The Top 10 Most Valuable Urban Treasures Ever Found

The treasures of the world are many, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are hidden deep underground, while others lie out in plain sight. Some have been lost forever, while others have been discovered by accident. 

Takeaways
Valuable treasures can be found in a variety of places, from shipwrecks to lost treasure troves.
Urban exploring and treasure hunting can be exciting hobbies that allow you to uncover hidden gems in your city.
The thrill of the hunt is in discovering the story behind an antique or valuable artifact.
Lost treasures can have significant historical and cultural value, and their discovery can provide valuable insights into the past.
Shipwrecks and underwater exploration can lead to the discovery of valuable treasures, such as gold, jewels, and artifacts.

That said, there are a few that stand out as truly valuable urban treasures; here are 10 of my favorites!

The Treasure of the Pharaohs

The treasure of the pharaohs has been found in many areas, but it is most famous for being found in Egypt. This treasure was discovered by Howard Carter and Earl Carnarvon in 1922. 

It contained many gold and silver items, including jewelry and statues of various gods. This treasure is now displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo along with other valuable items from ancient Egypt.

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The Funkin’ Palace

In the 1960s, Englishman Mike Rann and his wife were exploring the village of Funkina in England. 

When they came across a small cave, they decided to explore it further. What they found was a large underground cavern that had been home to one of Britain’s most important ancient monuments: The Funkin’ Palace.

This enormous underground structure dates back nearly 2,000 years and is believed to have been built by Roman soldiers stationed near London as part of their efforts to conquer the island nation. 

It was discovered in 1965 when archaeologists began surveying the area for potential construction projects and then spent decades excavating it before opening up access for tourists in 1997.

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The Hermitage at Old Sarum

The Hermitage at Old Sarum is a medieval palace in Wiltshire, England. It was built in the 12th century and is one of the most important surviving examples of a medieval royal palace. The Hermitage is listed as a Grade I building by English Heritage and has been described as “a masterpiece of architecture”.

Top 10 Greatest Treasures Found By Accident

The National Trust’s Newgrange

The Newgrange passage tomb is a prehistoric monument in County Meath, Ireland, that stands on the banks of the River Boyne. 

It was constructed around 3200 BC and predates Stonehenge, Avebury and even the Great Pyramid of Giza by at least 500 years.

The passage tomb (also called dolmens) was built by Neolithic people as a place for ritual burial. The site has been used since its construction over 5,000 years ago up until recent times when it was used as a Christian chapel during penal times in Ireland.

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Roman Fort at Wallsend

The Roman Fort at Wallsend is one of the most valuable urban treasures ever found. It was discovered in 1849, and excavated over 1,500 coins and artefacts. Its value has been estimated at over £5 million!

The fort was found by a local man digging for coal in his garden, who discovered an ancient building buried underground. 

The site was excavated under the direction of Mr John Clayton, but during the process he died from exhaustion and overwork (possibly due to his age). 

The artefacts were sent to Newcastle Museum where they were eventually destroyed in an explosion at St Mary’s Church Hall during World War II – though some smaller pieces remain today.

St Faiths’ Church, Street, Canterbury

This historic church is one of the most valuable pieces of architecture in England. Built in the twelfth century by King Henry II, it’s thought to be one of only a handful of churches that have survived from this period. 

The interior is stunningly ornate and covered in carvings made with stone taken from nearby Canterbury Cathedral. It’s estimated that if you bought all these treasures separately, they’d cost around £1 million ($1.4 million).

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Jorvik Viking Centre

The Jorvik Viking Centre is a museum in York, England which recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a Viking city. It is located on Coppergate in the centre of York and opened in 1984. Visitors are taken back to 875 AD and experience what life was like for the people living at that time.

Tyne Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The Tyne Bridge is a steel box girder bridge that crosses the River Tyne in North East England. It was designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson and built by Dorman Long. The bridge was opened by King George V on 10 October 1928.

Conclusion

These treasures prove that there is more to cities than just the buildings and streets. They are a testament to the rich history of our towns and cities, showing how people have lived, worked and played over hundreds of years.

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Further Reading

Here are some additional resources to explore the topic of valuable treasures:

The 10 Most Valuable Shipwrecks Ever Discovered: This article from Ba-bamail showcases some of the most valuable shipwrecks ever discovered, including their history and estimated value.

10 of the Most Valuable Treasure Troves Ever Found: Interesting Engineering features a list of 10 of the most valuable treasure troves ever found, including information on the history of the treasures and their estimated value.

The Most Valuable Treasures Still Missing or Lost: This article from LiveScience explores some of the most valuable treasures that are still missing or lost, including what is known about their history and the efforts to find them.

FAQs

What are some of the most valuable shipwrecks ever discovered?

Some of the most valuable shipwrecks ever discovered include the SS Central America, the Atocha, and the Titanic. These shipwrecks contain valuable artifacts and treasures, such as gold and jewelry, that have been estimated to be worth millions of dollars.

What is a treasure trove?

A treasure trove is a collection of valuable objects or money that is discovered hidden or buried in the ground or in a building. Treasure troves can include gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuable items.

What are some of the most valuable treasure troves ever found?

Some of the most valuable treasure troves ever found include the Staffordshire Hoard, the Hoxne Hoard, and the Saddle Ridge Hoard. These treasure troves contained valuable artifacts and treasures, such as gold and silver coins, that have been estimated to be worth millions of dollars.

What are some famous lost treasures?

Some famous lost treasures include the treasure of the Knights Templar, the Amber Room, and the lost treasure of Lima. These treasures have been lost for centuries and their whereabouts are still unknown, leading to numerous treasure hunts and searches to try and find them.

Why are lost treasures so valuable?

Lost treasures are valuable because of their rarity and historical significance. These treasures often contain artifacts and objects that have been lost or forgotten for centuries, providing a glimpse into the past and helping to piece together historical events and cultures.

Additionally, lost treasures often have an air of mystery and intrigue, making them highly sought after by collectors and treasure hunters alike.