There were quite a few items from Bulgaria in the last week ... here's the first cull (in chronological order). Our first item comes from the Sofia News Agency, and unfortunately doesn't include the dates of the artifacts:

The grave of a noble figure from the times of proto-Bulgarians that archaeologists uncovered near Shumen in eastern Bulgaria may be that of a woman.

Archeologists made the conclusion after they came across a second golden earring and do not rule out that the woman could have been the wife of a nobleman or ruler.

They may be on their way to unearth the valley of the Bulgarian khans to emulate the valley of the Thracian rulers.

The golden earrings with glass ornaments are the most spectacular find so far, along with bronze and ceramic relics.

July 22 from the Sofia News Agency:

Renowned archeologist Georgi Kitov has come upon the first findings at another Thracian mound near Kazanlak.

A ceramic jug, probably used for essential oils storage, was discovered at the Chasova Mogila.

Kitov's TEMP expedition plans to explore 14 mounds this season.

TEMP is famous for discovering some of the most sensational Thracian finds over the last several years. The team of Georgi Kitov has uncovered several Thracian tombs in the Kazanlak Kettle, which gave it the name Valley of Thracian Kings.

Last summer, the expedition discovered the sepulchre of King Sevt III, a mighty Thracian ruler.

On July 23, the SNA announced the discovery of the grave of Orpheus:

Bulgarian archaeologists say that they have discovered Orpheus' grave near the village of Tatul.

The archaeologists unearthed the entry to the Thracian temple in the Tatul sanctuary. The temple preserved the remains of a ruler that has been deified after his death.

For a second year now the team of Professor Nikolay Ovcharov continues its work at the Tatul sanctuary. It is believed to be a unique temple of mythical royal descendant and artist Orpheus.

Continuing excavation works come to confirm preliminary suggestions by archaeologists that the sanctuary at Tatul has effloresced for more than two thousand years in ancient times. It is probably the largest temple after the sanctuary of Dionisos in Perperikon, also located in the Rhodopes Mountain.

Then came a big discovery with a pile of coverage ... here's some from the Telegraph (which includes photos):

Archaeologists have unearthed 2,400-year-old treasure in a Thracian tomb in eastern Bulgaria, the director of the country's history museum said yesterday.

Professor Daniela Agre, who led the team of 15 from the Bulgarian Archaeological Institute, said the finds, made on Saturday, provided enormous clues to understanding one of Europe's most mysterious ancient people.

"The Thracians are one of the founders of European civilisation, this is important for all of us, not just Bulgaria," she said. "The period of the grave is exceptionally important. It was a peak moment in the development of Thracian culture, statesmanship and art. They had very strong contacts and mutual influences with Greece, Anatolia and Scythia."

Among the objects found were a golden laurel and ring, rhytons - silver drinking vessels shaped like horns, Greek pottery and military items including weapons and armour.

The tomb in Zlatinitsa, 180 miles east of the capital Sofia, is also extraordinary in that it has remained unopened since, Prof Agre estimated, the 4th century BC. Most Thracians tombs were looted in antiquity and those that remain untouched are vulnerable to sophisticated looters.

"This is the only way we can learn from artefacts, when they are in their original context," said Prof Vassil Nikolov, director of the Bulgarian Archaeological Institute. Prof Agre said it was the tomb of an upper-class lord or similarly powerful and wealthy leader, perhaps a governor.

"The used weapons and the arrow wounds in the bones of his horse indicated that he was a warrior. He was buried in the biggest burial mound in the region," said Prof Agre. "This was like a province of England, such as Kent, and he was the leader.

"Most of what is known about the Thracians, a nation of illiterate and loosely organised tribes, comes from the written accounts by the ancient Greeks who called them barbarians."

Scientists said the highly advanced artistry of the finds and architecture of the tombs made the Thracians more sophisticated than was thought.

Yesterday, the SNA gave us a bit of an update:

The unique Thracian treasure, discovered on Sunday in Bulgaria, was transported Tuesday to the National Historic Museum in Sofia.

Archaeologists came across the grave of an ancient ruler, believed to be a Thracian king, near the village of Zlatinitsa. The team from the National Historic Museum, headed by Prof. Daniela Agre, discovered 50 gold, silver and bronze funeral gifts.

The ruler was buried fully accoutred - with helmet, chain armor, sword and six spears. He also had a gold wreath on his head and a gold ring on his hand - symbols of king's power, Prof. Bozsidar Dimitrov, Museum's Director said.

The Thracian king was also a very tall man - approximately 190 cm of height, Prof. Agre said.

The astounding find dates back to 4th century BC and is believed to be the richest of its kind discovered so far in Bulgaria.

The treasure will be displayed to the public in the end of October, archaeologists announced.