A team of Bulgarian archaeologists will start excavation works at the place where the unique silver plate offered for sale by Christie’s auction house was found.

Christie’s offered a unique Byzantine silver plate for sale in the beginning of November 2006. Bulgarian authorities claimed that the plate was found by treasure hunters and illegally taken out of the country. Treasure hunter Naiden Blagnev said that he discovered the plate.

Bulgaria demanded the cancellation of the auction. The auction was held, but since only low prices were offered the plate did not change owners.

According to Bulgaria, the plate was found in a fortress near the town of Pazardzhik. The fortress would be examined by archaeologists, Darik Radio reported.

Local authorities’ said that it was very improbable that the plate was found where Blagnev said. Evidence showed that the treasure hunters dug on the Western foot of the fortress, while Blagnev said that he found the plate on the Eastern foot.