World's Oldest Book Exhibited in Sofia

The oldest book in the history of mankind written in Etruscan, the language that is now lost, can be seen in Bulgaria's National Museum of History
The oldest book in the history of mankind written in Etruscan, the language that is now lost, can be seen in Bulgaria's National Museum of History in Sofia. The rarity consists of 6 pages made of 24-carat gold and fastened together; the pages are covered with text and carry images of a horseman, a mermaid, a lyre and warriors. 

The small book which age is over 2.5 thousand years was accidentally discovered 60 years ago in an old tomb with frescoes. The tomb was discovered in the Valley of Bulgarian Struma River during road construction works.   

A Bulgarian who lives in Macedonia presented the museum with the artifact on condition of anonymity. The benefactor discovered the book himself. As is known, the man is 87 years old now.

The authenticity of the book was confirmed by two independent experts in Sofia and London, Director of the Museum Bozhidar Dimitrov says. As is considered, the 6 gold pages fastened together are unique; only single plates with texts in Etruscan have been discovered until recently.

NEWSru.com