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

Abstract During a survey in Peceneaga, Tulcea county in Dobruja, several settlements and mounds (necropolises) from the 4 th 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 4 th 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.