Chalcolithic technology has spread from the Middle East into Central Europe.

The relics contained within the burial site known as the Varna Necropolis, accidentally discovered in October 1972 in the western industrial part of Varna (approximately half a kilometer from Lake Varna), Bulgaria, are believed to be the oldest examples of worked gold in the world.

Many of the two hundred and ninety-four graves found in the necropolis contain sophisticated examples of metallurgy (gold in particular).

The graves have been dated to 3200-3000 BCE.

The corpses within were found in various positions: on their sides with knees bent, on their backs, and others being merely a symbolic cenotaph.

Interestingly, the symbolic (empty) graves are the richest in gold artifacts.

Three thousand golden artifacts were found, with a weight of approximately six kilograms.

One grave contained more gold than has been found in the entire rest of the world for this epoch.