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Site Yields Pair of 2K-Year-Old Gold Rings
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- Two gold rings estimated to be around 2,000 years old were discovered alongside human bones at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, western Thailand.
- One ring features an engraving in Brahmi script, interpreted as "pusarakhitasa," meaning "the one protected by Pushya," a significant zodiac sign in ancient Indian astronomy.
- Experts suggest the rings' owner may have belonged to the Vaishya caste, traditionally merchants in the ancient Indian social system.
- The Don Yai Thong site, dating to Thailand's Iron Age (approximately 1,500 to 2,500 years ago), has yielded eight skeletons and various artifacts indicating ceremonial burials of affluent or high-status individuals.
- Excavations, initiated after local discoveries of ancient bronze drums, are expected to conclude within a month, with plans to publicly exhibit the findings.
