site.btaEuropean Parliament Hosts Photo Exhibition Presenting Prehistoric Salt-Mining Settlement at Provadia

Photos of archaeological finds from the prehistoric salt-mining settlement at Provadia, Northeastern Bulgaria went on display at the European Parliament in Brussels Tuesday. The exhibition was opened by MEP Emil Radev (GERB/EPP) and European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova.

Ivanova described the finds as remarkable archaeological discoveries which have redefined the concept of Europe's prehistoric civilizations. She called for the preservation of these cultural artifacts, and the stories they tell, for the future generations. "As a European commissioner responsible for culture, I am resolved to ensure that all available means are employed to preserve this heritage," she vowed.

MEPs, officials from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and representatives of the Provadia History Museum attended the opening of the exhibition. The archaeological team exploring the salt mines since 2005 was also here.

The Provadia-Solnitsata prehistoric complex is the oldest salt-mining urban centre in Europe. The exhibition presents the ancient salt extraction technology used there. Salt was a strategic commodity in ancient times and played a similar role to that of money. In this sense, Provadia was the oldest "mint" in Europe, according to a description printed on the invitations to the exhibition.

The photos show the prehistoric settlement which was protected by the earliest stone fortresses on the continent, a remarkable achievement of military theory and construction. They highlight the trade links and the social hierarchy along the lower reaches of the Provadiikska River and around the Varna lakes from 5,600 BC until 4,350 BC.