7 lost treasures humanity continues to hunt for
Diorama Nazi gold at the Merkers Salt Mine (photo: Wikipedia)
For centuries, history has preserved secrets of vast treasures that vanished without a trace. These mysterious fortunes have inspired explorers and adventurers to undertake countless expeditions.
The Treasure of Pharaoh Tutankhamun
When archaeologists discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922, they found numerous treasures belonging to the ruler, including gold, gemstones, and jewelry.
However, some parts of the treasure remain missing. According to some reports, part of the treasure was transported to Great Britain, while other pieces were lost in the chaos following the tomb's discovery. Speculation continues about what may still be hidden in the unexplored sections of the tomb.
The Treasure of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar, founded in the 12th century, accumulated enormous wealth. After the order’s destruction in 1307, many legends circulated about the Templars hiding their riches to prevent them from falling into the hands of the King of France. These treasures included gold coins, jewelry, and even the Holy Grail.
To this day, the exact location of these treasures remains a mystery. Some believe they may be hidden in European catacombs or even on islands in the New World. Archaeologists and treasure hunters continue their search.
Engraving The Burning of the Templars (image: Wikipedia)
The Treasure of Lima
In 1821, Spanish colonists removed a massive treasure from Lima intended for transport to Spain. However, after learning of its contents, the ship's captain decided to hide it on Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica.
The treasure’s fate and that of the captain remain unknown. It is believed to contain gold coins, jewelry, and other valuables worth over $200 million. Numerous expeditions to the island have failed to locate it, and the treasure remains an enduring enigma.
Nazi gold
At the end of World War II, many of Nazi Germany's treasures vanished along with the last Nazi units. Among these was a vast amount of gold, jewelry, and works of art looted from occupied countries.
One theory suggests that some of the treasure was sunk in mountain lakes or hidden in mines. The most mysterious of these is the so-called "Gold Train," which allegedly transported Reich treasures and disappeared in the Polish mountains.
Endless bags of gold in the Merkers Salt Mine (photo: Wikipedia)
Napoleon’s treasure at the Berezina River
During Napoleon's retreat from Russia in 1812, many valuables were abandoned or sunk in the Berezina River. Legend has it that French troops lost a substantial amount of gold, silver, and other precious items during the river crossing.
These treasures are believed to lie at the river’s bottom or in the surrounding marshes. Many treasure hunters have launched expeditions to the Berezina, but no signs of the wealth have been found.
The Amber Room
The Amber Room, created in the early 18th century, was considered one of the most exquisite decorations of royal palaces. During World War II, German troops removed it from the Tsarskoye Selo Palace, and it disappeared.
To this day, the whereabouts of the amber panels, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, remain unknown. Some believe they were either destroyed in bombings or hidden in Eastern European catacombs.
Modern reconstruction of the Amber Room (photo: Wikipedia)
The Fleetwood Bay Treasure
This treasure is linked to the legend of pirates who allegedly buried it in Fleetwood Bay, located on the northwest coast of England, in the 1700s. The treasure consisted of vast amounts of gold, silver, and precious jewels stolen from merchant ships passing through these waters.
According to the legend, the pirates buried their loot in the sandy dunes along the shore. Numerous attempts to locate the treasure have been unsuccessful.
Earlier, we reported on the cost, ownership, and location of the world's most expensive painting.
Sources: Times of India, Live Science, and Wikipedia.
