Ancient tomb filled with gold, sacrificial victims uncovered by archaeologists: 'Special type of burial'

Human sacrifice victims were buried in the tomb to 'accompany' the dead lord

Egyptian archaeologists discover ancient tunnel some believe could lead to Cleopatra's long-lost tomb

The massive tunnel was previously hidden beneath a temple 40-feet below the ground just west of Alexandria, Egypt. (Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Storyful)

Panamanian archaeologists recently uncovered a 1,200-year-old tomb filled with golden treasures and victims of human sacrifice.

The Ministry of Culture of Panama (MiCultura) published a Spanish language press release about the discovery on Mar. 1. The tomb, which was found in the Coclé Province of Panama, was built and dedicated to a lord between the years 750 and 800 AD.

Researchers found the grave at El Caño Archaeological Park. The tomb was filled with various gold items, including a set of circular gold plates and two belts made of spherical gold beads.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER HOARD OF ANCIENT SKELETONS PART OF 'COMPLEX FUNERARY SYSTEM'

Gold-covered earrings made from sperm whale teeth were found, along with crocodile-shaped earrings.

Gold item found in dirt

The Ministry of Culture of Panama (MiCultura) published a Spanish language press release about the discovery on Mar. 1. (Ministry of Culture of Panama)

Earrings in the shape of a human man and woman were also discovered, along with four bracelets, two bells, and bone flutes. Archaeologists also dug up skirts and bracelets made with canine teeth.

Experts believe that the tomb was dedicated to a chief who died in his 30s.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS EXCAVATE 700-YEAR-OLD BARCELONA BUILDING THAT ONCE HOUSED A CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Archaeologist holding plate of gold items

The tomb was filled with various gold items, including a set of circular gold plates and other luxurious treasures. (Ministry of Culture of Panama)

The leader of the archaeological project, Dr. Julia Mayo, said that the tomb was also filled with the bodies of other people that "accompan[ied] him to the ‘beyond,’" according to the press release.

In ancient Panamanian society, high-status people could be buried with eight to 32 people. It was believed that the "companions" would help the decedent transition to the afterlife.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Gold disc on table covered in dirt

Experts believe that the tomb was dedicated to a chief who died in his 30s. (Ministry of Culture of Panama)

"[She] explained that the excavation of the burial has not been completed, therefore, it cannot be determined at the moment how many people were buried with him," the press release added. Archaeologists also found that the chief was buried face-down. 

MiCultura says that the discovery is important because it "presents a very special type of burial," that includes "multiple and simultaneous burials."

Archaeologists digging in tomb

Archaeologists found the tomb at El Caño Archaeological Park. (Ministry of Culture of Panama)

Fox News Digital reached out to MiCultura for comment.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Andrea Vacchiano is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can follow her on X at @andrea_vacch or send story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Authored by Andrea Vacchiano via FoxNews March 5th 2024