchers noted.

The director of the National Archaeological Agency, Vlad Vornic, said that the rescue excavations were in full swing and that the tomb had not yet been completely uncovered.

"We are inside an interesting funerary complex, consisting of an entrance chamber and a dromos. In the south-eastern part of the funerary chamber, we already have more important discoveries: a polished stone, an intact vessel and other objects typical of Scythian necropolises from the 3rd–2nd centuries BC. We hope to identify additional items as the research continues," said Vlad Vornic.

Archaeologists say that the new discovery adds to existing data on the tumular necropolis at Gura Bacului and reconfirms the outstanding scientific and heritage value of the site. The research will continue throughout May.