How many treasure hoards are there scattered around the world? In underground tombs, buried chests,and wrecks far below th waves, golden treasure lies dark and hidden.here are the stories of just a few of the riches of the past that have been discovered, including the tale of how the treasure of the Oxus was found-and then nearly lost again.
In 1877 a board of gold objects was found on the banks of the Oxus river (now known as the Anu Darya),which marks the boarder between Afghanistan and the countries to the north.no one knows exactly where the hoard was discovered or who found it.today you can see many of the Oxus treasures in the British Museum in London, but there were several adventures before they finally got there.
Skirmish in the Khyber Pass
Three years after the discovery of the hoard,the Oxus gold was in the hands ot three merchants and their servant as they made their way along the steep,rocky paths of the Khyber pass. plodding behind them came several mules, carrying saddlebags laden with precious jewelry and ornaments.the merchants where taking their treasures to sell in Rawalpindi,in present-day Pakistan.the merchants knew the danger of their journey, particularly with such a rich cargo.at one of the loneliest places in the pass, their worst fears came true.suddenly they were surrounded by well armed brigands,who quickly overpowered the merchants.the brigands forced the merchants and their servant to march into the mountains,leading their mules, until they reached some caves hidden in the remote spot.here,the robbers intended to divide up the loot.
Escape!
The brigands ordered the merchants to start unloading their mules, greedily watching every move.but they were so intent on their newfound wealth that they completely forgot about the merchant's servant.seeing his chance,the servant slipped quietly away, running as fast as he could back to the road and on a British army camp nearby. gasping with fear and exhaustion,the servant told the his story to captain Francis Burton,one of the officers in the camp.immidiately Burton set out for the brigands' hideout, accompanied by two soldiers.when he reached the caves,just before midnight,a strange sight met his eyes.there were the three merchants,now tied up and terrified.the treasure was spread out all over the floor of the cave, glittering in the firelight.several of the brigands were arguing loudly over who should get what, and several more were lying groaning on the floor, injured after fighting over their precious loot.
that's all guys we will continue this next time.see you,god bless.
