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Skeletal remains with 2,000-year-old gold rings found by archaeologists in Thailand
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- Two gold rings estimated to be around 2,000 years old were discovered at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, western Thailand, alongside human bones during an ongoing excavation.
- 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, while the other is a plain gold band.
- Experts suggest the rings' owner may have been a merchant from the Vaishya caste of ancient India, indicating cultural connections between the region and Indian civilization during the Iron Age (1,500-2,500 years ago).
- Since February, archaeologists have uncovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry, pottery, and other artifacts suggesting ceremonial burials of affluent individuals or upper-class society members.
- The excavation, prompted by earlier discoveries of ancient bronze drums, is expected to conclude in about a month, with plans to publicly exhibit the findings; charcoal samples have been sent abroad for scientific dating.
