Archaeologists in Panama find ancient tomb full of gold treasures – and victims

Researchers have discovered the tomb of an ancient ruler filled with gold treasures and offerings at an archaeological park in Panama, officials said 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 “afterlife,” the country’s culture ministry said in a press release.

In the tomb in the El Caño Archaeological Park, scientists discovered a number of gold treasures, including bracelets, two belts made of gold beads, crocodile-shaped earrings, gold-plated earrings made of sperm whale teeth, and round gold plates. Archaeologists also unearthed earrings in the shape of a man and a woman, two bells, skirts made of dog teeth, and a set of bone flutes.

The tomb likely belonged to a high-ranking chief of the local Coclé culture who was in his 30s, the El Caño Foundation said in a Facebook post. The foundation also released a video of the treasures.

Dr. Julia Mayo, director of the foundation and head 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 excavations of the burial site have not been completed, so it is not possible to determine how many people are in the grave. She said the gentleman was buried face down, which is typical for this type of burial, on top of a woman’s body.

Linette Montenegro, national director for cultural heritage at the Culture Ministry, said excavations at the archaeological park would begin in 2022. Montenegro said the gold and artifacts found in the tomb “have not only economic value, but also invaluable historical and cultural value.”

The El Caño Archaeological Park was a necropolis built around 700 AD and abandoned around 1000 AD, the ministry said. It is located in the province of Coclé, about 160 kilometers southwest of Panama City.