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Gold is an enchanting substance, one of the few metals that can be found naturally in its unrefined state. This characteristic means humans have been captivated by this lustrous material for thousands of years, often simply by noticing it on the ground. Its softness and pliability allow it to be hammered into delicate sheets, and its brilliance never fades. Objects made of gold retain their beauty even after a millennium. It's no surprise that many ancient civilizations believed gold to be a gift from the gods.
Thanks to gold's remarkable ability to resist the passage of time, some of the most awe-inspiring artifacts from antiquity are crafted from it. Here are ten golden treasures that exemplify the magnificence of the ancient world.
10. Priam’s Treasure
Heinrich Schliemann was a remarkable and often debated figure in the field of archaeology. While many in the 19th century dismissed The Iliad as pure fiction, Schliemann believed it was rooted in historical events and dedicated his life to uncovering the evidence.
Using the fortune he amassed through his own endeavors, Schliemann financed an excavation in modern-day Turkey at a location called Hissarlik. Almost immediately, he uncovered the remnants of a grand city. Schliemann believed he had discovered ancient Troy. At least, he was convinced of it. What he actually unearthed were the remains of nine cities, each built upon the remains of its predecessor. One of these had to be the Troy from Homer’s epic, so Schliemann dug deeper, in search of treasures to support his theory, inadvertently damaging significant archaeological finds along the way.
However, Schliemann did indeed find treasure. He discovered a trove of gold and silver artifacts, which he named the Treasure of Priam, after the king of Troy from The Iliad. Among the most dazzling items were crowns made from hundreds of hammered gold pieces. These treasures were smuggled out of Turkey (some say hidden in Mrs. Schliemann’s underwear) and transported to Germany. The treasure’s tranquility was short-lived, as after World War II, it was looted by the Soviets and taken to Russia, where it remains to this day.
9. Orphic Gold Tablets
Understanding ancient burial customs can be an extremely challenging task. Often, archaeologists have little to work with other than scattered bone fragments and perhaps some grave goods placed with the body. Yet, in the Classical world, there are instances when written texts were left alongside the deceased, providing crucial insights into the rituals and beliefs of the time.
Occasionally, these small texts, referred to as Totenpass (German for 'Passport for the Dead'), are inscribed on sheets of gold. The inscriptions are intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife, ensuring they reach their desired destination. These texts appear in various ancient religions and cults, all with the common goal of granting eternal peace and happiness in the next world.
One such mysterious text is considered to be the world’s oldest book. Comprising six sheets of intricately decorated gold joined together, it was discovered in Bulgaria and dates back to approximately 500 BC. The writing in this book is in Etruscan, a civilization that thrived in Italy before the rise of Rome.
8. Muisca Raft
Many European explorers and conquerors were drawn to South America in search of fabled golden treasures. Most returned disappointed, but glorious works of art were uncovered, showcasing the advanced gold-working skills of Pre-Columbian civilizations. Unfortunately, much of this artistry was lost to the conquistadors and later to grave robbers.
In the Gold Museum in Bogota, one small artifact tells an intriguing story. The Muisca Raft, also known as the El Dorado raft, depicts several figures aboard a raft. This finely crafted piece is believed to represent the rituals that gave rise to the legendary tale of El Dorado—the Golden One.
The leader of the Muisca people was ceremonially inducted into his role by being covered in gold dust. He was then paddled to the center of a lake, where he cleansed the gold from his body. Additional offerings of gold and emeralds were made. A model of this ritual was uncovered by farmers in 1969.
7. The Broighter Hoard
In the ancient world, boats held special significance. They allowed humans to conquer the daunting and dangerous forces of the sea. It is no surprise, then, that several boats have been immortalized in gold.
The Broighter Hoard, dating from the 1st century AD, was discovered in Northern Ireland in 1896 when the objects were uncovered by plowing a field. After a quick wash in the farmhouse sink, where it's possible that some smaller items were lost down the drain, the treasure was sold to the British Museum. It quickly became clear that the golden objects recovered were truly extraordinary. Among the items were a golden torc, a bowl, and a necklace made of three strands of gold. The most intriguing piece was a boat crafted from gold, complete with oars and seats for rowers.
The inclusion of the boat in the hoard has led to speculation that it was an offering to Manannán mac Lir, the sea god and ruler of the underworld in Irish mythology.
6. The Staffordshire Hoard
Some hoards were buried as ritual offerings to the gods, but others had more practical reasons behind their concealment. In times of danger, it was often convenient to hide treasures in the earth for safekeeping, to be retrieved later—or not, as fate would have it. Many hoards are discovered when their original owners never returned to claim them, offering us a glimpse into their histories.
The Staffordshire Hoard, discovered in England, is the largest find of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever uncovered. Weighing in at over 11 pounds (5 kilograms) of gold, the hoard contains thousands of objects, many of which are adorned with inlaid garnets. Dating back to the 7th or 8th century, the majority of the items—aside from three religious pieces—are military in nature. While a singular golden sword fitting was found at Sutton Hoo, the Staffordshire Hoard contains 50 of these remarkable pieces. So, where did all this treasure come from?
Given the military quality and craftsmanship of the artifacts uncovered, it appears they were plundered from vanquished foes following a battle.
5. Saka Gold
Nomadic tribes are often depicted as leading harsh, impoverished lives. Yet, the Saka people of the 1st millennium BC, rulers of the Eurasian steppes, valued their horses above all. They also left behind some of the richest material evidence, especially considering the large amounts of gold discovered in their tombs.
Over the tombs of their deceased rulers, the Saka built massive mounds that towered over their surroundings. Archaeologists often uncover enormous hoards of gold when excavating these burial sites. For instance, in the tomb known as Arzhan 2, two human skeletons were found at the center, surrounded by 33 others—likely executed to accompany the leader into the afterlife—and nearly 9,300 golden objects weighing a total of almost 44 pounds (20 kilograms).
Other Saka tombs are nearly as abundant in their grave offerings. It seems that the temptation of treasure was just as strong in the ancient world as it is today. When Arzhan 2 was unearthed, archaeologists could see evidence of an earlier attempt to loot the tomb. However, the ancient grave robbers stopped just short of their goal.
4. Ram in a Thicket
The civilizations of Mesopotamia were among the first to build cities and develop writing. Eridu, founded around 5400 BC, is one of the earliest examples. Over the centuries, the cities nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers grew into powerful states through trade and warfare. Their newfound wealth was famously displayed through their love for gold.
At the British Museum, a striking object made of gold, shell, and lapis lazuli captures the attention of visitors. Known as the Ram in a Thicket, it actually depicts a goat standing near a flowering shrub. This remarkable piece was unearthed in the ancient city of Ur and is believed to date back to around 2500 BC.
The Ram was discovered within the royal cemetery of Ur, specifically in the area known as the Great Death Pit. Its exact meaning remains uncertain, though a pair of these objects were found in the tomb and may have served as supports for a bowl.
3. Gold Wizard Hats
Hats have long been a symbol of style or a means to denote someone of importance. But what could make a bolder statement than a hat crafted entirely from gold? Perhaps one that stands an impressive 2 feet (70 centimeters) tall.
Several grand, conical golden headpieces have been found across Europe, dating from around 1400 to 800 BC. These extraordinary artifacts are not only large but are also finely decorated, suggesting their role in rituals and religious ceremonies. Some of these gold hats were carefully buried, indicating their significance to the people who owned them.
The Berlin Gold Hat is the largest known example of its kind and serves as a calendar. The sun's rays are represented at the top, while bands around the hat depict the moon. For those able to interpret these markings, the hat functions as a 19-year lunar calendar, predicting lunar eclipses.
2. Gold Curse Tablets
Curse tablets are among the most unusual writings from the ancient world. Romans and Greeks would inscribe prayers and curses onto metal, curl them up, and bury them at religious sites, hoping the gods would act on them. While most of these tablets are made from lead, some individuals chose to use gold to entice the gods into action.
In 2016, gold and silver curse tablets were discovered in Serbia. While most curse tablets are written in Latin or Greek with simple phrases like, 'May he who stole Vilbia from me become as liquid as water,' or 'May your penis hurt during intercourse,' these Serbian golden curses are more complex magical charms. The language appears to be Aramaic, but written using the Greek alphabet.
1. Varna Man
The Varna culture, which thrived around 4500 BC in Bulgaria, is primarily known from a single archaeological site. The Varna Necropolis, discovered by chance in 1972, proved to be a significant ancient find. The 300 graves of Varna were the oldest of their kind, revealing a wealth of gold buried with the dead.
Among these graves, Grave 43 stands out, containing more gold artifacts than any other site in the world for this time period. This grave, identified as belonging to Varna Man, contained gold disks sewn onto clothing, heavy golden pendants, sparkling bracelets, gold-handled axes, and even a golden sheath designed for his genitals.
There is debate about who Varna Man truly was. Some believe his vast collection of precious items suggests he was a ruler, while others propose he may have been a skilled goldsmith, a role that would have been highly esteemed in his society.
