An anthropological study of burials from the western necropolis of the ancient Greek city of Heraclea Sintica (Greek: Ἡράκλεια Σιντική), located in what is now Bulgaria, has revealed that some residents of the city had mixed European and African ancestry, offering new insight into the population diversity of the ancient settlement.
The findings come from rescue excavations led by Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski and carried out by Bulgaria’s National Archaeological Museum. The work focused on human remains uncovered during emergency digs at the site, located in southwestern Bulgaria near the present-day border with Greece.
Anthropological analysis identifies rare cases
The anthropological study was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Victoria Russeva of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Her analysis identified the remains of both a man and a woman whose skeletal features point to a blend of European and African ancestry.
Such cases are extremely rare in the archaeological record of ancient Bulgaria, researchers said. While isolated examples have been documented in the past, they appear only occasionally among known burials.
Woman’s burial dated to late Roman period
One of the most notable discoveries is the burial of a woman estimated to have died between the ages of 35 and 40. Her skeletal remains show clear markers of mixed ancestry. Researchers also identified signs of scoliosis and early-stage spondylosis, indicating she lived with chronic spinal conditions.
Coins placed inside her grave date the burial to the second half of the fourth century A.D. Based on this evidence, researchers say it is among the latest graves uncovered in the western necropolis of Heraclea Sintica.
Man lived to an advanced age for the time
Researchers also identified the remains of a man of mixed European and African ancestry who died between the ages of 40 and 50. This is considered a relatively advanced age for the period.
New research from Heraclea Sintica reveals that some residents of the Roman-era city had mixed European and African ancestry. Rare burials, disease evidence, and signs of social care highlight a diverse, connected ancient world.#AncientGreece #HeracleaSinctica pic.twitter.com/iqR3V7DQuF
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) February 24, 2026
His grave, like that of the woman, was carefully constructed. The quality of both burials suggests the individuals were respected members of the community and fully integrated into the social life of the city.
Evidence of a connected Roman city
Prof. Vagalinski said the discoveries provide strong physical evidence of Heraclea Sintica’s close ties to the wider Roman world. Rather than being an isolated provincial town, the city was part of an empire that stretched across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Epigraphic evidence already found at the site shows that settlers arrived from various parts of the Mediterranean. Some inscriptions point to origins far beyond the Balkans, including Carthage.
The newly identified burials add biological confirmation to this picture of long-distance movement and cultural integration.
Broader study reveals harsh living conditions
The wider anthropological project examined 156 graves from the western necropolis. Despite the presence of many cremation burials, which limit skeletal analysis, researchers were able to obtain reliable data for 137 individuals.
The demographic profile reflects the harsh realities of ancient life in Heraclea Sintica. Most people died before the age of 40. Individuals older than 60 were almost absent from the burial record.
Disease and physical stress were widespread
Evidence of illness and physical strain was common among the remains. Researchers identified rare genetic conditions such as Klippel–Feil syndrome and Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease. Several skeletons also showed severe damage to bones and joints, pointing to long-term injury, disease, or physically demanding labor.
One case drew particular attention. At least one individual with serious skeletal impairment survived into adulthood. Researchers say this suggests the presence of social care and communal support within the city.
Further research is underway at Heraclea Sintica
Laboratory work is ongoing. Researchers are conducting chemical and isotopic analyses to study diet and geographic origin. These tests are expected to deepen understanding of daily life, mobility, and population diversity in Heraclea Sintica across several centuries.
Taken together, the findings challenge simplified views of the ancient Roman world. Researchers say communities like Heraclea Sintica reflect an empire shaped by movement, connection, and diversity, rather than isolation or uniformity.
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