Ancient treasure found by metal detectorists in 'important' and legendary region

Two metal detectorists recently came across millennia-old treasure in a small European village.

Transylvania is famous for being the setting of Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," as well as its connection to the brutal leader Vlad the Impaler.

Pictures show various silver artifacts that have been tarnished with age. 

In a statement, Romanian officials said the ancient adornments included two fibulae, or brooches, and one bracelet.

The metal detectorists also found a smaller fibula, a neck chain with three pendant-like pins and a belt made of oval plates connected by a series of rings.

Officials also identified a rectangular silver plate "decorated with a series of solar motifs," which also likely belonged to the belt.

The Facebook post noted that the silver was "worn by a prominent member of the Dacian aristocracy on various special occasions," but officials are unsure whether the stash belonged to a man or a woman.

The total weight of the silver was roughly 1.2 pounds.

"The treasure, weighing approximately 550 grams, represented an important symbol of the social status of its owner," the translated statement read. 

"Its burial in the ground can be interpreted as an offering made to an unknown deity or merely as a hiding place during a difficult period in the life of [the owner]."

The discovery delighted local officials, who said they were deeply proud of their local history. 

"This discovery honors and encourages us to proudly protect and promote our heritage."