In a remarkable archaeological find on the southern outskirts of Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, a group of construction workers stumbled upon a hidden treasure beneath the earth on October 5, 1970. The unexpected discovery, triggered by the strike of a shovel against a hard object, revealed a pair of extraordinary silver vases, one of which was adorned with a layer of gold.
The vase contained 12 golden dragons
Upon closer inspection, the excavation team uncovered an array of priceless artifacts inside the vases, including 12 meticulously crafted golden dragons. These exquisite creatures, made of pure gold, boasted intricate designs with slim bodies, long necks, curved horns, and tails, giving the impression of scales covering their entire bodies.
Recognizing the significance of their find, the workers promptly reported the discovery to the authorities, leading to the immediate intervention of the police, who secured the site. The following day, a team of archaeologists descended upon the location to unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the earth.
These golden dragons were used by ancient people in ceremonies
Initially believed to be royal decorations, the golden dragons were later identified as ceremonial artifacts used in worship. They served a crucial role in ancient ceremonies dedicated to praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and the well-being of the country and its people. The dragons symbolized a connection between the earthly realm and the divine, emphasizing the importance of spiritual rituals in ancient Chinese culture.
The dragons are made of pure gold and are very intricately designed
Further excavation efforts revealed that the site was not merely a random burial, but rather an ancient tomb from the Tang Dynasty. The archaeological team worked diligently to unearth more than 1,000 cultural relics, including 271 gold and silver vases, 8 silver necklaces, 22 silver pieces, 60 silver plates, and 466 gold, silver, and copper coins. Additionally, the trove included 3 agate items, 1 crystal item, 10 jade belts, 1 pair of jade rings, and 13 gold and gemstone jewelry.
One of two silver vases that workers dug up in Ha Gia village
Among the discovered relics, three items were designated as national treasures, prohibited from leaving the country for display. Dozens of other artifacts received the distinction of being first-class national cultural relics, signifying their historical and cultural significance.
The total weight of the gold and silver items found in this archaeological marvel surpassed thousands of taels, with an estimated value that remains indeterminable. After more than 30 years, in 2004, these invaluable relics were publicly showcased in Beijing, allowing the world to marvel at the rich cultural heritage unearthed from the depths of Xi’an’s ancient history.