A golden necklace , aged in Neolithic times has been discovered in a field by a woman trekking in the area, archaeologist announce.

The necklace is approximately 6,500 years old, probably had religious importance and belonged to an important figure in the community. Only 3 similar artifacts have ever been found worldwide.

"It comes from Neolithic period, for which we know so little on the use of metals, especially gold. The fact that this artifact is made of gold indicates that the civilization that produced it was an advanced one", said the curator of antiquities. It is 4 cm in diameter.

The lady who has delivered it to the authorities did not ask for finder's reward, as she was entitled to, and requested to remain anonymous. An illegal collection of 33 similar objects was confiscated in Greece in 1977 while similar finds have been recorded in Turkey and in Bulgaria.

Around 4,500 BC, the first communities of Neolithic farmers began to settle in organized commercial centers and evolve metallurgy.