Archaeological Dig in Panama Uncovers an Ancient Tomb Complete with Sacrificial Victims
While conducting an archaeological dig in El Cano Archaeological Park in Panama, researchers have unearthed the ancient tomb of a lord. Along with the remains of this figure, they also found sacrificial victims and gold treasures within the 1,200-year-old gravesite. The area itself is believed to be where an elite chief was buried, and he was accompanied in death with dozens of other people who could help journey with him into the afterlife.
That being said, researchers have speculated that the grave likely belonged to a high-status chief from the Cocle culture. The found body appears to be of a chief in his thirties and appeared to be face down (which was normal for this location and culture) and on top of the body of a woman. Included in the tomb were gold treasures (belts made of gold beads, gold-plated sperm whale teeth turned into earrings, crocodile-shaped earrings, gold plates, bells, skirts made of dog teeth, bracelets, and a set of flutes made of bones) and what they can guess is roughly 30 other people to enter the afterlife alongside the great chief. The number of sacrificial companions has yet to be determined, as the site is still being excavated.
You can watch the video from the El Cano Foundation’s excavation here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=374146325546232
And See More Photos on CBS News Here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/panama-archeology-ancient-tomb-gold-treasure-sacrificial-victims-cocle/?ftag=CNM-00-10aac3a

If you’re interested in ancient tombs and archaeology, Malorie’s Adventures has also written many pieces on this in the past. In fact, I participated in an archaeological dig in Battambang, Cambodia, near Angkor Wat. You can read all about my personal experiences here! Archaeology has always been a passion of mine, and getting to participate in a dig was an experience unlike any other. We talk about this and more in this article about the most unique archaeological sites around the world. Other articles of note include this one on Cappadocia, the Plain of Jars, and we’d always regret leaving out Egyptian tombs, including the search for the tomb of Cleopatra.
Stay tuned to Malorie’s Adventures for more updates in the realm of archaeology, strange finds, and ancient myths and legends!