Tomb Explorers

Book excerpt: 'Tomb Explorers' examines the hunt for and discovery of ancient tombs, and the valuable treasures they hold, whether that be gold and jewels, or important artifacts that offer us a window on to the past. Part of the Treasure Hunters series, 'Tomb Explorers' offers a crosscurricular mix of science & technology and history & civilizations, with a fun, dramatic approach. Tombs covered in the book include that of Tutankhamun, the Sumerian royal tombs of Ur, the Terracotta Army of ancient China, and the Mayan tombs of Palanque in the Mexican Rainforest, and the Oseberg ship burial. The book also looks at the motives for these searches, and the importance of responsible archaeology: were the treasure hunters driven by personal greed or glory, or did they embark on their quest with a historical interest and a desire to preserve the lost treasures?