THESSALONIKI, Greece — Archaeologists in Greece say a sprawling ancient cemetery dating to the 6th century B.C. has yielded dozens of rich grave offerings, including weapons and gold ornaments.

Archaeologist Pavlos Chrysostomou says 50 new graves were discovered at Arhontiko, near the ancient city of Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great. Among the finds were two bronze helmets with gold inlay, iron weapons, statuettes and pottery.

He said Thursday that some of the dead had ornaments of gold foil — specially made for funerals — covering their mouths and chests.

A total of 965 graves have been excavated over the past nine years at Arhontiko, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Thessaloniki. Archaeologists estimate this represents little more than five percent of the cemetery.
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