Vassil Nikolov, director of the museum, said that these are the two most remarkable discoveries of the archaeologists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Since February the treasures had been abroad as part of exhibitions in Rome and Copenhagen, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

The mask and the head will be on display every day from 10am to 6pm.

The bronze head was discovered on September 21 2004 in the Golyama Kosmatka tomb near the village of Shipka. The village is situated in the so called Valley of Thracian Kings and it is believed that this fine work of ancient Greek art portrays King Sevt III. The head is made of pure bronze and gems.

During his reign King Sevt III built a capital called Sevtopolis a few kilometres South of the tomb site. The remains of the capital are now on the bottom of the Koprinka dam.

The other treasure is a golden mask weighing 682.5 gr. Archaeologists believe the mask is a depiction of King Teres. Ancient masters portrayed the face in great detail, preserving its distinctive features, which was unusual for the period. The face could be described as imperious and despotic, they said.