The Ancient Coral Reef Graveyard: A Unique Discovery Value as of Right Now: Unknown
Date of Disappearance: 985 B.C.
Discovered: 2008
Among the more intriguing archaeological finds in recent history is the discovery of a 3,000-year-old graveyard made not of precious metals or gems, but of bones. In 2008, a team of archaeologists unearthed this ancient site while excavating an old coral reef in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia.
This unique treasure offers a fascinating glimpse into the burial practices and life of ancient cultures in the region, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes valuable archaeological finds.
The Coral Reef Tomb: Insights into Vanuatu's Past The discovery of the Coral Reef Tomb off the coast of Vanuatu reveals a haunting aspect of the burial practices of its native inhabitants. This eighty-three-island nation is home to skeletons that were intentionally positioned to fit within the crevices of the reef, with the arms and legs broken to accommodate the space.
Intriguingly, none of the skeletons had heads; instead, the skulls were displayed in the homes of their families, reflecting a unique cultural practice surrounding death and remembrance.