Jobless Bulgarian Unearths Ancient Treasure

A jobless Bulgarian man scraping a living by hunting for scrap metal has uncovered a haul of Bronze Age treasure worth 1.5 million euros ($2 million).

The 42-year-old discovered the trove of jewelry, coins and tools potentially dating back 4,000 years among the roots of a tree in the northern town of Svichtov.

He initially kept quiet about the find but handed it over to authorities after being questioned by police.

Under Bulgaria law such relics are the property of the state.

"This discovery significantly enhances our knowledge of the Bronze Age,"

Archaeologist Pavlina Vladkova told Bulgaria's 24 Hours newspaper.

"During this era gold, silver and copper were already known, but use of bronze allowed the crafting of tools," said the expert from the Veliko Tarnovo province's regional museum.

Two bronze axes, seven pieces of gold jewelry and six golden coins make up the haul discovered earlier this month.