Gold is one of the most precious of minerals found on earth, and has been for much of history. It is a beautiful and incredibly useful metal that is also known as the safest store of wealth on the planet. Discovering gold treasure around the globe has been a thrilling pastime for many historians and explorers alike, and there are many tales of missing treasures available. Here a few of the amazing gold treasures known to man:
The Lima Treasure – During the 16th century the Spanish became in control of Lima after successfully defeating the Inca. Through several of the next centuries the Catholic Church spent much time in Lima collecting a wealth of golden riches Unfortunately for Spain in the 19th century wars of South American independence meant that Lima had to be evacuated. When they fled they took their treasures with them at a value of approx. $60,000 onwards. Within the treasures they had collected, or the ‘Loot of Lima’ as it was known, the Spanish held two life-sized pure gold statues of the Blessed Mary holding the Divine Child. This loot was eventually moved to Cocos Island which is off the coast of Costa Rica. It was then buried in a cave by a Captain Thompson.
Yamashita’s Treasure – Also known as Yamashita’s Gold, is the treasure that was stolen by Japanese in South East Asia during WW2. It was hidden in caves and complex underground tunnels in the Philippines. Today many people believe that these treasures are still hidden, but due to changes in the terrain they are now underwater.
King Solomon’s Treasure – An accumulation of sacred artefacts pillaged by the Romans from the Temple of Jerusalem are concealed in the Holy Land, according a British archaeologist, Sean Kingsley. Others surmised that these prises are buried below the Vatican. Trumpets, the bejewelled Table of the Divine Presence and a golden candelabrum are amid the treasures.
Pharaohs’ Missing Treasure – In 1922 King Tutankhamen’s tomb was found and it was understood that he had been buried alongside many of his prized golden possessions. It was not just King Tutankhamen however who was put to rest with a collection of exuberant riches. It is well recorded that every Pharaoh was buried amongst their most expensive worldly treasures. Often however there were possessions stolen calculated tomb raids. It is believed that one man, Herihor, was more responsible than most for these. Historians hope that one day they can unmask his tomb to reveal masses of lost items of the Egyptian Pharaohs who were victims to his crime.
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