The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Friday, 5th September 2008 (2504 views)

The mystery of an ancient shipwreck whose cargo included a gold scarab is closer to being solved, it has been claimed.

Archaeologist Thomas Cucchi of the University of Durham has been conducting research into the vessel, which sank 3,500 years ago off the coast of Turkey, New Scientist (NS) reported.

Items made of ivory, ebony and gold - including the scarab featuring the name of Egyptian queen Nefertiti - were among the ship's haul.

Mr Cucchi has identified a fragment of a mouse jaw that could provide evidence of the ship's nationality and route.

Because of the gold treasure, it is thought to be a royal vessel, but its cultural beginnings are the subject of debate, according to NS.

Meanwhile, the largest gold statue thought to be made since Egyptian times was recently unveiled at the British Museum - a 50-kg sculpture of supermodel Kate Moss.

 

« Back to Gold News stories