The oldest processed gold in the world was discovered in Varna in 1972. The archaeological excavations of the Chalcolithic necropolis (second half of the 5th millennium BC) gave to the world culture a unique monument of the oldest inhabitants of Europe. The graveyard was situated very close to Varna Lake settlements. All graves contain rich burial inventory of objects – things that had to serve the dead person in the other world. These were clay vessels, instruments of copper, stone, flint and bone, jewelry made of metal, sea-shells.

     The most extraordinary and sensational finds were the golden objects (bracelets, earrings, beads, figures, plates, diadem). The total number of the golden items is about 3 000 and their weight is 6 kg. The nature and special features of Varna necropolis and especially the fine work of the gold objects employing hammering, piercing and cutting, suggest high level of technology, well-developed social and cultural processes and spiritual culture.

     Today, the treasure is exhibited in the Varna Archaeological Museum.