Archaeologists recently unearthed a gold-laden burial in Panama — an epic discovery that dates back over 1,000 years.
The Ministry of Culture of Panama announced the discovery, made at the El Caño archaeological site in Panama's Coclé Province.
The tomb contained several gold and metal artifacts, including chest plates, ear ornaments and bracelets, as well as "finely crafted ceramics." The tomb is called Tomb 3.
Though archaeologists first identified Tomb 3 in 2009, they didn't realize the complexity of the structure — or the extent of its funerary offerings — until now.
The grave was centered around one individual "surrounded by a series of prestige objects demonstrating his high status within his community’s sociopolitical hierarchy," the ministry said in a translated Feb. 20 statement.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member