Dagger traced to ancient Thrace

SOFIA - A well-preserved 5000-year-old golden dagger recovered from a tomb in Bulgaria is shedding light on the long-lost civilisation of Thrace.

The artefact, which archaeologists think dates to 3000BC, is the latest in a series of finds in central Bulgaria that have led to the region being called the "Valley of the Thracian Kings".

Bozhidar Dimitrov, head of the Bulgarian National Museum of History, said: "The dagger, which we believe is made of gold and platinum, most probably belonged to a Thracian ruler or to a priest."

More than 500 pieces of delicate golden jewellery were also found in the tomb near Dubovo, itself discovered two years ago, 120km east of the capital, Sofia.

Little is known about the Thracians, who are believed to have lived in what is now Bulgaria, Romania, northern Greece and Turkey until 8th century AD when they were assimilated by migrating Slavs.

- INDEPENDENT