Luxurious tomb reveals horrific rituals of ancient culture

On the territory of modern Panama, archaeologists have found a tomb that belonged to a representative of the highest nobility of the ancient Cocle culture. SSPDaily found out that research of the tomb revealed evidence of horrific rituals associated with beliefs about the afterlife.

This is reported by Science Alert.

The ancient Cocle culture existed in the Rio Grande Valley in Central America from the second century BC to the mid-16th century AD. The found tomb, according to archaeologists, was buried a young man from the highest nobility of Cocle, who died about 1200 years ago.

Archaeological evidence from the ancient cemeteries of the Kokle people suggests that in those days people believed in the afterlife and tried to provide those who went to the afterlife with a decent world and environment. Therefore, representatives of the nobility were often buried with their beloved wives and servants, who were killed and buried with their master.

The tomb, which is currently being studied by archaeologists, was found in 2011. During the thirteen years of excavations, many golden artifacts were discovered. But the most terrible discovery was the bones belonging to 31 people.

The body of the owner of the tomb was buried face down and placed on the body of a woman who was probably his wife or concubine.According to archaeologists, this was a common practice in those days, examples of which were found in other burials at Kokle.

However, the tomb of the young noble lord is distinguished by its particular wealth and splendor. Among the artifacts found in the tomb are objects of religious significance, jewelry made of gold, beads, and animal teeth, fragments of pottery, bone flutes, and clothing items.

The excavation of the tomb is not yet complete, so archaeologists assume that the number of people buried there may increase. The found remains are yet to be identified through genetic analysis to determine the exact number of people buried there.