Preliminary considerations on the Scythian stone statue of 4 th Century BC from the tumular necropolis from Peceneaga-Cerna, Tulcea County

Abstract

Abstract During a survey in Peceneaga, Tulcea county in Dobruja, several settlements and mounds (necropolises) from the 4th century were discovered. Topographic and geophysical surveys of the “Breazu tumulus” and its surroundings have revealed a partially destroyed tumular necropolis, where the barrow with the statue had a stone ring. The presence of a burial chamber below the embankment could not be proven; another burial structure was probably present. On the largest tumulus lay a Scythian stone statue from the 4th century BC. The bearded left-handed warrior was represented with a belt, a gorythos and protective armor on his right thigh. In this time the North Pontic Scythians under Ataias, migrating westward, became increasingly sedentary. A Scythian center of power may have emerged there.