Tomb of ancient hero — filled with gold and statues — found in Greece. Look inside

The ruins of a multimillennia-old building — along with ornate treasures stowed inside — were recently revealed during an excavation in Greece.

Archaeologists unearthed the rectangular structure within the confines of an ancient city in Achaia, located about 120 miles west of Athens, in early October.

Made from limestone and measuring about 55 feet in length, it is believed to be the tomb of an ancient hero, according to a Dec. 7 news release from the Greek Ministry of Culture. Hero tombs, known as Heroön, are commonly found throughout Greece, and they were used as shrines or sanctuaries.

The newfound building, located within the city’s public sphere, is estimated to date to before 300 B.C., making it at least 2,300 years old.

Among the ruins, archaeologists found pieces of Corinthian columns and a funerary bust of a young man.

Several marble statues of lions were also found, including one depicting the animal’s face, with mouth agape and surrounded by a mane.

Intact tombs, as well as one sarcophagus, were located within the structure alongside numerous pieces of jewelry.

Among them were gold hoop earrings and a necklace decorated with lion motifs. A gold ring, a coin and a scepter depicting a winged cupid were also unearthed.

These findings — believed to be offerings — indicate the entombed individuals were of high social status, archaeologists said.

Additionally, surrounding the structure, further archaeological remains as well as pottery were found that date to the eighth century B.C.

More excavations will be carried out at the site in the future, archaeologists said.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the Greek Ministry of Culture.

This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Tomb of ancient hero — filled with gold and statues — found in Greece. Look inside."