Nikolai Ovcharov, one of Bulgaria 's most prominent archaeologists, will lead a team searching for historical evidence of the presence of Templar Knights in Bulgaria.

Only indirect evidence of their presence in Bulgaria has been found so far and the team's mission is to find new traces, Ovchariov said as quoted by netinfo.bg.

The team will research the region close to Rousse from April 20 to 22 2007. Stone with engraved crosses, similar to the symbol of the Templar Knights, were found in the area.

The Templar Knights Order was founded under unknown circumstances in 12th century, after the First Crusade. The goal of the order was to protect Jerusalem from Muslims.

Through the ages the order turned into powerful economic and political organisation with strong influence over the rulers of Medieval Europe.

In 14th century the order was forbidden and the knights were persecuted, tortured and executed.

Contemporary order of Knights Templar has an organisation in Bulgaria with more than 130 members.