Current:Home > ContactArchaeologists in Panama find ancient tomb filled with gold treasure — and sacrificial victims -ProfitLogic
Archaeologists in Panama find ancient tomb filled with gold treasure — and sacrificial victims
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:25:35
Researchers have uncovered an ancient lord's tomb filled with gold treasure —and sacrificial victims— at an archaeological park in Panama, officials revealed on Friday. The tomb, estimated to be about 1,200 years old, marks the area where an elite chief was buried along with possibly dozens of people who died to accompany him to the "beyond," the nation's culture ministry said in a news release.
Inside the grave at El Caño Archaeological Park, scientists discovered an array of gold treasures, including bracelets, two belts made with gold beads, crocodile-shaped earrings, gold-covered sperm whale teeth earrings and circular gold plates. Archaeologists also unearthed earrings in the shape of a man and a woman, two bells, skirts made with dog teeth, and a set of bone flutes.
The grave likely belonged to a high-status chief from the local Coclé culture who was in his 30s, the El Caño Foundation said in a Facebook post. The foundation also posted video of the treasures.
Posted by Fundación El Caño-CIAI on Friday, March 1, 2024
Dr. Julia Mayo, director of the foundation and leader of the archaeological project, said that in addition to the lord, the tomb also contains up to 31 other people who were "sacrificed to serve as companions."
Mayo said the excavation of the burial site was not yet complete so it could not be determined how many people were in the tomb. She said the lord had been buried face down, which was typical of this type of burial, on top of the body of a woman.
Linette Montenegro, national director of heritage at the Ministry of Culture, said that excavation at the archaeological park began in 2022. Montenegro said that the gold and artifacts found in the tomb "have not only economic value, but also incalculable historical and cultural value."
El Caño Archaeological Park was a necropolis that was built around 700 AD and abandoned around 1000 AD, the ministry said. It is located in Coclé province, about 100 miles southwest of Panama City.
- In:
- Panama
- Archaeologist
Stephen Smith is a senior editor for CBSNews.com.
veryGood! (63)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Rasheda Ali discusses her concerns over sons' exposure to head trauma in combat sports
- Travis Kelce Dances to Taylor Swift's Love Story at Chiefs Party in Las Vegas After Australia Visit
- Olivia Rodrigo setlist: All the songs on 'Guts' tour including 'Vampire' and 'Good 4 U'
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Duke's Kyle Filipowski injured in court storming after Wake Forest upset: 'Needs to stop'
- United Airlines is raising its checked bag fees. Here's how much more it will cost you.
- Inexpensive Clothing Basics on Amazon that Everyone Needs in Their Wardrobe STAT
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Olivia Rodrigo setlist: All the songs on 'Guts' tour including 'Vampire' and 'Good 4 U'
Ranking
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- South Carolina voter exit polls show how Trump won state's 2024 Republican primary
- Men's March Madness bubble winners and losers: Wake Forest picks up major tournament boost
- 8 killed after head-on crash in California farming region
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Flaco, owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, dies after colliding with building
- The rise and fall of President Martin Van Buren
- Border Patrol releases hundreds of migrants at a bus stop after San Diego runs out of aid money
Recommendation
Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
The 2025 Dodge Ram 1500 drops the Hemi V-8. We don't miss it.
Arizona sector becomes No. 1 hotspot for migrant crossings, despite border walls and treacherous terrain
2024 SAG Awards: Don't Miss Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez's Kissing Booth Reunion
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Idaho is set to execute a long-time death row inmate, a serial killer with a penchant for poetry
2024 SAG Awards: Josh Hartnett Turns Attention to Oppenheimer Costars During Rare Interview
Bow Down to Anne Hathaway's Princess Diaries-Inspired Look at the 2024 SAG Awards