2,000‑Year‑Old Gold Rings Unearthed at Thai Archaeological Excavation

BANGKOK — Two gold rings dating back roughly 2,000 years were uncovered during an excavation at a newly identified archaeological site in western Thailand, officials announced.

The rings were found alongside human remains during an ongoing dig at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province last week, according to a statement from Thailand’s Fine Arts Department.

One of the rings, discovered on Thursday, bears engravings believed to be Brahmi script, an ancient Indian writing system. Experts preliminarily read the inscription as “pusarakhitasa,” which translates to “the one protected by Pushya,” regarded as one of the most auspicious signs in Indian astronomy, the department noted.

The accompanying ring, found with the same skeletal remains, is a simple gold band lacking any decoration. Specialists suggest the individual may have been a merchant belonging to the ancient Indian Vaishya caste, the department added.

Located roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Bangkok, the Don Yai Thong site was identified early this year after locals uncovered fragments of ancient bronze drums in a rice field, prompting further archaeological work.

The site dates to Thailand’s late prehistoric period, commonly referred to as the Iron Age, which spans approximately 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.

Since February, excavations have yielded eight human skeletons, bronze and gold ornaments, pottery, and additional artifacts that point to a ceremonial burial of affluent individuals or members of the upper social strata.

The excavation is slated for completion in about a month, with plans to present the discoveries to the public, according to the Fine Arts Department.

Source link