The online version of The Independent reports on the 5000-year-old golden dagger found in a Thracian tomb in Bulgaria.

According to the head of the Bulgarian National Museum of History Bozhidar Dimitrov the dagger is believed to have been made of gold and platinum. Probably it belonged to a ruler or a priest, The Independent reports.

Archaeologists suppose that the dagger was used for sacrifices because of the engravings found on the hilt.

The artefact sheds light on the civilization of Thrace and shows that the Thracians were sophisticated metal-workers, The Independent says.

Together with the dagger, more than 500 pieces of delicate golden jewellery were found in the tomb.