Long-Lost Island Of Gold Reappears From Indonesia – Here’s What We Know So Far

Divers discovered hundreds of old items in the Musi River’s bottom. Figurines, mirrors, and pottery, as well as magnificent golden jewelry, all testify to the mythical ancient Island of Gold’s discovery.

A team of underwater archaeologists surveying the island of Sumatra uncovered a vast quantity of gold items dating back over 1000 years at the bottom of the Musi River.

Experts believe they have discovered the famous “Golden Island,” as the long-lost metropolis of Srivijaya was once known.

Have archaeologists discovered the fabled Indonesian Gold Island?

Throughout history, it has been mentioned.

Legends and ancient textual texts frequently reference the “Golden Island.” Man-eating snakes, fire-breathing volcanoes, and even Hindi-speaking parrots are all described in these books. However, the major focus of the descriptions is on the numerous riches.

Archaeological excavations.

Many archaeologists have been searching for the “Island of Gold” for decades, relying on folklore for indirect clues. In recent years, the search has shifted to Palembang, Sumatra’s ancient city. It was in the Musi River that a recent find was found that might make a splash.

Ancient artifacts.

Divers probing the river’s muddy bottom unearthed a treasure trove of antique expensive antiquities. Hundreds of figures, temple bells, other instruments, mirrors, coins, and pottery have previously been raised from the bottom. Gold sword hilts and gold rings set with rubies, gold necklaces and coins, many containers, and wind musical instruments in unusual shapes, such as peacocks, were also discovered.

What is the age of the artifacts?

The majority of the items date from the seventh to tenth century AD. Huge riches have been recovered from the Musi River’s depths, and no one knows how many are still buried beneath the muck. This suggests, according to the scholars, that the lost city of Srivijaya was unearthed in the Musi River.

History from the past.

It was a great harbor in ancient times, located on an important trading route connecting East and West. From the mid-600s AD until 1025 AD, this city-state was governed by great monarchs who dominated the Strait of Malacca. Historians are well aware of the last date. According to written accounts, the Indian Chola dynasty seized the city of Srivijaya in 1025.

The Island of Gold’s downfall.

Following then, the port’s value started to plummet. However, historians believe that trading lasted for another two centuries. The collapse occurred in the 1390s, when Parameswara, the last prince of Srivijaya, attempted to reclaim control of the region’s commerce. His army, however, was destroyed by the army of the neighboring kingdom of Java, and Srivijaya and its environs became a haven for Chinese pirates for a while.

Nothing else was found.

With the exception of artifacts recovered from the river, there are virtually no physical traces of this city’s existence today. So yet, no formal archaeological excavations have been conducted on the Musi River. As a result, the number of items discovered and collected by fishermen in prior years can only be estimated. All of these unaccounted artifacts may have ended up in private collections via the underground market.

More information on the area.

Previous archaeological investigation in the Palembang area was conducted not far from the current research location. They mentioned that a wealthy and huge port was close. The study of tales hints at the local kings’ hidden wealth. They became wealthy via more than just trade. These areas were rich in sandalwood and camphor, which were valued above gold a thousand years ago. The gold was mined extensively in the Musi River.

What happened to this civilization?

How did such a thriving society go into oblivion? Scientists believe Srivijaya was mostly made up of wooden buildings built on stilts surrounding an island in the center of the river. It was a floating metropolis, similar to those seen in Southeast Asia today.

It could only last a handful of centuries if it was abandoned by humanity. The wooden piles would eventually decay, causing the entire city to sink to the bottom and transform into river silt. Only the gold items discovered within attest to the presence of a once-powerful institution.