The National Geographic sent three Archeologists to Silay
City, Negros Occidental after a local construction worker found a cache of 12th century
gold and silver coins, rare gold jewelry, and other artifacts dated
more than 2,000 years ago. The treasure was reportedly discovered four months ago,
but was only revealed by National Geographic recently.
“Doming” Agravante (not his real first name
for security reason), a native of Sitio Estaca was tasked by the Golez clan
(one of prominent families in the City) to dig around their unoccupied
property for wall construction. Agravante first saw a gold ring after
his shovel struck and broke some porcelain two feet below. He continued digging
and found several gold and silver coins.
Unable to
sleep at night, he reported his findings to the property owner. Mr. Golez
immediately went to the site and told Agravante to dig more without
the knowledge of local residents.
The
Philippine Pride was able to conduct an exclusive interview with Mr. Agravante, who
is now living in Bacolod City.
According
to the report released by The National Geographic, the cache was dated back to
the Roman Empire. Archeologists are investigating why and how the
treasure of such importance was found in the Philippines.
Sitio Estaca is the
oldest recorded civilization in the City dating back during 1500s. SilayCity
is known for historical sites and landmarks, but this is the first
time that treasure of such age was discovered.
Other Archeologists who
are not involved in the investigation suggests that the treasure was looted by
Mongolian Empire soldiers from Eastern Europe and was brought to China.Silay City
is known to be one of the first settlements where ancient Chinese immigrants
were living before Spanish colonization.
Mr. Golez,
a prominent resident with family members in US asked for help from his American
relatives. A niece who happens to work at The National Geographic took care of
everything. All finds were sent to the Institution for appraisal and for
further studies. The total value of the treasure in today’s currency
according to the agency was US$380,431 or 16.8M Philippine Pesos.
Agravante was rewarded with unspecified
amount of money and the rest went to Mr. Golez, but he donated 30% back to
the Institution.
“We are
certain that this is not the only treasure buried in this City. There might be
other finds before, but was not reported publicly”, Dr.
Denzel Schwartz told local reporters during press conference on Friday.
