The Mysterious Civilization That Burned Its Own Cities: Who Were the Trypillians?
Long before the Egyptian pyramids were built or the first stones of Stonehenge were placed, a brilliant and mysterious civilization flourished in Eastern Europe. Active between roughly 5500 BCE and 2750 BCE across modern-day Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture was one of the most advanced societies of the ancient world. Yet, despite their incredible achievements, they remain one of history’s most fascinating secrets. Here are the reasons why the Trypillians deserve a spot on your historical radar. 1. Masters of Megacities While most of the world was still living in tiny, scattered nomadic groups, the Trypillians were building mega-sites . Some of their settlements held up to 15,000 to 20,000 people, making them the largest cities on Earth at the time. They were laid out in massive, highly organized concentric circles . They built sturdy, two-story houses made of wood and clay. The interiors were beautifully decorated, of...