At the site of Perperikon, famous Bulgarian archaeologist Nikolay Ovcharov has unearthed a cache of gold and silver coins from the medieval period. The coins had probably been buried during the Ottoman invasion. Perperikon dates to the Thracian period and is known for its citadel and churches.

Heavy rains uncovered Maori bones at a public park near New Zealand’s Waihi Beach. The local government is working to correct the erosion problem and rebury the human remains. “Our intention is to get the matter resolved and reinstate the site to make it safe for the public and to give these koiwithe proper respect,” explained Peter Watson of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, created a sprawling tomb complex for himself before he died in 210 B.C. Ancient sources indicate that the tomb was encircled with rivers of liquid mercury, which was thought to bestow immortality. The tomb is also said to contain all of the objects he would need in the afterlife, in addition to clay reproductions of his armies, concubines, administrators, and servants. Only soldiers from his terra cotta armies have been excavated so far. Tests indicate that the soil around the tomb is contaminated with high levels of mercury. Scientists and China’s government are waiting for the right time to open the vast tomb. This photo gallery features pictures of the terra cotta warriors unearthed at the first emperor’s tomb.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Friday, August 24, 2012. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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