In the misty mountains of Sichuan, China, a cache of haunting relics has been discovered, pointing to a completely lost yet highly advanced ancient civilization.
Hollow eyes stare out from strange bronze faces, their expressions twisted into otherworldly contortions. Shimmering gold masks adorned with intricate patterns and eerie features hint at a civilization far more sophisticated than any previously known to have existed in the region. Yet the hands that crafted these masterpieces have long since turned to dust, leaving behind few clues about the people who created them.
This is the mystery of Sanxingdui, a once-thriving metropolis that vanished with little trace over 3,000 years ago. Discovered by accident in the late 1980s, the main archaeological site has yielded a treasure trove of artifacts that challenge our understanding of ancient Chinese history. The sheer sophistication and artistry of the bronze and gold works suggest a culture that had mastered advanced metallurgy and possessed a complex spiritual worldview.
But as remarkable as the Sanxingdui finds are, they raise more questions than answers. Who were the people behind these haunting creations? What cataclysm or upheaval caused their city to be abandoned and forgotten?
Dark5 Ancient Mysteries