Ancient dagger found in Bulgaria

Archaeologists have discovered a precious golden dagger dated to about 3,000 BC in a Thracian tomb in the centre of Bulgaria.

It is the latest find from one of many tombs believed to have formed the cradle of Thracian civilization. The dagger, made of an alloy of gold and platinum, was found near the village of Dubovo.

Bozhidar Dimitrov, head of Bulgaria’s National Museum, told Reuters news agency the discovery was“sensational”.

It is the latest in a string of finds in the area in recent years which has excited archaeologists and has provided more details of the skills of the still mysterious Thracian civilization.

According to officials at the museum, the dagger is 16 cm (6 in) long and is sharp enough to shave with. More than 500 other miniature gold items were found in the same tomb. The detail on the dagger suggests that it was used for sacrificial purposes.