Part 1. The treasure was discovered on July 3, 1799, in the town of Sânnicolau Mare, Romania, by a Serbian farmer and is composed of 23 objects weighing 9.945 kg of gold, 21 and 22 carats. The hoard includes seven large cups, a plate, four bowls, three zoomorphic cups, two flat pots, a drinking horn, and a soup bowl. However, in terms of beauty, the treasure is placed among the top ten discoveries of the early Middle Ages. Also, the pieces are an accumulation of different eras and origins. For example, the vessels are decorated with people, animals, and battle scenes; some have Greek inscriptions, and others have Persian inspiration. In my opinion, some of the items are Geto Dacian and Thracian creations. So, one scene depicts an archer on a hunt, riding a winged human-headed mammal, and another shows the griffin killing a deer. Correspondingly, winged griffins also appear on the Getae helmet from Coțofenești; and on the iron shields discovered at the Geto Dacian fortress Piatra Roșie. Finally, still to this day, the treasure of Sânnicolau Mare remains a mystery that suggests Geto Dacian origins eventually handed down from one generation of Royals to another.
Part 2. The ancient treasure was discovered on July 3, 1799, in the town of Sânnicolau Mare, Romania, by a Serbian farmer and is composed of 23 objects weighing 9.945 kg of gold, 21 and 22 carats. The hoard includes seven large cups, a plate, four bowls, three zoomorphic cups, two flat pots, a drinking horn, and a soup bowl. These pieces come from different periods and places of origin; some have Greek inscriptions, and others have Persian, Thracian and Geto Dacian inspiration.
The artifacts in the image below display the Geto-Dacian Goddess Bendis and her twin brother Apollo; however, this mythological connection dates back to the Hyperboreans. So, Bendis and Apollo were identified as fertility deities; even the Greeks and Romans later equated Bendis to Artemis and Diana. Besides, Diana is considered the goddess and protector of childbirth. Also, you can see in the image a woman (Bendis) dancing while pregnant, emphasizing breastfeeding due to the proportions of the breasts and stomach. In addition, Bendis is seen offering two small scepters to a griffin-like creature, a symbol rooted in the Geto-Dacian religion influencing the Egyptian deities Seraphim and Ophamin. Next, Apollo, represented by developed abdominal muscles and a broad chest, joins the fertility dance with his contribution to the griffin: an olive branch and a cup. The griffin receives Apollo's gift with a hug-like gesture using its claws. Finally, apart from areas adjacent to Thrace, Bendis gained popularity in Athens during the Bendideia festival, which provided the dramatic setting for Plato’s Republic.
The 2500-year-old Silver and Gold Getic Horse Harness Treasure
Another important series of silver treasures from the Geto-Dacians was discovered in Craiova, Romania. The ornaments were decorated by hammering, printing or punching and most frequently portraying the heads of horses, stags, griffins and bulls. Basically, the items were crafted to represent totems of some communities, either religious/primitive science or military. Among the exhibited pieces, you can notice bullheads and swastika-like symbols, documented as solar symbols in several ancient societies. Finally, the horse was known as the steed of Gods and Kings when used in creating apotropaic objects. In mythology, the Hippoi Athanatoi was the immortal horses that pulled the chariot of the hyperborean Apollo and many other Gods.
One of the largest discoveries of treasure was located in 1980 in Hinova (Romania), weighing almost 5 kg and consisting of over 9,639 pieces. Most likely, the hoard belonged to the Thracians or the Geto Dacians dating from the late 2nd millennium BC. Most treasures in Romania were discovered by chance, but archaeological research completely recovered this one.
The 2200-year-old curved sword (Geto Dacian Falx) and the iron artifacts were discovered in the metallurgical workshop on the 8th terrace of Sarmizegetusa Regia. The inventory consists of blacksmith tools: anvils, sledgehammers, hammers, tongs, calf mouth guards, and chisels, but also iron ingots and parts in the process.
Next: 1. the drawing of the curved blade was made by Daicoviciu in 1953. Photo: from the archive of the archaeological site "Dacian fortresses in the mountains of Orăștiei".
Following archaeological discoveries, it was established that the dimensions of the Dacian Falx weapon were between 75 and 100 cm long, without the handle, which could have been 20-40 cm. The width of the falx varied from 3 to 5 cm. Due to the use of both hands, the advantage was the exceptional hitting power, being a cleaving weapon and not a thrusting one. The Romans respected the fierce weapon because the blow delivered with a falx was so powerful that it could split both the protective helmet of the opponents and their shields. The advantage of the Falx forced the Romans to adapt their military equipment with metal reinforcements, in the cross, on the crest of the helmet to be better able to absorb the shock of the blade of the Falx.
The Silver Geto-Dacian treasure from Sarmizegetusa Regia contains the following: brooches, necklaces, rings, spiral bracelets, and pendants. The 18 pieces are of exceptional value due to their rarity and good state of preservation, falling chronologically in the 1st century BC. Not only were the Geto-Dacians known for their gold treasures, but they were also involved with silver operations. Primarily, the gold was mixed with a small amount of silver to enhance the gold's colour and strength. Also, the Geto-Dacians minted silver coins for Rome, made of a much higher grade of silver than anyone else at the time. Finally, the central hub of the gold and silver facility for Ancient Europe was located at the astronomical observatory of Sarmizegetusa Regia. Conclusively, the Geto-Dacians assembled a strong army, building fortifications surrounding Sarmizegtusa Regia to protect the treasure and their religious practices.
The zoomorphic statuette, possibly a Boar of Geto Dacian origin discovered in Carlomanesti (Vernesti, Buzau). 1st century BC.
Tartăria Tablets, over 7000 years old were discovered in 1961 at a Neolithic site in the village of Tărtăria about 30 km (19 mi) from Alba Iulia, Transylvania. The tablets depict the Tartaria culture, part of the Vinca culture from which the Geto-Dacians emerged. Several historians have suggested the possibilities of a first language or alphabet system. I believe the tablets are a map that could have been used to chart the night sky about a sacred/secret location close to the Danube. Presently in Romania, the Sheppard still plays an active role in using various styles of Maps while herding sheep through mountains and valleys. Finally, these maps/tablets were only legible by the person who created them.
The 1900-year-old Geto Dacian Ritual/Incantation bowl with the inscription "Decebalus per Scorilo" is one of the most famous artifacts found by archaeologists at Sarmizegetusa Regia (Grădiștea de Munte, Hunedoara County).
The opening of the mouth is 126 cm in diameter and 70 cm in height with a very narrow pointed base. But, due to the thickness and narrow base, it would have been set into the ground/cavity or suspended. Next, ritual bowls were used as amulets and buried face down to capture negative spirits or to protect Individuals/Families. Also, they were commonly placed under the threshold, in temple courtyards, cemeteries and in the corners of homes. The inscriptions often include spiritual quotes/incantations from religious Texts. So, it's possible "Decebal son of Scorilo", connects to Geto Dacian kings with such names, "per" a Geto Dacian word that would mean the child. Pictured with the Bowl is an ancient bust of King Decebal located in the Vatican Museum.
In Perșinari, Dâmboviţa County, Romania, a 3000-year gold sword was discovered in 1954, and in 1962 11 more daggers were also made of gold. The sword is preserved fragmentarily, missing its tip and handle. Similarly, the daggers are missing handles; but the blades are almost perfect. Next, the weapons/ ritual tools were used for ceremonial purposes, divination or decoration of a high class (signs of social rank). Boldy, Geto Dacian treasure is unique, symbolizing intellectual, spiritual, or philosophical value to those who owned or crafted it. Also, they contributed to most of Ancient Europe's gold collections because the Geto-Dacians had the largest gold-producing facility at Sarmizegetusa Regia. As a result, when we observe Ancient European gold treasures from other civilizations, we will see similarities that stem from Geto-Dacian and Thracian influence.
Archaeology excavations of the fully uncovered Gumelnița village revealed houses and artifacts of the Gumelnița culture in Cascioarele, Calarasi County, Romania. As a result, the 6,500-year-old terracotta sanctuary/temple made of burnt clay was discovered. Also, the artifact can denote a cargo boat, river ark or an ancient Pirate ship (sea people).In ancient Egypt, there is documentation of sea people raiding many ports and settlements via the Delta Nile, so it's possible the Gumelnița culture experienced piracy 6500 years ago. Finally, if the terracotta sanctuary is a model clay boat, the original was used along the river Danube to transport animals and food to neighbouring villages. However, because the Danube exits out to the black sea, the boat could be used for foreign trade. Currently, the artifact is displayed at the Lower Danube Museum in Călărași.
The Chariot of Achilles with charioteer, possibly Geto Dacian (Automedon). Next, Zeus (Gebeleizis) finally intervenes. Bas-relief is located in the hall of Achilleion, Corfu.
In the archaeological site of Buridava (Ocnele Mari), Vâlcea County, a death/funeral mask of Geto-Dacian origin, 1st century BC, was discovered. The artifact was made of a bronze sheet with a thickness of 2 mm; the chest portion that connects to the neck is missing. In addition, most ancient funerary masks protected the head and chest of the body, presenting a glorified version of the deceased, ensuring that they would hear, see, and speak in the afterlife. Nicolae Ceauşescu, the Romanian communist official (1965 to 1989), was so impressed with the artifact that he wanted it in his collection, and the mask sat in his house for more than 10 years. However, after the fall of communism, the artifact was returned to the Vâlcea County Museum of History and is now on display in the National Museum of Romanian History.
Venus of Piatra Neamț (paleolithic), over 17,000 years old, is an anthropomorphic female statuette that ranks in the list of top Venus figurines. Venus was discovered on June 21, 2019, in the area of the city of Piatra Neamț, Romania. Made of sandstone and preserved intact, the Venus measures about 10 cm and retains traces of processing, also having ocher inlays. Next, the statue was found by archaeologists from the "Royal Court" National Museum Complex. Finally, the Venus figurines are often associated with fertility and beauty, but the scientific community has suggested that the statuettes depict obese women surviving in extreme conditions. Currently, Venus is displayed at the Museum of Paleolithic Human Evolution and Technology in Târgoviște.
The skull of a woman who lived 35,000 years ago was found in the Romanian Peştera Muierii cave in 1952. Although some skeletal elements show Neanderthal-like traits, the Aurignacian tool found in the vicinity makes it likely that the human remains can be associated with this technological tradition. Next, the Cranium has been suggested to exhibit a mosaic of morphological features related to AMHs (anatomically modern humans) and Neanderthals; the genome shows similar levels of Neanderthal admixture (interbreeding). In the end, the scientists who extracted DNA from the tooth of the skull mentioned, "She is not a direct ancestor of modern Europeans, but she is a predecessor of the hunter-gathers that lived in Europe until the end of the last Ice Age,” says Mattias Jakobsson, professor at the Department of Organismal Biology at Uppsala University and the head of the study.
A unique pair of Gold Geto-Dacian fibulae, worn by a high society woman 2000 years ago. Today in Romania, the fibulae are known as the "Cloșca cu puii de gold" and were inspired by the shapes of the brooches (the big one "cloșca" and the others "chickens"). The Pietroasa treasure was discovered in Pietroasele commune, Buzău County, Romania, in 1837 by two men working in a stone quarry on the Istrița hill (750 m). The hoard consists of twelve pieces, with a total weight of almost 19 kg.
2000-year-old Geto Dacian gold treasure was discovered in Pietroasele commune, Buzău county, Romania.
Several historians have claimed the treasure is Gothic, but the Goths were not established as gold producers. However, others have stated Thracian or Geto-Dacian origins. The hoard was likely crafted during or before the dynasty of King Burebista, making the Pietroasele treasure over 2000 years old. Boldly, the Geto Dacians are one of the most superior and oldest civilizations that have written their history in gold. So, if the treasure was in the hands of Thervingian Goths and King Athanaric, it was done in the form of an honour transaction; still, the origins of the gold were Geto-Dacian. Romania's treasure was sent to Moscow for safekeeping during World War I in 1916. Between December 12 and 14, 1916, 1,738 boxes were loaded onto 17 railway wagons in unoccupied Iasi, in which the Romanian gold was stored in bars, various coins, archived documents and other papers. According to official records, its total value was 314,580,456 lei. The load is now worth about $5 billion. After the Russian Revolution in October 1917, the communist Bolsheviks took power and never returned the treasure to Romania, except partly in 1935. The Soviet Union returned 1,443 boxes with broken seals, old archives, documents, rare books, artifacts, and religious objects, but no gold. Finally, the Pietroasele Treasure, discovered in buzău, Romania, was returned and is now conserved at the National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest.
Le Trésor de Petrossa, Paris, 1889-1900 - Painted by Henric Trenk, a Swiss-born Romanian painter and graphic artist associated with writer and amateur archaeologist Alexandru Odobescu.
Ancient Bust of Burebista; he was the most successful king of Geto-Dacia from 82/61 BC to 45/44 BC. In 1855, the bust was discovered in the Forum of Trajan and is currently preserved in the Hermitage Museum in Petrograd, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Essentially, Burebista was to be king and unify all provinces and territories under Getia/Getae Dacia; this included Rome. In the end, King Burebista was assassinated around the same time as Julius Caesar; many historians believe this was accomplished to end Rome's alliances with Burebista and Geto-Dacia.
From my research thus far, it appears that Burebista and his advisers built the entire Geto-Dacian kingdom (super civilization) centralized in the now Hunedoara-Orăștie Mountains, Romania. The Getae were not just builders of fortresses; they were master designers of cities with superior knowledge of piped plumbing systems that carried clean water to their people. In addition, they created andesite roadways and terraces, extracted precious metals to decorate their buildings, made weapons, and dressed in the most delicate custom-made treasures.
An ancient collection of seated female Neolithic figures in chairs arranged circularly exactly as found in Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru, Romania
The Ceramic Figurines are Pre Cucuteni phase 4900–4750 BCE: Height 3.4–8.7 cm, Width: 1.5–4.7 cm; Chair models (13) Height: 1.5–3.3 cm, Width: 1.8–4.5 cm. Although the women share a similar shape, their faces and bodies depict different characters. In addition, the detailed lines presenting body modification are one of the first evidence of Tattooing. But, my focus is that they used the surface of their bodies to communicate ideas/intentions, individual identity and the tribe or group they belonged to. Also, the Tattoos could likely be body art used in rituals, but not likely. Next, the group/tribe of statues shows us Ancient Germination ceremonies/festivals. In this situation, the seeds were placed in the clay medium, then celebrated and buried. Finally, Germinating seeds symbolized the fertile seasons, planting then harvesting, life and death or the end/death of summer. Exhibition in New York via Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Institute for the Study of the Ancient World.
The Ancient Geto Dacian Dragon (Draco) is designated in Trajan's forum and on his column completed in AD 113.
The column produces Trajan's view commemorating the Roman emperor's victory in the Dacian Wars. However, the mysterious Draco appears on the column via variations as an animal totem that several historians declared a wolf, a military symbol. But, a Dragon aligns more with the primordial Geto-Dacian and Thracian religious practices regarding Zalmoxis and immortalization after death. So, both may exist in Trajan's column, the wolf and the dragon. Finally, an honourable mention is the Scythians, well known for the Dragon in art and culture. The picture below is a modern-day interpretation of the Dacian Draco created by a Romanian professor of Art History, Paul Cheptea.
The Thinker from Târpeşti, Neamţ, Romania. The statuette from Târpeşti is attributed to the Pre-Cucuteni community that lived in this space approximately 6500 years ago. Essentially, the Pre-Cucuteni communities are those preceding the Cucutenian civilization, well-known for its elegant painted ceramics. Although most Neolithic statues depict female characters, sometimes males are found, like this character, in a prayer position. "The Thinker from Târpeşti" can be admired in the Cucuteni Eneolithic Art Museum in Piatra Neamţ.
During the summer of 1970, in the southeast of Peretu commune, Romania farmers were plowing, and a tomb of a Royal Geto Dacian character was discovered. The entire complex dates back to the end of the 4th century BC. Next, the skeleton of a buried man, the head and legs of a horse, the remains of two dogs, and a Bovidae, Getic ceramic vessels, iron weapons, parts of an iron hearse equipped with four wheels, as well as a rich inventory composed of silver, bronze and copper pieces. Also discovered were a helmet/crown, a possible rhyton vessel, an aryballos-type container, three phiale vessels, appliques, buttons, beads, a colander, a tray, and a cauldron. It is very possible that Treasure belonged to a Geto-Dacian royal, a prince or someone close to a king. The helmet or royal crown is of the Getic type and is identical in shape and ornamentation to the helmets from Agighiol and the Iron Gates. First, the word crown is a generic term suggesting several headdress varieties worn by Kings and the royal family handed down from ancient bloodlines. The crown's colour, artwork, shape and size state the region of kingship, communicate power and identify deities in religious or war ceremonies/parades. Finally, due to the geographic location, the eyes on the Crowns represent Zamolxis, the Geto Dacian God or the Throne of God.
1900 years ago, an ancient legend suggested the origins of the God Glycon started as a hand puppet; he was crafted by a trickster (Alexander of Abonoteichus), creating a religion to swindle worshippers from their money. Over 100 hundred years after the death of Alexander, this cult grew in size throughout the black sea and the Danube region. The Glycon statue was discovered in Ancient Tomis (today Constanța, Romania) on April 1, 1962. However, among the pieces were statues of various Gods and Goddesses like Pontos, the God of the black sea. Also, Mithra, the God of light and Cybel or Bendis, the Goddess of motherhood, nature and fertility, were discovered. Finally, I would like to note that all the ancient Gods and Goddesses were unified under Getia via the Thracian Geto Dacians. Understandably, Ancient deities were seen as one of the same divinity with various names depending on the Geographic region.
Grigore Tocilescu, who carried out the first archaeological research in Adamclisi, present-day Constanța Romania (1891), said of the monument that it represents "the act of birth carved in stone of the Romanian people". Next, the 2000-year-old mausoleum showcased Geto-Dacian ceramics represented by funerary urns, cauldrons, and cups with raised stems. Also, several Greek amphorae were discovered in the area, proof of exchanges between the Getae and the Pontic cities. Roman historians suggest that the Tropaeum Traiani, the monument erected by Trajan between 106 and 109, was dedicated to Mars the Avenger in memory of the battles given at Adamclisi by the Roman army led by Trajan against the Getae and their allies. "The Tropaeum Traiani monument is part of a complex including a mausoleum and a funerary altar. The mausoleum was built in honour of a Roman commander who lost his life in the battle between the Geto-Dacians and the Romans. In addition, the names of the approximately 3,800 Romanian soldiers who lost their lives in battle were written on the altar, scientific researcher Dr. Sorin-Marcel Colesniuc, director of the Constanța National History and Archeology Museum, told Discover Dobrogea. However, several Dacian enthusiasts and independent researchers suggest that the monument was originally built to honour King Burebista and his triumphant reign and unification of ancient Europe from 82/61 BC to 45/44 BC. After the Roman invasion via Trajan, the entire Adamclisi compound was altered to suit Trajan's vision.
The 6000-year-old, Lovers from Gumelnița. The prehistoric pair was found during archaeological excavations in 1960 located in the Eneolithic site at Gumelniţa (Olteniţa, Călăraşi county). Correspondingly, the Gumelniţa culture is considered by specialists to be one of the more predominant settlements from the Eneolithic period in the Eastern European area. Chronologically, the statue denotes the second half of the 5th millennium BC via the Gumelnița culture. Next, the artifact was made of clay 6.8 cm, hand-shaped by prehistoric artisans, decorated and then painted with white and red pigments preserved only to a small extent in portions.
The Roman gilded bronze wall lamp represents the Gorgon Medusa, discovered in Colonia Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, Hunedoara, Romania, in the 2nd century AD. The Sarmizegetusa Regia sanctuary should not be confused with Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the Roman capital built by Emperor Trajan. In addition, Sarmizegetusa Regia was erected on a 1200 m high mountain 40 km away and was the core of the Geto Dacian spiritual/religious practices in the Orăștie Mountains. Also, inside the fortress walls of Sarmizegetusa Regia was the Astronomical Observatory Center and metallurgy complex; it was not a residential area with dwellings for the public. In other words, Sarmizegetusa Regia was a temple where only the metallurgists, priests, high-ranking officials, Royalty and military were allowed.
Geto Dacian Treasure ~ Silver and Gold in 400 BC were discovered in the northeast of Dobrogea, Romania, near the southern branch of the Danube, before its discharge into the Black Sea on the territory of Agighiol commune. Further, Archeological investigations led to a big funeral complex with several chambers. Next, the treasure was located in a tumulus with a diameter of 32 m and a height of 2 m, which constituted a funerary complex with stone, wooden constructions and a dromos. One room was a funerary role, and then a second was called the horse room since the skeletons of three sacrificed horses were discovered inside. However, the site is better known for the quantity and quality of treasure in the two main Tombs. In the first room, the remains of a man who was Royal or noble class due to the treasure's value and uniqueness. But, in the second tomb, a skeleton of a woman with jewelry made of gold or other precious metals. So, the helmet/royal crown is of Getic type and identical in shape and ornamentation to the helmets from Peretu and the Iron Gates. With the helmet were two gilded silver greaves, deities made of silver. More often, greaves were made for battle to protect the legs of the warrior. However, these were made of silver, a soft metal, suggesting this armour was worn for ceremonial or ritual purposes, religious or war parades. In my opinion, the treasure belonged to a high-ranking Geto-Dacian priest. If so, the priest was likely a close advisor to a king and his immediate family. Finally, the Goblets also suggest ceremonial use; they are large and portray zoomorphic/ mythological creatures.
The Royal Getic treasure from Băiceni, Iasi County, Romania, 4th century BC. In its composition are gold artifacts with ritual and Talismanic features, magic intended to turn away harmful influences, as in deflecting misfortune. Among the exhibited treasures are bracelets in a fragmented state with horse heads. Also, swastika-like motifs with horses suggest solar symbols and solar worship is well documented in many ancient societies. In addition, the horse was known as the steed of Gods and Kings when used in creating apotropaic objects. In mythology, the Hippoi Athanatoi were the immortal horses that pulled the chariot of the hyperborean Apollo and many other Gods. However, the main Item in this hoard is a Mithraic helmet with various symbolic representations. The Mithras represented magical practices and an initiatory system of Mithraism that dates back to Ancient Geto-Dacian and Thracian worship.
The 3000 year old bronze, Iron solar chariot was found in a funeral tomb of Bujoru, South of Romania, in 1974.
The miniature chariot of almost 3kg, dating from the end of the Bronze Age, is composed of an oval container (cauldron). The chariot is supported on two axles (of iron) and four wheels. Next, the lid, container and wheels are decorated with swans, possibly Cucuteni/Tripolye-inspired ornithomorphic representations that played a role in many religious rituals.
The Getae-Dacians continued the Cucuteni traditions of solar worship, and several swan artifacts were discovered in the temples of Sarmizegetusa Regia and its surrounding sanctuaries. Also, during the time of Herodotus, there was the tradition of the Hyperborean Apollo, who, in winter, left on his chariot drawn by swans to the North and returned in spring.
Golden Helmet/Headdress of Coțofenești, the Geto-Dacian ceremonial Crown and Romania's most famous ancient gold discovery, is approximately 2000 years old. Located in Prahova County, Romania, the piece weighs 726.08 g, 76 percent gold, and is 25.50 cm. high, with a diameter of 20.00 cm.
The headdress showcases winged animals like griffins and ritual offerings to the Geto-Dacian God Zamolxis. Also, the Crown displays Mithraic rituals with various symbolic representations. Further, the Mithras represented magical practices and an initiatory system of Mithraism that dates back to Ancient Geto-Dacian and Thracian worship. Ultimately, Apollo and Helios's origins are Hyperborean, Geto-Dacian and Thracian, so it's conceivable the crowns from the Danube Gorge that depicted two eyes were worn by Getae kings who worshipped Apollo and Helios.
Finally, the Ancient Kings or Royal family wore the crowns into war as a patriotic flag, modelled during parades to show signs of power and unification when the king sat on his throne. Therefore, this Geto-Dacian Crown was used for the same, via holidays, ceremonial, religious, and war parades. So, the gold crown represents coalition and high status; the silver represents the most prosperous and fertile regions.
Ancient Bust of King Decebalus; many historians claim he was of Goth/Barbarian origin. Regardless, he was a courageous king and ruled Geto-Dacia from 87–106 AD, leading various wars against the Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan. Next, the bust was found in the Forum of Trajan; since 1882, it has been in the Vatican Museum. Also, some restorations were made: left eyebrow and eyelid, at both ears, part of the beard, nose, and hair area, top of the pileus (headwear), at the neck and the level of the bust. Carlo Troya (1784-1858, Italian historian): “No people from those whom the Greeks called barbarians have an older and more certain history than the ghettos or the Goths. The purpose of my work, Gothic or Gothic History is divided into two parts and one of them shows that the gates of Zamolxe and Decebal were the ancestors of Theodoric Goths from the Amal lineage.
The Geto Dacian Shield boss/Umbo is made from Iron. Discovered at the Piatra Roșie fortress, ritual pit (Alun, Boșorod, Hunedoara county, Romania) 1st century BC.
Correspondingly, the umbo attaches to the centre of a shield to protect the hand of the person. But its design tells a story of the region they were defending and their spiritual beliefs. The griffin is worldwide, pictured in ancient art, coins, temples and architecture. In Egypt, the griffins were seen as protectors, guardians of gold and great wealth or Royalty. Also, the griffin represents the King of birds and the King of beasts as a lion. However, the Geto Dacians were aligned with the Thracians and the Scythians, who documented stories about the griffin.
The Greeks mentioned the Arimaspi people in constant battle with griffins.
“But in the north of Europe, there is by far the most gold. In this matter again, I cannot say with assurance how the gold is produced, but it is said that one-eyed men called Arimaspians steal it from griffins. But I do not believe this, that there are one-eyed men who have nature otherwise the same as other men. The most outlying lands, though, as they enclose and wholly surround all the rest of the world, are likely to have those things which we think the finest and the rarest.” (Herodotus, the Histories, 3.116). Over the years, several archeologists and historians retracted their theory of the umbo to decorations because the item could not function as an umbo. Further, several shield bosses were discovered from Piatra Roşie, ranging from 35 to 42 cm in diameter. Typically, the average size of the umbo is 2 to 13cm, such as the fragments of a Geto Dacian umbo uncovered in Ardeu, Hunedoara. The Griffin umbo is a masterpiece; it's fascinating that our ancients had the technology to emboss/stamp a symbol into Iron that weighs 1.5 kg.
Gold Ring of Kings, Scythia - Reign 5th century BC On the left side of the seal, in antithetical position to the figurative representation, (carried out by incising) the inscription ΣΚΥΛΕΩ/Skuleo – the Greek form of the possessive genitive "belonging to Skyles". Also, on the right side of the ring link, (made by punching) a second inscription (in Greek) ΚΕΛΕΟΕΑΡΓΟΤΑΝΠΑΡ IANE (KELEOE ARGOTAN PAR ENAI), with the observation that the duct of the last 4 letters is right-handed, and their sequence left-handed. Translation: "(he) ordered me to be at Argotas". The scene (probably the enthronement by a goddess of a "deified" king - in the present case Skyles) depicted on the seal of this ring is, like the inscriptions reproduced on it and the ring, a Greek interpretation of an oriental iconographic motif, known in Achaemenid cultural environments and Scythians. Discovery, from the mid-1930s about 10 km south of the Histria fortress, Present day Constanta, Romania. Text: dr. Corina Borș Fotografii: ing. Marius Amarie
The First “Fighting Falcons” Geto-Dacian mercenary’s helmet, 200 BC, was discovered in 1960 in Ciumești, Satu Mare County, Romania. However, several historians claimed the helmet is of Celtic origin in Carpathian territory. Diameter: 21 cm; Total width: 53 cm; H: 40 cm.
In addition to the helmet, two bronze greaves, a spearhead and a shirt of iron links, brooches from bronze, a ring, two bracelets and clay vessels were found. Next, the helmet belonged to a Geto Dacian mercenary of a falconry unit who used the bird to carry messages and hunt the enemy's carrier pigeons. In Ancient Rome, there are stories of a legionnaire who noticed one of their carrier pigeons killed by a falcon, thus losing important information. Since the helmet and artifacts were found in a round pit, the archaeologists agreed it was a ritual deposit. After the research expanded, an ancient cemetery was discovered with 32 graves in the exact vicinity. It's highly possible that the cemetery was Geto-Dacian, of which 29 graves were cremated and six were buried. Finally, the Geto-Dacians used rituals via cremation; the remains of their dead were buried next to burial vessels, personal objects and lavish treasure.
The 2500-year-old Geto-Dacian Royal, Gold talismans from Sarmizegetusa Regia.
In 2000, one of the most important discoveries was 15 gold spirals that shook the foundation of Romanian history. Following from 2001-2007, another 10 were discovered, totalling 25. The spirals may be talismans, used for worship or protective reasons and not for decorative jewelry because many are extra-large. However, when referring to primitive science/spirituality, the Geto-Dacian priests may have worn smaller bracelets during rituals communicating prediction. In other words, the bracelets amplified the connection to the Aether and their God, Zamolxis. Furthermore, the gold ore was mined from the Carpathian Mountains, Roșia Montana and the Sarmizegetusa Regia region. I've mentioned several times that Sarmizegetusa Regia sanctuary was a metallurgy complex and an astronomical observatory, so the spirals may have been crafted in the sanctuary. Besides, the Geto-Dacians created a highly advanced system of processing gold ore that we can’t replicate today, technically or alchemically. Ultimately, the gold was mixed with a small amount of silver to enhance the Spiral's colour and strength; the Geto-Dacians were masters of alchemy, a gift given to them by the God Zamolxis.
2000 thousand-year-old bronze Geto Dacian fertility mask was discovered at the Piatra Roşie Sanctuary (Hunedoara County, Romania).
Bendis was the guardian of maternity, midwives, and the center of Geto-Dacian womanhood. However, like all artifacts, the bronze bust of Bendis found at Piatra Roșie is subject to change; its interpretations vary. Still, in the tradition of midwives, I examined the Bendis relic from a maternal platform. Besides, the artifact shows protruding breasts, indicating she was a goddess of milking mothers worshiped primarily by women. Also, The Romans adopted Bendis as Diana, the Goddess of the moon and the Greeks as Artemis, the huntress and childbirth. I observe Piatra Rosie as a sacred mountain and the Romanian version of Machu Picchu. Of course, Machu Picchu in Peru is different regarding architectural achievements; you can't compare in this context, but its symbology and legends align with Geto Dacia. The view of the valley is extraordinary, and the energetic resonance left behind by Getae Priests and priestesses is soft and grounding. Also, stone roadways that lead to temple remains are spread throughout the sanctuary. Finally, Piatra Roşie was a place of worship, protected by a strong military similar to Sarmizegetusa Regia, as only the highest in society and the most skilled in religious ceremonies were allowed to enter.
Sarmizegetusa Regia - Pentagon Tower 1971 Not only did the Geto Dacians design Sarmizegetusa Regia via military, but they also aligned their architecture with spiritual intentions. Ultimately, when the Geto Dacians built structures in Sarmizegetusa Regia, they believed it was not just a home for them but also for the Gods and Goddesses they adored. In addition, much of the art and architecture established their great respect and reverence for Zamolxis and the deities surrounding their belief in immortality. The Pentagon's construction provided a strategic military lookout to protect the treasure deposit and their mysterious worship of divinity, planets or stars. However, I am sure there was a spiritual connection to the 5 side design, such as ancient numerology. It's possible the pentagon tower served as a model of divine perfection and the 5 elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space/Ether.
King Burebista and Deceneus constructed Căpâlna to guard and oversee the crossing of commercial trade and pilgrims through the Sebeș Valley and into the Orăștie Mountains, the central hub of the Getae Dacian kingdom. Although Căpâlna was a military defence and a refuge, Deceneus was occupied with his role in Apulon, the Getae Dacian unification with Thracia. As a result, Deceneus assigned a captain to live there and oversee all activity, including the immigration of pilgrims entering the kingdom. In addition, the refuge granted simple necessities like food and water but included a recruiting and education center. One aspect of training in the sanctuary was a mystery school for the newcomers; those who excelled at Căpâlna were given secret rites to prepare them for deeper study at Banita and Costesti. Also, tutoring in blacksmithing, architecture and swordsmanship was provided; the Captain sought the most skilled and sent the best to various locations in the kingdom that required exceptional artisans and expert warriors.
The statues Of King Burebista and Deceneus are pictured above in the St. Petersburg Museum, Russia.
The Getic, Golden ratio ornaments are 3000 years old and were discovered in Sarasău, Maramureș County, Romania, in 1847. Through Chemical Investigations, the artifacts were examined, and the quantity of gold in the pieces varies between 81.940% and 83.470%, while the proportion of silver is between 15.510% and 17.048%. In addition to these metals, the objects also contained trace amounts of Copper, Iron and Nickel, possibly to achieve a uniform thickness in the gold. Next, the golden ratio treasure shows three rings with open ends and 239 decorative notations that may represent the chambered nautilus sea shell. However, mathematicians confirmed that the golden ratio rectangular spiral and the nautilus spiral “simply do not match.” Nevertheless, the cross-section of the nautilus shell shows a growth pattern of chambers governed by the golden ratio. The discovery of prehistorical artifacts is a mystery, with few written sources that can present the past logically; still, mysterious recognition can help write and balance history. Ultimately, the Geto Dacians existed before their recorded history, from the foothills of the Carpathians as descendants of the Aryans/Danubians; their treasure is unique, embodying intellectual, spiritual, or philosophical value. Also, the Geto Dacians contributed to most of Ancient Europe's gold collections because they had the largest gold-producing facility (metallurgy) at Sarmizegetusa Regia. As a result, when we observe Ancient European gold treasures from other civilizations, we will see similarities that stem from Geto-Dacian and Thracian influence. Finally, before the Romans raided Sarmizegetusa Regia in 105–106 A.D., some Geto Dacians fled to hide their treasure in areas like Maramureș. Even today, many Romanians celebrate the Free Geto-Dacians of Maramureș.
The 2500-year-old Getic Golden Horse Harness Treasure The discovery was made at the Getic fortresses from Stâncești, Botoşani county, Romania. Spread over 60 hectares, the fortresses are located right on the edge of the Baisa forest. Archeological Excavations lasted intermittently until the 1970s and only 3-4% of the citadel's surface was explored during the years of communism, research being abandoned after the 90s.
The archaeologist Adrian Florescu, the discoverer, describes the main piece in the hoard as follows: "Made of gold leaf - very thin - representing a fantastic zoomorphic figure, in general, it appears in the form of a fish, with a boar's head and a bird's tail, made in the pressure technique. The gold leaf, thin enough to be highly malleable, was pressed onto a wooden pattern (probably with the help of a wooden object). Modelled this way, the sheet was applied over a more resistant material. It would not be excluded that it is the same wooden pattern, but with a thickness of 15 mm, fixing the patterned sheet by bending it all around over the respective support. The stylistic manner in rendering the specific features of this zoomorphic representation, under the anatomical aspect, proves a superior artistic level, being a product of a specialized workshop. Apart from the originality it embodies, the object in question attracts attention by the value of its dimensions from a zoomorphic point of view". The piece is 478 mm long and 96 mm wide.
The thinker or Sorrow, next to his partner. The famous Neolithic figurines from 5000-4600 BC were discovered in 1956 in the necropolis of the Hamangia culture near Cernavodă, Constanța county, the first large Neolithic cemetery identified in Romania. These Masterpieces of prehistoric artifacts are made of fired clay and stand 11.5 cm tall. The anthropomorphic representations reflect the existence of two essential characters, which likely believe in the presence of male and female principles.
The 2400-year-old Geto Dacian crown/headdress was discovered in 1970 in the southeast of Peretu commune, Romania, where farmers were plowing, and a tomb of a Royal character was uncovered.
The crown is of Getic type and identical in shape and ornamentation to the helmets/crowns from Agighiol and the Iron Gates. More notably, the eyes and the feathered garland motifs are unique to Geto Dacian art, inspiring ancient Egypt and Greece. For example, the crown's eyes and feathered pattern were intended to be viewed inverted or from a bird's eye view. As a result, if you look at the crown from an upside-down position, you will need to refocus and perceive the composition differently. Accordingly, the bird of prey decoration with the eyes centred between the garlands of feathers symbolizes the Geto Dacian connection to the hyperborean Apollo and Horus. In Greek mythology, Apollo is often pictured ascending and returning to Greece riding a swan.
Similarly, Horus was identified in Egyptian art as the winged sun disc and the Falcon God or the eyes/eye of Horus. Next, due to the geographic location of discovery, the eyes on the crowns represent Zamolxis, the Geto Dacian God or the Throne of God. Finally, the crown's colour, artwork, shape and size state the region of kingship, communicate power and identify deities in religious or war ceremonies/parades.
Boldy, Geto Dacian treasure is unique, symbolizing intellectual, spiritual, or philosophical value to those who owned or crafted it. Also, they contributed to most of Ancient Europe's gold collections because the Geto-Dacians had the largest gold-producing facility at Sarmizegetusa Regia. As a result, when we observe Ancient European gold treasures from other civilizations, we will see similarities that stem from Geto-Dacian and Thracian influence.
Geto Dacian Bronze ceremonial/burial sword, 7th-6th centuries BC, was discovered in Medgidia, Dobrogea, Romania. The Bronze alloy is of good quality, the total length being 0.467 meters, and a weight of 2670 grams. Most likely, the sword was a "parade/ornamental weapon" and was placed atop a burial site of a high priest, chieftain or elite warrior. Pictured on top of the handle is a bird of prey similar to the falcon on the Geto-Dacian mercenary helmet discovered in Ciumești, Satu Mare County, Romania. Also, the short sword resembles the Persian ornamental dagger, which occurs on the relief of a chieftain, Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire 550–330 BC. However, the stylistic elements on the Medgida sword are Geto-Dacian design independent of the Persian and Scythian art.
Female anthropomorphic statuette from Chisinau, Valea Morilor, Moldova.
The Valea Morilor archaeological site is located on the perimeter of Chisinau, Moldova, in the Durlești River basin. Currently, part of the surface of the settlement is covered by the lake waters of Valea Morilor Park. Traditionally, female sculptures from the Neolithic and Eneolithic eras are valued as the "Great Goddess" or the "Great Mother," indicating religious concepts. Made with accuracy, having incised or painted decoration, a good part of the female sculptures are true masterpieces of prehistoric art. Next, the Valea Morilor Statue was discovered in a cult pit belonging to the Eneolithic habitation level (Precucuteni-Tripolia culture, stage A, 5th millennium BC). The figurine is 18 cm tall, 3.3 cm wide at the shoulders and 6.6 cm wide at the bottom. In all probability, this anthropomorphic representation renders a character part of a complex system of religious ceremonies practiced by the early pre-Cucutenian-Tripolian communities. Due to the degree of preservation, the craftsmanship with which it was made by the Eneolithic craftsmen, the anthropomorphic statuette from Chisinau-Valea Morii is among the most representative pieces of this kind, known in the environment of the Precucuteni culture (the early stage of Tripoli culture). Article-The National History Museum of Moldova
Geto Dacian silver jewelry over 2000 years old, from Sarmizegetusa Regia In Romania, sensational discoveries depict the Geto dacian's knowledge of Nature, such as these earrings or pendants with swastika-like designs that many ancient societies have documented as solar symbols. However, many sages of the past mention the spiral or bent cross icon represents the movements of the Big Dipper. Also, these sages observed that the Milky Way designed our galaxy; it moves in a vortex with a centre/axis point, creating the swastika pattern. Only a tiny portion of Sarmizegetusa Regia has been archeologically excavated, three percent in the past 100 years since its discovery. As a result, most of the Geto Dacian's knowledge remains buried, but the high quality of treasure presently discovered is optimal for historical research.
Inside a 13th-century Monastery Church, the oldest monument in the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara Romania showcases a mysterious UFO or the representation of Heaven, possibly the ascension of Elijah. Below the image is a German message: "Israel put your hope in God!" Several scholars like me have noted that Israel, at times, may be used as a phrase for the one who has ascended. 2 Kings 2 NIV: As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to Heaven in a whirlwind.
Baltic Amber statuette of the god Cupid from Alburnus Major (modern-day Roșia Montană, Alba, Romania). The ceremonial artifact was discovered in a cremation grave in the cemetery (necropolis Tăul Secuilor), 1st–2nd centuries AD. Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love and attraction, portrayed as the son of the goddess Venus. His Greek counterpart is Eros, the god of love and sex, often described as the child of Aphrodite and Ares.
The Limestone block was discovered at Sarmizegetusa Regia (Grădiştea de Munte, Hunedoara county), in the southern part of the fortress from Grădiştea Muncelului. The Block is carved with a crown of laurel leaves tied with a ribbon. Inside the crown is engraved the inscription: VEX Vex(illatio) LAW VI Law(ionis) VI FERR Ferr(ata) The VI Ferrata Legion, founded by Marcus Antonius, was stationed for a long time in the East: in Syria, Palestine and then in Arabia. During the civil war of AD 68/69, he arrived in the province of Moesia, on the Danube border of the Roman Empire, which he defended against Dacian attacks. After the end of the Civil War, he returned to the East. The inscription shows the presence of vexillatio (subunit) of the 6th Ferrata legion among the Roman military units that conquered Sarmizegetusa Regia in 106 AD. It also attests to the participation of soldiers from this detachment - along with soldiers from the 4th legions - of Flavia Felix and II Adiutrix - in the reconstruction of the fortification on Grădiştei Hill, necessary for the Roman garrison left here to supervise the area of the capital of the Dacian kingdom after the end of the war. Article-The National History Museum of Transylvania
The 2000-year-old Geto Dacian God Perpheraios Statue:
The piece was discovered in the summer of 2016 during archaeological research in the villa Rapoltu Mare–La Vie (present-day Hunedoara, Romania). First, the figure was cast in wax, then encased in fine clay, left to dry and then fired. After, the wax melted, and the empty space was filled with hot bronze. The bronze statue depicts Mercurius-Hermes-Toth, or the Geto Dacian and Thracian equivalent Perpheraios, who is represented by several attributes of these gods, like the money bag in his right hand and the caduceus in his left. Herodotus, the Histories Book 5, the Thracians These are the most notable of their usages. They worship no gods but Ares, Dionysus, and Artemis.2 Their princes, however, unlike the rest of their countrymen, worship Hermes above all gods and swear only by him, claiming him as their ancestor. 8.
Kallimachos, the ancient Greek poet (c.310-240 BC), presents in his seventh Iambos the ancient cult statue of Hermes Perpheraios: "Hermes Perpheraios is honoured in Ainos, the city in Thrace for this reason. (Text from "The life story of a cult statue as an allegory: Kallimachos’ Hermes Perpheraios", Ivana Petrovic, p.208).
The Burnt Clay Medallion of Bendis, over 2000 years old was discovered at Sarmizegetusa Regia in 1956. The artifact was located on one of the plinths (the lowest part of the base on a column/monument) of the large limestone temple. Most likely, the temple was dedicated to the Geto Dacian Goddess Bendis, the Roman equivalent of Diana and Artemis from Greece.
Ultimately, when the Getae-Dacians built their structures, they believed it was not just a home for them but also for the Gods and Goddesses. In addition, much of their art and architecture established great respect/reverence for Benids or Zamolxis and many other deities surrounding their belief in immortality.
An Ancient Bronze Geto Dacian Magic figurine 2000 years old was discovered at Costeşti fortress/sanctuary, Orăștiei Mountains, Romania.
Anthropomorphic figurines were designed to honour/celebrate heroes or deities and others fashioned for mortal individuals. In addition, during ancient magical rituals, the idols were made of bronze, lead, wax, clay and fabric. Most often, the figures were accompanied by objects like written incantations to inspire the figure with positive intentions or to take someone's power away. Like many of the ancient magical artifacts found worldwide, the male figure is depicted naked. However, the Geto Dacian version is unique to the cavity in the center of his chest, where the wax was poured, and an incense stick or thin candle was placed. Boldly, the bronze artifacts discovered in the Geto-Dacian settlements via the Orăștiei Mountains are of exceptional quality and infused with magical/mythological art, denoting the high level of technical and spiritual knowledge possessed by the artisans who made them.
Geto Dacian Bronze Krater handle of the Goddess Bendis. Discovered in the Costesti fortress/sanctuary is a 2000-year-old handle from a Krater mixing bowl or a vase used for serving. Besides, the Goddess Benidis was widely recognized among the Geto-Dacians via festivals and ceremonial worship.
Plato, Republic
Sokrates (Socrates) : I went down yesterday to the [port of] Peiraios (Piraeus) with Glaukon (Glaucon), the son of Ariston, to pay my devotions to the Goddess [Bendis], and also because I wished to see how they would conduct the festival since this was its inauguration. I thought the procession of the citizens very fine, but it was no better than the show, made by the marching of the Thrakian (Thracian) contingent [i.e. the mercenary force who policed ancient Athens].
The Sanctuary of Costesti showcases the best example of Getae Dacian architectural achievements, specifically the placement of its temples; it's my favourite undiscovered site worldwide. Costesti hosts an impressive display of terrace construction with temples concentrated in one area, affirming my research that there was more to the Dacians than just fortresses, weapons and Sarmizegetusa Regia.
2000-year-old monetary stamp, Sarmizegetusa Regia, Grădiştea de Munte, Hunedoara County, was discovered at the base of the fortress wall on the southern side. The Batch of three stamps was made of a good quality bronze (over 31% Sn). The larger square stamp in the picture is legible and reads as TI CAESAR DIVI AVG. Most of the republican denarii discovered in Romania (Ancient Geto Dacia) were made there, starting with King Burebista and ending with King Decebalus. In addition, the Geto Dacian mint produced imitations and coins that were official Roman products. Also, the faithful copies of the Geto-Dacian coins contained more silver by weight than their Republican models; their origins were usually linked to King Burebista. Obviously, other Geto Dacian kings minted coins before Burebista, possibly King Oroles. However, Sarmizegetusa Regia during the dynasty of King Burebista was the center of old Europe and the main mint (facility) for all gold and silver coins.
The Geto-Dacian bronze phalera from a horse harness was discovered at the Ancient Sarmizegetusa Regia. The object is a slightly curved disc with a maximum diameter of 7.23 cm and was made of bronze by casting. Also, the center of the Phalera is missing, probably gold, and it served as a talisman or status symbol. Most likely, the horse was used in parades, but because the object was found on one of the terraces, it could represent a military unit.
The 2000-year-old medical kit was discovered at Sarmizegetusa Regia in 1955, containing cast bronze tweezers, an iron knife blade, five miniature clay vessels, and a slab of volcanic tuff/ash. The Geto-Dacians likely had medical personnel on-site (Sarmizegetusa Regia) as metallurgy can be dangerous; hot metal/ceramics can stick to the skin, and tweezers are used to pick out the metal from the flesh. In addition, the volcanic slab was used to crush/grind herbs and consumed in the clay vessels. Finally, it's possible the medical kit belonged to a Geto-Dacian priest who travelled from Sarmizegetusa Regia to the surrounding villages to treat the sick.
The "cauldrons of the giants" are located in Cozla Mountain; you can visit the petrified Monolith on Route 3 Caldari 30 minutes from the entrance to the route; it is an easy hike in Piatra Neamț. In general, sandstones/petrified monoliths are a mystery; some are millions of years old. However, over years of research, I have concluded that many of these petrified structures are the remnants of when the earth was home to a more hyperborean/gigantic reality (the test area).
The Geto Dacian silver spiral bracelet/talisman with zoomorphic elements is displayed in the permanent exhibition of the Severeanu Museum, Romania.
In the National History Museum of Transylvania, the Geto Dacian silver bracelet/talisman with zoomorphic elements (dragon-shaped) and fibulae is exhibited. 1st century BC. The spirals may be talismans, used for worship or protective reasons and not for decorative jewelry because many are extra-large. However, when referring to primitive science/spirituality, the Geto-Dacian priests may have worn smaller bracelets during rituals communicating prediction. In other words, the bracelets amplified the connection to the Aether and their God, Zamolxis.
The Bronze Geto-Dacian medallion from Ocnița, Buridava Dacica, depicts the God Hercules. Bronze by casting, diameter = 6.1 cm x 6.3 cm; Weight = 173 gr, is currently displayed at the "Aurel Sacerdoțeanu" History Museum in Vâlcea.
2100-year-old Geto Dacian bronze spindle wreaths/rings, discovered in the Costesti and Capalna fortress, are weights used in weaving and spinning yarn.
The ones pictured have internal diameters that vary between 2.2 and 5.1 cm and were discovered in Costesti. In my opinion, the bronze wreaths had several functions, like simple horse harness rings guiding the lines and preventing them from snagging on the harness. Also, instead of buckles, the rings were mounted on the belt to hang ornaments/temple offerings worn by the Geto Dacian Priests. More often, the rings were found with Roman denarii, denoting the bronze wreaths were multi-purpose, depending on the diameter, and sold or traded by travelling merchants.
The Sanctuary of Costesti showcases the best example of Getae Dacian architectural achievements, specifically the placement of its temples; it's my favourite undiscovered site worldwide. To my surprise, I moved from Canada into the middle of an ancient city built by one of the most influential designers of esoteric art, artifacts, monuments and architecture. Costesti hosts an impressive display of terrace construction with temples concentrated in one area, affirming my research that there was more to the Dacians than just fortresses, weapons and Sarmizegetusa Regia.
Geto Dacian bronze medallion of Hercules from Ocnita, Buridava Dacica; bronze by casting, 165.40 gr, is currently displayed at the "Aurel Sacerdoțeanu" History Museum in Vâlcea. The decoration can reproduce the experience of Hercules's virtuous suffering, leading him to fame and immortality.
The Geto Dacian ceramic pottery was discovered in 1993 at Sarmizegetusa Regia and is partially reconstructed from several fragments. Displayed at the Musem in Deva, Hunedoara.
The 2000-year-old Geto Dacian silver phalera from a treasure hoard. The artifact with 25 other pieces was stolen from Sarmizegetusa Regia and recovered from Germany by Romanian prosecutors in 2015. A Similar phalera was discovered in the 1960s in Galice, Bulgaria, via archeological excavations of Thracian origin. The phalerae show men with long manicured hair, mustache and elegant garments denoting a royal or noble class.
At Sarmizegetusa Regia, in the 1st century AD, a style of painting on ceramics developed that symbolized intellectual, spiritual, or philosophical value to the Geto Dacians who crafted it. Also, the painted ceramics are part of the art specific to that area. For example, the animal motifs, the trident-like image and the simple geometry all express the nature of the Ancient Sarmizegetusa Regia.
Ancient sanitary facilities were discovered via the Geto Dacian fortresses in the Orăștie Mountains, like this 3000-year-old section of ceramic water pipe from Blidaru. Exhibited at the Museum of Ethnography and Urban Folk Art, Oraștie, Hunedoara.
2000-year-old Geto Dacian Anvil from Sarmizegetusa Regia, Grădiştea de Munte, Hunedoara county, weighs 46 kg, with a square beating surface H. 18 cm, L. 20.5. In one of the many workshops located in Sarmizegetusa Regia, 20 anvils were discovered, giving testament to one of the largest ancient steelmaking/ blacksmithing (weaponry) facilities in Europe. Still, to this day, the entire region of Grădiştea de Munte and the Orastie Mountains are rich in Iron Ore deposits.
The Gold Koson was the first Geto Dacian-minted coin from Sarmizegetusa Regia, over 2000 years old. On the piece is an image of three men, mercenaries, elites or priests, walking in ceremonial robes above the name "ΚΟΣΩΝ." Also, the Koson may symbolize a formal road; all roads lead to Sarmizegetusa Regia, where the coins were minted. Additionally, "ΚΟΣΩΝ" could be the primordial title of Sarmizegetusa Regia; the sanctuary was the ancient version of our current Fort Knox, where all the gold was processed and stored. Also depicted on the Koson is an eagle holding a crown that denotes spiritual virtues, such as a crown worn on the head by elites during rituals and religious worship. In addition, gold coins were often distributed for monetary purposes and used during private war parades and religious ceremonies among kings and priests. Finally, many historians concluded that the coin was minted during the Oroles or Burebista dynasty. However, even today, this aspect of the Koson is still debated and remains much of a mystery.
The Geto Dacian Solar Icon pendant from Ocnita, Buridava Dacica.
Bronze; by casting: Diameter = 5.5 cm; Weight = 107 gr. The piece displays Geto-Dacian griffin-style motifs and a bull denoting ancient solar embodiment. Also, the bull is significant in Dionysian/Hyperborean symbolism, with strong links with the Minotaur. Dionysus is a bull god who often turns into a bull and is then sacrificed and consumed by the Titans. Further, the Mithras represented magical practices and an initiatory system of Mithraism that dates back to Ancient Geto-Dacian and Thracian worship. More often, the symbol of Mithras is the sacrifice of a bull as a token of death, supporting longevity, fertility and feeding the community.
In 1960, a 2000-year-old Geto Dacian marble bull sundial was discovered on the territory of Cumpăna commune in Constanța County.
The solar dial is incomplete, with signs of erosion or human damage. For example, it's possible the sundial was a disk (dial plate), but let's assume a concave shape that is supported between the horns of a bull 48.5 cm high and 37.5 cm wide. Also, the blade/gnomon that casts the shadow is lacking. However, the crucial part of the discovery points to the Geto Dacian's knowledge of calculating time, similar to the ancient Egyptians, but more specifically, the correlations with bull/solar worship.
First, sundials were used to measure work hours, especially in busy ports like ancient Tomis (present-day Constanța), which at one time was highly influenced by King Burebista. Next, many sundials were attuned to the seasons, the equinox or solstice, and used for agriculture or deity worship, like the larger circular sanctuary in Sarmizegetusa Regia. Finally, the bull is significant in Geto Dacian solar worship along with Dionysian/Hyperborean symbolism, alternately expressed in Egypt as Apis, the bull God with the Hathor disk supported between the horns. Currently, the sundial is at the Museum of History and Archeology in Constanta, Romania.
Geto Dacian silver jewelry, over 2000 years old, from Sarmizegetusa Regia (present-day Orastie Mountains, Romania). The jewelry and 25 other treasured pieces were stolen from Sarmizegetusa Regia and recovered from Germany by Romanian prosecutors in 2015.
2000-year-old Geto Dacian Iron artifacts from Sarmizegetusa Regia, Grădiştea de Munte, Hunedoara County. The artifacts pictured were discovered in the metallurgical workshop on the 8th terrace of Sarmizegetusa Regia. The inventory consists of blacksmith tools: several anvils, sledgehammers, hammers, tongs, calf mouth guards, chisels, and iron ingots. Correspondingly, Sarmizegetusa Regia, at one time, was the largest steelmaking/ blacksmithing (weaponry) facility in primordial Europe. Still, to this day, the entire region of Grădiştea de Munte and the Orastie Mountains are rich in Iron Ore deposits.
Photo: from the archive of the archaeological site "Dacian fortresses in the mountains of Orăștiei"
The Geto Dacian Solid Silver Lioness, over 2000 years old, was attached to an iron rod and discovered in 1940 at the Blidaru fortress. It's possible that the iron rod was fixed in the ground to support and display the silver lioness decoration outside a temple entrance. Blidaru is one of the finest superior-engineered Geto Dacian fortifications, spanning over 6,000 metres squared. The large fortress stones are connected with style and perfection; you can still see the impressions from metal ornaments fastened to the rock for aesthetics. Imagine thousands of years ago, white stones and temple pillars dressed in gold, silver and bronze trim. The Geto Dacians were very advanced in architectural design and metallurgy, both scientifically and spiritually. In other words, everything they created was intended to work harmoniously with nature, the Gods and Goddesses. As a result, the fortresses were built to protect Temple life; without a strong military presence, there would be no primitive sciences (Spiritual-Practices).
The 3500-year-old Carpathian-inspired bronze Nebra Sky Disc was discovered in Germany along with two bronze swords, sickles, a chisel and details of spiral bracelets. Many historians have written about the disk's symbolism, like the Sun, Moon and the Pleiades. However, there are two arches/arc motifs that, in my opinion, represent the Carpathian Mountains as the origins of the disc. Also, the Greeks expressed the Pleiades through mythology, but the Geto Dacians embodied the Pleiades as Zamolxis.
The 3000-year-old Geto Dacian fertility Goddess was discovered in present-day Adamclisi, Constanța County, and Ancient Tomis. The monument is a talisman representing the Goddess, Otrera. In addition, Otrera was the mother and Queen of the Amazon Nation that leaders such as Tomyris, Diana, Helen of Troy and Athena paid tribute to. Next, the Geto Dacians had relations with the Amazonians/Danubians; they influenced each other. In the Adamclisis museum are reliefs of the Geto Dacians and Amazonians as allies, fighting the Romans. Finally, the Scythians referred to the fertility deity as the snake Goddess or Dragoness, the feminine or Amazonian use of magic and sorcery.
Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 223 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.): "Seven Wonders of the World . . . The temple of Diana [Artemis] at Ephesus which the Amazon Otrera, wife of Mars [Ares], made."
Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 225: "Those who first built temples to the gods . . . Otrera, an Amazon, wife of Mars [Ares], first founded the temple of Diana [Artemis] at Ephesus."
Pindar, Olympian Ode 13. 85 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.): "With all zeal mighty Bellerophontes seized the winged steed [Pegasos], setting between his jaws the soothing charm, and mounting him, in his bronze panoply played him in sport, to try his pace. And once [in Lykia], with him, he smote the Amazones, from the chill bosom of the lonely air, that archered host of women-kind."
2000-year-old Geto Dacian jeweller's workshop was discovered in Pecica, Arad County (Ancient Ziridava). In this image, a jewelry kit was used to make various ornaments. Also found in the same place not pictured were silver brooches, a massive bronze ring, pendants, iron and bronze buttons, and a glass ring. Next, the Geto Dacian town of Ziridava is somewhat of a mystery. However, Ziridava and Dacia are documented in Ptolemy's Geographia, written in Alexandria, Egypt, around AD 150. Finally, the Romanian historian and archeologist Vasile Pârvanin, in his work Getica, considers that Ziridava means "The gold fortress". Below the jewelry kit Image is the Early Medieval World Map by Claudius Ptolemy 1480 with DACIA and Ziridava translated from Ptolemy's original work 85-165 AD. Claudius Ptolemy surveyed his maps via secular geography rather than religious or cultural narratives.
The 2000-year-old Geto Dacian sica dagger with handle was discovered by metal detectors at Bulbuc, Alba County, Romania.
The 2500-year-old Geto Dacian gold Diadem was discovered during archaeological excavations in 1978 at the ancient citadel “Dealul Bobului," a hill southeast of Buneşti - Avereşti commune, Vaslui County (Western Moldavia), Romania. The gold headpiece weighing 765 grams consists of two massive gold bars, forming at the front are five gold rosettes welded on cylindrical support of gold leaf. Also, the ends of the bars are decorated with two stylized lionesses or younger male lions with door knockers in their mouths. It's possible that the Geto Dacians believed a lion with a ring in its mouth was symbolic of opening the doors to Zamolixs/Immortality and the embodiment of the sun or strength. Finally, a diadem is a band-style head ornament worn by both men and women Royals in ancient times. Often, the headband is decorated with garlands, wreaths and gems, a symbol of status and wealth.
The 2000-year-old Geto Dacian Bronze high-status chandeliers at Piatra Rosie and Piscu Crasani are almost identical discoveries. The lamps were suspended by three bronze chains, most likely displayed in temples or in a royal dwelling. In addition, the containers for lighting are 5 cm and consist of three arms equal in dimensions, 7 cm long, and the oil tank is in the middle. The chandeliers testify not only to the skill of the Geto Dacian smiths but also to their elegancy. Unfortunately, more often, when artifacts/treasures are discovered on Geto Dacian territory, they are portrayed as imports (like Greek, Roman or Celtic) by modern-day Romanian historians or archeologists. I understand that ancient trade was customary and necessary, like today. However, the Geto Dacians were fully capable of creating their own legacy, and they did, in the form of a super city located in present-day Romania called the Geto Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains. Ancient Geto Dacian skewers or weapons from Căpâlna and Piatra Roşie fortress are almost identical discoveries. Unfortunately, I only have pictures sourced from the Museum in Alba Iulia and Orăștie, with no data on size or the metals used to make the forks.
The 2000-year-old silver Geto Dacian “Fighting Falcons” phalera was found in Surcea, Romania. The bird pictured in the upper part of the phalera is attached to the rider's helmet and aligns with the Geto Dacian mercenary falcon helmet found in Ciumesti, Romania. It's possible the phalera belonged to a Geto Dacian mercenary of a falconry unit who used the bird to carry messages and hunt the enemy's carrier pigeons. In Ancient Rome, there are stories of a legionnaire who noticed one of their carrier pigeons killed by a falcon, thus losing important information.
The Emperor Trajan released a series of silver imperial denarius to commemorate his conquest of Dacia. On the coins are images of characters with pileus, falx, sica, spears and Dacian shields round and oval. The 2000-year-old Geto Dacian ornamented nail heads were discovered in Sarmizegetusa Regia and its surrounding fortresses in the present-day Orastie Mountains. These findings are significant because they show the importance of Geto Dacian's elegant craftsmanship in furniture, like chairs and tables. Imagine large Geto Dacian wooden Doors/Gates in palaces and temples via Sarmizegetusa Regia or Blidaru decorated with geometrical ornaments.
The mysterious Geto Dacian ornamented nail head was found in the ancient limestone temple from the 11th terrace at Sarmizegetusa Regia. Most door accessories discovered in the fortresses of the Orastie Mountains were geometric or floral and often combined like in this image. The motifs/mandala nail heads were created by highly skilled priest-like artisans to show the superior work of Geto Dacian art and amplify the temple entrances. Unfortunately, I have never seen a genuine archaeological/museum photo of the ornament, so I will not elaborate or suggest an interpretation of the motif.
The Decebalus Vase 2,000 years ago, Gauls populated the ford of the Isac River at the intersection of two Roman roads, Nantes-Rennes and Angers-Vannes. Archaeological excavations undertaken while digging the Nantes-Brest canal revealed numerous objects: coins, ceramics, and figurines of Venus. All these discoveries are kept at the Blain Museum, as is the famous Vase of Decebalus. Musée Virtuel de Blain
The Geto Dacian silver and golden Doe-head Rhyton (ancient breast pump), 325–275 BC, was discovered in Poroina Mare, Romania.
This is a significant find because the rhyton shows the importance of Geto Dacian maternity. Pictured on the artifact are two noble women holding a mechanism in front of their breasts to extract the milk into the vessel. Next, the rhyton was ceremonially used in temples like Fetele Albe (white faces), the sanctuary of maternity, midwives, milking mothers and the center of Geto Dacian womanhood. Also, the midwives/priestesses of Fetele Albe prayed to the goddesses and gods to help protect mothers and children, such as Bendis and Apollo. The Geto Dacian Bendis was the most ancient goddess of milking mothers and childbirth, worshiped primarily by women; the Roman equivalent was Diana, Artemis from Greece and Kotys from Thracia.
The 2500-year-old Geto Dacian crown/headdress was discovered in 1970 in the southeast of Peretu commune, Romania, where farmers were plowing, and a tomb of a Royal character was uncovered.
The crown is of Getic type and identical in shape and ornamentation to the helmets/crowns from Agighiol and the Iron Gates. More notably, the eyes and the feathered garland motifs are unique to Geto Dacian art, inspiring ancient Egypt and Greece. For example, the crown's eyes and feathered pattern were intended to be viewed inverted or from a bird's eye view. As a result, if you look at the crown from an upside-down position, you will need to refocus and perceive the composition differently. Accordingly, the bird of prey decoration with the eyes centred between the garlands of feathers symbolizes the Geto Dacian connection to the hyperborean Apollo and Horus. In Greek mythology, Apollo is often pictured ascending and returning to Greece riding a swan.
Similarly, Horus was identified in Egyptian art as the winged sun disc and the Falcon God or the eyes/eye of Horus. Next, due to the geographic location of discovery, the eyes on the crowns represent Zamolxis, the Geto Dacian God or the Throne of God. Finally, the crown's colour, artwork, shape and size state the region of kingship, communicate power and identify deities in religious or war ceremonies/parades.
Geto Dacian Silver and Gold greaves from 400 BC were discovered in a large tomb full of treasure northeast of Dobrogea, Romania, near the southern branch of the Danube, before its discharge into the Black Sea on the territory of Agighiol commune. More often, greaves were made for battle to protect the legs of the warrior. However, these were made of silver, a soft metal, suggesting this armour was worn for ceremonial or ritual purposes, religious or war parades. In my opinion, the greaves belonged to a high-ranking Thracian-Geto-Dacian priest. If so, the priest was likely a close advisor to a king and his immediate family.
3000-year-old Geto Dacian terracotta pipe conduits discovered in Sarmizegetusa Regia. Archaeological investigations via the Geto Dacian fortresses/sanctuaries in the Orăștiei Mountains revealed the existence of a super city with advanced water and waste management. The focal point was Sarmizegetusa Regia, where sophisticated installations were discovered for capturing, decanting and distributing water. A prime example is the ancient terracotta pipes that supplied fresh water for approximately two hundred thousand inhabitants.
The 2500-year-old Geto Dacian silver and gold sceptre (the upper part) H=168 mm; D base=87 mm was discovered accidentally in the southeast of Peretu commune, Romania. Farmers were plowing, and a tomb of a Royal character was found full of treasure. Archeological excavations commenced. Many historians/archeologists have suggested the item is a rhyton of a female persona. However, while drinking from this rhyton, the head (face) would be displayed upside-down. In most cases, rhytons are created for royalty and used for ritual or celebratory purposes, so an upside-down picture of a royal figure on ceremonial art is not functional. Also, small holes in the neck suggest it was fastened to a staff.
Next, is the character a man or woman? The sceptre is a man. If so, the head could represent the Astral deity, Apollo; he was adored by the Geto Dacian and Thracian kings. To align with the archeologist’s theory of a female character, the head is possibly the Geto Dacian goddess Bendis. Finally, Apollo and Bendis were understood as having authority over princes and the sceptre of kings.
The 2500-year-old Geto Dacian silver and gold crown/headdress was discovered in a tumulus with several chambers full of treasure northeast of Dobrogea, on the territory of Agighiol commune, Romania.
When burial was made in a tumulus, the Geto Dacians used incineration. Accordingly, the eyes of Zamolxis on the Geto Dacian crowns equated with funerary offerings and tribute given to deities in temple rituals, thus attesting to what Herodotus said about the Getae that they considered themselves immortal.
The Histories, Herodotus [94] The belief of the Getae in respect of immortality is the following. They think that they do not really die, but that when they depart this life they go to Zalmoxis, who is called also Gebeleizis by some among them. To this god every five years they send a messenger, who is chosen by lot out of the whole nation, and charged to bear him their several requests. Their mode of sending him is this. A number of them stand in order, each holding in his hand three darts; others take the man who is to be sent to Zalmoxis, and swinging him by his hands and feet, toss him into the air so that he falls upon the points of the weapons.
2500-year-old Geto Dacian silver ceremonial chalice Height: 18 cm, Rim diameter: 11.1 cm was found in a tumulus burial at Agighiol, near the mouth of the Danube on the Black Sea coast of Romania. Geto Dacian zoomorphic art often demonstrated a style of intellectual, spiritual, or philosophical value specific to that area. However, these goblets tell a unique story about the psychedelic/mystical connections available to the Geto-Dacian elites. For example, the illustrations on the chalice are over-exaggerated or expansive with mythical-like decorations. So, it's possible the ceremonies/celebrations were a vision quest via the consumption of alchemic beverages like soma, harmala or cannabis to induce shamanic trance. In short, shamanic states of consciousness via hallucinogenic plant use go back to the dawn of the middle Paleolithic cognitive rising. These primordial psychedelic rituals represent humanity’s most ancient spiritual tradition that built the foundation for religion and society as we know them today. Finally, I discovered other artifacts during my research in Romania that pointed to Geto Dacian psychedelic use, like the silver bee/honey ritual disks found close to the city of Alba Lulia.
Ancient Geto Dacian Royal Treasure, Sceptre and Crown, late 4th century BC During the summer of 1970, in the southeast of Peretu commune, Romania farmers were plowing, and a tomb of a Royal character was discovered. After this, archaeological excavations followed. Many historians/archeologists have suggested the silver and gold head is a rhyton of a female persona. However, while drinking from this rhyton, the head (face) would be displayed upside-down. In most cases, rhytons are created for royalty and used for ritual or celebratory purposes, so an upside-down picture of a royal figure on ceremonial art is not functional. Also, small holes in the neck suggest it was fastened to a staff. Next, is the character a man or woman? In my opinion, the sceptre is a man. If so, the head could represent the astral deity, Apollo; he was adored by the Geto Dacian and Thracian kings. To align with the archeologist’s theory of a female character, the head is possibly the Geto Dacian goddess Bendis. Finally, Apollo and Bendis were understood as having authority over princes and the sceptre of kings. The helmet or royal crown is of the Getic type and is identical in shape and ornamentation to the helmets from Agighiol and the Iron Gates. Of course, the silver was worn by a lower class of royals, like a family member or even a general. The crown's colour, artwork, shape and size state the region of kingship, communicate power and identify deities in religious or war ceremonies/parades. Finally, due to the geographic location, the eyes on the crowns represent Zamolxis, the Geto Dacian God or the Throne of God.
The 2500-year-old silver Geto Dacian crown/headdress was discovered in a riverbed of the Danube in the Iron Gate gorge in 1913 and is now displayed at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Artifacts- the Goddess Bendis discovered at Piatra Roșie and Sarmizegetusa Regia