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Hikers Discover a Gold Hoard in Czech Republic

A leisurely hike on the slopes of Zvičina Hill in the Czech Republic turned into an extraordinary discovery for two lucky individuals who unearthed a hidden treasure trove valued at over 7.5 million Czech crowns (€300,000).

The remarkable find, which occurred in early February but was only recently announced, includes 598 gold coins, exquisite jewelry, and various artifacts, and weighs a staggering seven kilograms, with nearly 3.7 kilograms comprised solely of gold coins.

The astonishing discovery unfolded as the hikers explored the scenic terrain near the Polish border. Their initial find was a tin aluminum container holding nearly 600 gold coins, neatly arranged in eleven stacks wrapped in black fabric. A short distance away, an iron box yielded an array of exquisite items crafted from yellow metal: ten bracelets, a wire purse, a comb, a chain, and a powder compact. The gold coins alone account for approximately 3.7 kilograms of the total weight.

Experts at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia are still piecing together the puzzle of how this valuable collection came to be buried in this location. Numismatist Vojtěch Brádle expressed his astonishment, stating that his “jaw dropped” upon seeing the find. He noted that the coins originated from Serbia sometime in the 1920s and 1930s, based on their markings, leaving the journey to eastern Bohemia a captivating mystery.

Several theories have emerged regarding the treasure’s burial. One possibility is that it was hidden by Czech citizens fleeing Nazi occupation after 1938. Another suggests it could have been stashed by Germans anticipating expulsion after World War II in 1945. A third theory points to the 1953 communist monetary reforms as a potential catalyst for concealment.

“It is hard to say whether it was Czech, German, or Jewish gold,” commented museum director Petr Grulich, highlighting the historical ambiguity surrounding the hoard.

Intriguingly, numismatic analysis reveals the gold coins are not of Czech origin, but rather a diverse collection from France, Turkey, Belgium, Austro-Hungary, with a smattering from Romania, Italy, and Russia. Further examination of markings on the Austro-Hungarian coins indicates they were likely intended for the territory of former Yugoslavia, specifically Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina, before somehow making their way to the Czech Republic.

While the current market valuation is primarily based on the intrinsic value of the gold, the historical significance of the discovery is expected to be far greater. Under Czech law, the fortunate hikers who stumbled upon this treasure may be entitled to a reward of up to 10% of its value.

The Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové is now undertaking the crucial task of conserving these remarkable artifacts. They harbor hopes of eventually displaying the entire collection to the public, offering a tangible link to a fascinating and still largely untold story from the region’s past.

The ongoing archaeological investigation, coupled with archival research, promises to shed further light on the identity of the person who buried this treasure and the circumstances that led to its concealment and subsequent rediscovery centuries later.

By Leman Altuntaş.

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EASTERN GREEK GOLD NECKLACE ELEMENT WITH AGATE DROPS CIRCA 3RD CENTURY B.C.

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1,100-Year-Old Sealed Amphora Found in Shipwreck off Turkey

An extraordinary discovery has been made in the crystal-clear waters off the Kas district in Antalya, Türkiye. Archaeologists conducting underwater excavations with the help of robotic technology have recovered a 1,100-year-old sealed amphora, igniting excitement in the world of archaeology.

Led by Associate Professor Hakan Oniz, Chair of the Department of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at Akdeniz University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, a 20-person dive team has been working meticulously on this groundbreaking project.

The excavation is carried out under the “Heritage for the Future Project” by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, on behalf of the Antalya Museum.

Excavating the depths with robotic precision

Focusing their efforts near Besmi Island off the coast of Kas, the team utilized advanced underwater robots to conduct excavations several meters below the surface. At depths of approximately 45-50 meters, the divers successfully retrieved a sealed amphora from the wreckage of an ancient ship, a moment described as thrilling by the team.

Rather than being brought directly ashore, the amphora underwent an initial conservation process before being transported to the Akdeniz University Underwater Archaeology Laboratory in Kemer. Using microscopes and specialized magnifying tools, experts carefully examined the artifact. Then, specialists from the Antalya Regional Conservation Council and laboratory restorers meticulously opened the sealed amphora for an hour, employing chisels, hammers, and delicate instruments.

A glimpse into the past, locked away for over a millennium

As the ancient seal was broken, archaeologists eagerly examined the texture, content, and even scent of the material inside the amphora to determine its nature. Samples have been collected, and detailed scientific analyses are now underway to identify the contents with certainty.

The opening of the amphora and the preliminary examination of its contents were exclusively documented by Anadolu Agency.

Ancient trade routes revealed

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, excavation leader Associate Professor Hakan Oniz shared that the merchant vessel likely originated from the Gaza coast in Palestine and sank during a violent storm in the Mediterranean around 1100 years ago.

At that time, Gaza was a major exporter of olive oil, and it is believed that wine was shipped from the region of Sarkoy-Gazikoy in Tekirdag as well.

“This was a trading ship that visited multiple ports during the ninth and 10th centuries, a period dominated by Abbasid rule. Although amphoras thought to have carried wine were found onboard, it is unlikely that the local Palestinian population consumed wine at that time. Instead, it may have been intended as gifts for Christian pilgrims or travelers visiting Jerusalem,” Oniz elaborated.

‘A unique find that defies time’

Oniz emphasized the rarity of the find, stating, “It is incredibly rare to discover an amphora whose seal remained intact for more than a millennium. It could contain olive pits, olive oil, wine, or even fish sauce—but it might also be something entirely unexpected. Opening the amphora was thrilling, but awaiting the final analysis is even more exciting.”

Long road ahead for scientific analysis

Professor Meltem Asilturk Ersoy from Akdeniz University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering noted that this was her first time studying the preserved contents of a sealed amphora.

Describing the interior contents as “muddy samples,” Ersoy added, “We aim to understand what has happened inside over 1,100 years of exposure to underwater pressure and temperature variations.”

“A single test is not sufficient. We need multiple analyses to corroborate our findings, so this process will be lengthy. By combining the analysis results with historical knowledge from the era, we aim to offer significant insights to the world of science and archaeology,” Ersoy said.

Meanwhile, Rabia Nur Akyuz, the restorer-conservator who handled the desalination and opening of the amphora, highlighted the delicate nature of the process. “We had to ensure that the artifact remained wet at all times to prevent the external deposits from drying out,” she explained.

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Roman Phallus Pendant Unearthed at Vindolanda

Excavations at Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall have unearthed a miniature phallus pendant.

Vindolanda, meaning “white field” or “white moor,” was a Roman auxiliary fort guarding the Stanegate road just south of Hadrian’s Wall.

Between AD 85 and AD 370, no fewer than nine timber and stone forts were built on the site, making Vindolanda one of Britain’s most complex archaeological sites and a time capsule of Roman military life on the frontier.

Vindolanda remains an active archaeological site (celebrating their 55th anniversary of being the Vindolanda Charitable Trust), where excavations have uncovered thousands of remarkably preserved shoes, textiles, wooden artefacts, and the famous Vindolanda tablets – the oldest surviving written documents from Roman Britain.

In the latest season of excavations, archaeologists have unearthed a miniature phallus pendant made from jet in the remains of a 4th century wall.

The Roman’s believed that the phallus was the embodiment of the masculine generative power and provided protection, fertility, and good fortune. Phallic imagery appears throughout the Roman world—in sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, and portable items such as pendants and bullae.

Along the corridor of Hadrian’s Wall alone, there are 59 known phalli in various forms, whether incised, relief, or sculpture depictions that are grouped into nine morphological traits: the rocket, the hammer, the kinky-winky, the splitcock, the pointer, the double-dong, running hard, the beast, and the lucky dip.

The miniature phallus pendant follows on from a 2024 discovery at Vindolanda where archaeologists discovered a phallus symbol carved into a stone slab.

The 2025 excavations are a continuation of a research project from 2024 to 2028 that focuses on the last remaining turfed area within the boundaries of the final stone fort constructed at Vindolanda.

By Mark Milligan.

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The Tomb of Prince with a Pink Granite False Door Unearthed in Saqqara

The newfound tomb of an Egyptian prince has a false door, which ancient people viewed as an "entry" and "exit" for souls in the afterlife, researchers say.

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the 4,400-year-old tomb of a prince whose burial has a giant "false" pink door to enable souls to enter and exit.

The tomb belongs to Prince Userefre, also spelled Waser-If-Re, the son of King Userkaf, also spelled Wserkaf a pharaoh who reigned around 2465 to 2458 B.C. during Egypt's fifth dynasty (circa 2465 to 2323 B.C.).

The newly discovered false door has inscriptions that say that he was a "hereditary prince," as well as a "judge," a "minister," a "governor" of two regions, and a "chanting priest," the statement said.

"Previous to this discovery, we didn't even know he existed," Ronald Leprohon, professor emeritus of Egyptology at the University of Toronto who was not involved with the excavation, said in an email. Leprohon noted that the prince's name may have meant "Re is powerful." Re (also spelled Ra) was a sun god in ancient Egypt.

The giant false door, which is made of pink granite, is about 14.8 feet (4.5 meters) high and 3.8 feet (1.2 m) wide, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement. In ancient Egypt, false doors are commonly seen in tombs, as the Egyptians believed that the souls of the deceased could enter and exit through them, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The door's immense size and construction from pink granite is remarkable, experts said.

"This is the first time that a false door like this was found in Saqqara" Zahi Hawass, a former antiquities minister who is leading excavations at the tomb, said in an email. The man's status as a prince with important titles explains why a false door like this was built for him, Hawass said.

Melanie Pitkin, a senior curator at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney who was not involved with the excavation, said in an email that "at this time, false doors are most commonly made from limestone, which was a ubiquitous resource in Egypt. Since pink and red granite was quarried and transported from Aswan [about 400 miles or 644 km south], it was more expensive and reserved for royalty and the high elite."

A red granite offering table was found near the false door. Leprohon noted that in ancient Egypt, people sometimes left food offerings on offering tables and believed that the deceased could "magically" eat "the offerings deposited on the so-called offering table in front of it." In reality, it was the funerary priests and their families that actually ate the food, he noted.

Statue of an old king

The tomb appears to have been reused at some point during the 26th dynasty (circa 688 to 525 B.C.). At this time, a statue depicting King Djoser (reign circa 2630 to 2611 B.C.) along with his wife and children was placed within it, the statement said. Djoser ruled during the third dynasty (circa 2649 to 2575 B.C.) and built ancient Egypt's first known pyramid, the step pyramid at Saqqara. Analysis of the statue and its design indicates that the statue was made during king Djoser's rule and may have been from the step pyramid itself or a building near it. Why it was moved into the tomb at that time is unclear, the statement said.

The statue shows a seated Djoser putting his right "hand with love on one of his daughters," while his queen is to his left and "is also putting her hand on one of her daughters," Hawass said. In front of them is a black granite statue that also dates to the third dynasty, Hawass said.

Ann Macy Roth, a clinical professor of Egyptology at New York University who was not involved with the excavation, said that the sculptures from the third dynasty are remarkable as "there is very little sculpture from that era." Roth noted that prior to this discovery, "I can only think of one piece that represents a woman," so the statue depicting Djoser's wife and daughters is extraordinary.

Excavations are ongoing, and the prince's burial chamber has not yet been found. "We only found a part of the tomb," Hawass noted.

Lara Weiss, the CEO of the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum in Germany who was not involved with the excavation, said that the discovery of the tomb "adds to the growing evidence that Saqqara remained a prestigious burial site during the Fifth Dynasty, even as royal tombs moved to Abusir."

She said in an email that "it's "a nice puzzle piece for understanding a transformative moment in ancient Egypt's political and religious history — between the centralized power of the Fourth Dynasty and the perhaps more diversified elite power structures of the Fifth."

By Owen Jarus.

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Bites on Roman Gladiator Bones Prove Combat With a Lion

Bite marks found on the skeleton of a Roman gladiator are the first archaeological evidence of combat between a human and a lion, experts say.

The remains were discovered during a 2004 dig at Driffield Terrace, in York, a site now thought to be the world's only well-preserved Roman gladiator cemetery.

Forensic examination of the skeleton of one young man has revealed that holes and bite marks on his pelvis were most likely caused by a lion.

Prof Tim Thompson, the forensic expert who led the study, said this was the first "physical evidence" of gladiators fighting big cats.

"For years our understanding of Roman gladiatorial combat and animal spectacles has relied heavily on historical texts and artistic depictions," he said.

"This discovery provides the first direct, physical evidence that such events took place in this period, reshaping our perception of Roman entertainment culture in the region."

Experts used new forensic techniques to analyse the wounds, including 3D scans which showed the animal had grabbed the man by the pelvis.

Prof Thompson, from Maynooth University, in Ireland, said: "We could tell that the bites happened at around the time of death.

"So this wasn't an animal scavenging after the individual died - it was associated with his death."

As well as scanning the wound, scientists compared its size and shape to sample bites from large cats at London Zoo.

"The bite marks in this particular individual match those of a lion," Prof Thompson told BBC News.

The location of the bites gave researchers even more information about the circumstances of the gladiator's death.

The pelvis, Prof Thompson explained, "is not where lions normally attack, so we think this gladiator was fighting in some sort of spectacle and was incapacitated, and that the lion bit him and dragged him away by his hip."

The skeleton, a male aged between 26 and 35, had been buried in a grave with two others and overlaid with horse bones.

Previous analysis of the bones pointed to him being a Bestiarius - a gladiator that was sent into combat with beasts.

Malin Holst, a Senior Lecturer in Osteoarchaeology at the University of York, said in 30 years of analysing skeletons she had "never seen anything like these bite marks".

Additionally, she said the man's remains revealed the story of a "short and somewhat brutal life".

His bones were shaped by large, powerful muscles and there was evidence of injuries to his shoulder and spine, which were associated with hard physical work and combat.

Ms Holst, who is also managing director of York Osteoarchaeology, added: "This is a hugely exciting find because we can now start to build a better image of what these gladiators were like in life."

The findings, which have been published in the Journal of Science and Medical Research PLoS One, also confirmed the "presence of large cats and potentially other exotic animals in arenas in cities such as York, and how they too had to defend themselves from the threat of death", she said.

Experts said the discovery added weight to the suggestion an amphitheatre, although not yet found, likely existed in Roman York and would have staged fighting gladiators as a form of entertainment.

The presence of distinguished Roman leaders in York would have meant they required a lavish lifestyle, experts said, so it was no surprise to see evidence of gladiatorial events, which served as a display of wealth.

David Jennings, CEO of York Archaeology, said: "We may never know what brought this man to the arena where we believe he may have been fighting for the entertainment of others, but it is remarkable that the first osteoarchaeological evidence for this kind of gladiatorial combat has been found so far from the Colosseum of Rome, which would have been the classical world's Wembley Stadium of combat."

By Alex Moss and Victoria Gill.

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The Blackstone River and Pratt Dam in Cumberland, Rhode Island

The Blackstone River, at the Pratt Dam, in Cumberland, Rhode Island a few days after record-setting heavy rain.

📸 flickr

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Twilight

Twilight after a rain shower in Largo, Florida.

📸 flickr

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Naples Welcomes Exhibition of Ancient Stolen and Looted Artifacts

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is showcasing 600 recovered objects, which date to between the Archaic period and the Middle Ages.

For more than half a century, a specialized Italian police unit has been confiscating valuable artifacts from the black market. Some 15,000 recovered items are housed at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples—and now, the museum is displaying 600 of them for the first time.

Titled “Treasures Rediscovered: Stories of Crime and Stolen Artifacts,” the exhibition focuses not only on ancient artworks, but also on the “often complex dynamic” of illegal trafficking that brought these items to the museum, according to a statement.

“It is a beautiful exhibition that tells a beautiful story, a story also of redemption for our stolen archaeological artifacts, which often find their way into private property or even international museums,” exhibition co-curator Massimo Osanna, director of national museums at Italy’s culture ministry, tells the Associated Press’ Francesco Sportelli. “Thanks to the work of the public prosecutor’s office and the police, together with the ministry, [these artifacts] are finally coming home and to light.”

Strict laws govern the ownership of archaeological artifacts in Italy. Looting has been happening for centuries, but today’s criminals have turned to advanced technologies—including sonar, drones and underwater metal detectors—to pluck treasure from shipwrecks and other ancient sites beneath the Mediterranean Sea, per the AP.

The exhibition begins with a history of collecting, which has long fueled illegal excavations and trafficking. Visitors learn about international markets and law enforcement, important court cases and the stories of looted items that haven’t yet been recovered.

Artifacts on view include coins, marbles, bronzes, weapons, armor and pottery. They come from all over southern Italy, and they date to between the Archaic period (roughly 650 to 480 B.C.E.) and the Middle Ages.

The show highlights several stories of illegal exchange: In one case, a man from Naples used archaeological finds to pay his pharmacist. In another, a French archaeologist bought sculptures from the ancient city of Pompeii off a local farmer for the equivalent of about $28. Three frescoed slabs from a fourth-century B.C.E. tomb were found in the private collection of 20th-century opera singer Maria Callas.

Also on display are “the classic tools of grave robbers, spilloni [soil probes] through which gravediggers pierce the ground,” says Pierpaolo Filippelli, deputy prosecutor of the Naples prosecutor’s office, in an AP video, per a translation by Euronews. “But today, art traffickers operate on a more advanced level, using tools like the dark web to sell stolen works.”

According to the statement, the exhibition is a “journey of collective memory” that highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage. The Italian police’s cultural heritage protection command recovered over 100,000 artifacts in 2023 (the most recent year with available documentation), as the AP reports. Officials estimate that the haul is worth about $299 million.

By Sonja Anderson.

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Ancient Roman Horse Cemetery Discovered in Germany

An ancient Roman cemetery uncovered in southern Germany has revealed more than 100 horse skeletons, shedding new light on the role of animals in ancient military life, and one burial is drawing particular attention.

Archaeologists began excavating a site in Stuttgart in the summer of 2024 ahead of a planned construction project. Stuttgart, located in southwestern Germany, is about 400 miles southwest of Berlin.

Based on earlier finds in the area, including scattered horse bones, experts expected to uncover remnants of a Roman cavalry presence. What they discovered went far beyond expectations.

The State Office for Monument Preservation at the Baden-Württemberg Regional Council announced on April 16 that a vast Roman graveyard had been unearthed.

Dating back around 1,800 years, the cemetery contained over 100 horse skeletons, making it one of the largest known Roman military horse burial sites in the region.

Graveyard linked to a Roman cavalry unit

Archaeologists believe the horses belonged to a Roman cavalry unit stationed in the area during the second century A.D.

Historical records suggest the unit had about 500 riders, which would have required a herd of at least 700 horses to support daily operations, travel, and military campaigns.

Most of the horses appeared to have died from natural causes, injury, or illness. There were no signs of a mass death event, such as battle or disease, said Sarah Roth, the site’s lead archaeologist. The burials were generally simple, with no special markings or artifacts.

One burial reflects a personal connection

A single horse was found buried with two ceramic jugs and an oil lamp placed near its leg – items commonly associated with human graves in Roman culture.

Roth said the burial appeared to mimic that of a person and pointed to a strong emotional bond between the animal and its owner. “Even after around 1800 years, the mourning over the death of this one animal is still evident,” she explained in the statement.

The human skeleton raises social questions

The team also uncovered a lone human skeleton at the edge of the site. Officials believe the individual may have been an outsider, excluded from formal Roman burial grounds.

The contrast between the simple human grave and the symbolically rich horse burial has raised new questions about the social values of the time.

Further research planned as site closes

Although excavations at the site are now complete, researchers believe the cemetery may be larger than currently documented.

Further analysis of the remains is underway to better understand the Roman military’s dependence on horses and the cultural practices surrounding their care and burial.

By Nisha Zahid.

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1957 AC Aceca-Bristol

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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing "The Last One"

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LIU MENGKUAN Peonies in Blossom

A set of three scrolls, mounted on cardboard, framed as one, ink and colour on gold paper. Entitled, inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist Dated yisi year (2025).

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ZHAO SHAO'ANG Sunflowers

Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper. Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist Dated spring, jimao year (1939) Dedicated to Shaochen Further inscribed and signed by the artist, with two seals Dated summer, fifth month, xinyou year (1981) Dedicated to Shuyan.

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The Kindness Rocks Project

I came across this heart painted rock in Largo, Florida.

📸 flickr

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Remains of a 2,700-Year-Old Theater Found on Greek island

On the Greek island of Lefkada, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient Greek theater that had remained unknown for centuries. Excavations on Kulmos Hill, which began in 2015, have confirmed the existence of an amphitheater complete with seating rows, an orchestra area, and supporting walls of the stage, Azernews reports.

The excavations revealed a cavea (auditorium) with 21 rows of seats, likely separated by a horizontal passage known as a diazoma, above which there were three additional rows. Archaeologists also found the side walls of the seating area, with distances ranging from 20 to 28 meters. Although the theater’s construction was apparently not completed, researchers estimate that it could have seated approximately 3,500 spectators. Had it been finished, the capacity could have reached around 10,000-11,000 people.

Special attention was drawn to the orchestra — a round platform with a diameter of 16.65 meters, carved into the rock and surrounded by a stone frame. This area was used for performances by the chorus and actors. Fragments of the scenic area were also discovered, including parts of sandstone columns and architraves belonging to the Ionic facade of the loggia (an external gallery) that was once supported by 16 columns, with ramps on either side.

One of the most impressive discoveries was the finding of three stone thrones, each with carved ornaments — dolphins, birds, and lion paws. These seats were likely reserved for distinguished guests, such as clergymen or city officials.

Judging by the footprints and evidence of wear, it appears the theater evolved over time but was eventually abandoned. This abandonment occurred after the Roman Emperor Augustus founded the new city of Nicopolis in 31 BC, to which the inhabitants of Lefkada were resettled. After the decline of the ancient city-state, the buildings, including the theater, were partially dismantled and repurposed as building materials.

Despite damage from agricultural activities and the passage of time, the lower parts of the theater have been remarkably well preserved. A study on the monument’s preservation has already been completed, and a co-financing program has been proposed. The project is now awaiting approval for inclusion in the Greek state's cultural development program.

Ancient Greek theaters were not only venues for drama and music but were also designed with acoustics in mind. The careful placement of the stage and seating areas ensured that even the smallest sounds could reach the furthest audience members. It’s fascinating to think that the acoustical engineering of these theaters has stood the test of time, allowing us to still appreciate their grandeur today!

By Alimat Aliyeva.

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4,000 Fragments of a Roman Wall Painting Found in Spain

Spanish archaeologists unearthed over 4,000 fragments of wall paintings that once decorated the Roman villa of Barberes Sud in the town of Villajoyosa. By restoring and reassembling the painted pieces, conservators are beginning to reveal the rich decoration of the stately Roman residence, which dates back to the 2nd century CE. The discovery offers interesting new insights into Roman art and culture in the region.

New Findings at the Roman Villa of Barberes Sud

Earlier excavations in the area uncovered several Roman villa complexes, necropolises, and parts of a port known as the Playa de la Vila. These archaeological findings likely belonged to the ancient Roman settlement of Alonis, which experts believe was a commercial and industrial hub situated in Villajoyosa, Spain.

The region’s latest excavation campaign has focused on the large Roman villa of Barberes Sud. The site is located alongside a major highway connecting Alonis with the modern-day Marina Baixa region along the Spanish coast. The foundations of Barberes Sud date back to the reign of Emperor Trajan, between 98 and 117 CE, at the pinnacle of the Roman Empire’s power and prosperity.

Archaeologists have determined the impressive floor plan of the Barberes Sud villa complex, which comprises domestic living spaces and a sprawling open-air garden area, which was once enclosed by columns and bordered by lavishly decorated reception rooms. The complex also featured a large courtyard with several rooms designated for servants.

Reassembly Reveals Ancient Roman Decoration

The walls of the reception rooms at Barberes Sud were constructed with compacted clay during the 2nd century CE. Because these walls have since collapsed inward, their surface decorations were discovered in small fragments. Archaeologists carefully extracted and preserved each piece of painted plaster. Then, work began on the consolidation and reconstruction of murals that once decorated the Roman residence.

The wall fragments were numbered and photogrammetrically recorded before being removed from the Barberes Sud excavation site. This process will allow experts to partially reconstruct the original murals. One reassembled panel, comprising 22 fragments, revealed an ornate composition of plant garlands and birds topped with decorative molding. The remaining fragments are still being inventoried and restored. Among them are curved stucco pieces designed to imitate fluted columns.

By Emily Snow.