Current:Home > reviewsArchaeologists in Panama find ancient tomb filled with gold treasure — and sacrificial victims -TradeGrid
Archaeologists in Panama find ancient tomb filled with gold treasure — and sacrificial victims
View
Date:2025-04-16 21:07:38
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! (77)
Related
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Residential real estate was confronting a racist past. Then came the commission lawsuits
- Lily Allen responds to backlash after returning adopted dog who ate her passport
- Prices at the pump are down. Here's why.
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- ‘Deadpool’ and ‘Alien’ top charts again as ‘Blink Twice’ sees quiet opening
- Newly minted Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko wins 2024 AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews
- Great Value Apple Juice sold at Walmart stores voluntarily recalled over arsenic levels
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Hilary Swank Shares Rare Glimpse of Her Twins During Family Vacation
Ranking
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- 'First one to help anybody': Missouri man drowns after rescuing 2 people in lake
- Jenna Ortega reveals she was sent 'dirty edited content' of herself as a child: 'Repulsive'
- Hiker's body found in Grand Canyon after flash floods; over 100 airlifted to safety
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Jenna Ortega reveals she was sent 'dirty edited content' of herself as a child: 'Repulsive'
- Traveling over Labor Day weekend? Have a back-up plan for cancellations and delays, and be patient
- Newly minted Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko wins 2024 AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Mormon Wives Influencers Reveal Their Shockingly Huge TikTok Paychecks
Kate Middleton Makes Rare Appearance With Royal Family to Attend Church Service
Army Ranger rescues fellow soldier trapped in car as it becomes engulfed in flames: Watch
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
High School Football Player Caden Tellier Dead at 16 After Suffering Head Injury During Game
Sister Wives: Robyn Brown Says Kody Is “Sabotaging” Their Marriage After Splits
What’s behind the bloodiest recent attacks in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province?