ATHENS (AP) — Archaeologists in northern Greece have explored more than 200 new graves in a vast ancient cemetery that was plundered in antiquity but still retained rich finds, including a gold mask and bronze helmets.

In a statement Friday, the Culture Ministry said the most impressive finds came from the graves of warriors who died in the 6th century B.C. and were members of a powerful military aristocracy.

Recovered artefacts included the valuable face mask, made specially for funerals, four bronze helmets, iron spearheads and fragmented iron swords, a large bronze urn with ornate handles, an iron model of a farm cart and bronze leg armor.

The cemetery at Ahlada, near the town of Florina, has so far yielded nearly 1,300 graves, including this year’s discoveries, from various eras.

Archaeologists in Ahlada, near Florina, have explored more than 200 new graves in a vast ancient cemetery. (Photo by Greek Culture Ministry via Eurokinissi)

Archaeologists in Ahlada, near Florina, have explored more than 200 new graves in a vast ancient cemetery. (Photo by Greek Culture Ministry via Eurokinissi)

Archaeologists in Ahlada, near Florina, have explored more than 200 new graves in a vast ancient cemetery. (Photo by Greek Culture Ministry via Eurokinissi)