Uncovering Ancient Odessus in Varna, Bulgaria
The discovery of the skeleton in downtown Varna, reported by Sofia News Agency, Novinite, is particularly significant due to its location within the ancient city of Odessos. Established by the Greeks in the late 7th century BC, Odessos served as a bustling trading hub inhabited by a diverse population comprising Ionian Greeks and various Thracian tribes, including the Getae, Krobyzoi, and Terizi.
Excavating the Giant Skeleton
According to researchers, preliminary analyses indicate that the skeleton dates back to the late 4th or early 5th century AD, coinciding with a period when Odessus emerged as an early Christian center. Valeri Yotov, a member of the excavation team, shared with local news websites that the bones’ size is “impressive” and suggests they belonged to “a very tall man.” However, Yotov refrained from disclosing the exact height of the skeleton.
The discovery was made in close proximity to the remnants of the ancient city wall. Yotov has proposed that the man might have passed away while engaged in labor or during a ceremony conducted near the city walls. Novinite reports that the positioning of the skeleton, with hands placed on his waist and the body oriented towards the east (head) and west (feet), strongly suggests to archaeologists that he was interred in a burial ceremony.
The discovery of oversized skeletons in Eastern Europe is not unprecedented. In 2013, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a giant warrior dating back to 1600 BC in Santa Mare, Romania. Dubbed ‘Goliath’, this warrior stood at over 2 meters tall, a striking contrast to the average stature of people in that era and location, who were typically around 1.5 meters tall. The warrior’s burial included a remarkable dagger, further evidence of his exceptional stature and status.
