Gold Treasures And Their History

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 Treasure of Lima – In the 16th century Spain controlled Lima after defeating the Inca. During the next centuries the Catholic Church spent time collecting a huge wealth of golden treasures. In the 19th century however Spain were forced to evacuate Lima under pressure of the wars of South American independence. As they fled they took their treasures of Lima with them, reportedly worth $60,000 onwards. Among the ‘Loot of Lima’ the Spanish took two life-sized pure gold statues of the Blessed Mary holding the Divine Child. This treasure was eventually taken to Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica and buried in a cave by Captain Thompson.

Yamashita’s Gold (or Treasure)- This refers to the golden prices that were taken by the Japanese in South East Asia during World War 2. The Japanese took an array of gold riches and concealed them underground in the Philippines. People today consider the stolen goods to be still in place within caves and complex tunnels. Unfortunately though, forceful changes in the terrain mean that they are now submersed far underwater.

King Solomon’s Treasure – According a British archaeologist, Sean Kingsley, a collection of sacred artefacts looted by the Romans from the Temple of Jerusalem are hidden in the Holy Land. Others suspected that these treasures lie beneath the Vatican. Trumpets, the bejewelled Table of the Divine Presence and a golden candelabra are amongst the treasures.

Pharaohs’ Missing Treasure – In 1922 King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered and revealed that he had been buried with many golden treasures. It was not just King Tutankhamen however who was buried with many extravagant jewels and riches. It was well known that every Pharaoh was buried with any worldly belongings. However many possessions were stolen in tomb raids and it is believed that one man Herihor may have held particular responsibility for much of the taken loot. Scholars hope to one day uncover his tomb in hopes of finding many long lost golden belongings of Egyptian Pharaohs of the past.

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