The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest known civilizations, flourished several millennia ago in regions corresponding to modern-day Pakistan and western India. At its peak, it was home to over five million people and was renowned for its sophisticated urban infrastructure. However, the script used by this civilization remains an unsolved mystery, leaving the language and identity of its people unknown.
The reason behind the civilization’s disappearance around 1900 BCE is still debated. In an effort to decipher the enigmatic script, the Tamil Nadu government in southern India has announced a reward of $1 million for anyone who can successfully decode it. “Whoever solves the Indian enigma will become a millionaire,” the official statement declared.
Indus Valley inscriptions consist of symbols and signs that were primarily etched onto pottery and stones. The inscriptions are brief and follow distinct patterns, leading scholars to question whether they constitute a complete language. Researchers have identified around 400 unique symbols, and with the lucrative prize at stake, interest in solving the mystery has surged.
Rare Roman-Era Coins Discovered
While the challenge to decipher the Indus script gains momentum, a remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from a small town in the Netherlands. More than 400 gold and silver coins from the Roman era, dating back to the first century CE, have been unearthed.
The treasure includes coins bearing images of prominent rulers from Rome, Britain, and Africa, such as Claudius and Julius Caesar. Among the hoard, 116 coins are made of gold and are believed to have been buried around 47 CE. Experts suggest they may have been hidden by a Roman soldier returning from Britain, possibly with war loot.
This finding is particularly significant as it represents the largest Roman-era treasure ever discovered in the Utrecht province. Additionally, it is the first recorded instance in Europe of a collection containing both Roman and British coins.
Following meticulous cleaning and restoration, the coins have been incorporated into the national archaeological collection. Researchers will continue studying them to gain further insights into the historical connections between the regions they originated from.