Not everyone can pride themselves in a life as adventurous as that of Indiana Jones, but many can arguably match his level of curiosity when it comes to artifacts and treasures.
If you are, by any chance, one of said many, you’re in for a treat—on the list below you will find stories of treasures gone missing that are surrounded by mystery and likely never to be seen again. Scroll down to unearth the mysterious tales, grab your fedora, and embark on an adventure—even if only in your imagination—of finding out what might have happened to the treasures in the pictures. Don’t miss Bored Panda’s interview with associate professor of history at Southern Utah University, Dave Lunt, as well, which you will also find upon scrolling down.
#21 Treasure Of Lima
The Treasure of Lima, looted from the Spanish in 1820, is a legendary hoard of gold, silver, and jewelry, believed to be buried on Costa Rica's Cocos Island. Its value is estimated at £160 million ($208 million) today, but it remains lost.
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26points
#22 Brussels Airport Diamond Heist Stolen Items
In 2003, robbers posing as police officers executed a swift heist at Brussels Airport, stealing $50 million worth of diamonds from a Swiss flight. Armed with assault rifles, they stopped the plane, seized 130 bags of gems, and quickly escaped. Though some diamonds were recovered, many remain missing. In 2013, several arrests were made after the thieves tried to sell the stolen diamonds. The trial continued for years, with the alleged mastermind eventually sentenced in 2019.
25points
#23 Scepter Of Dagobert
Part of the French Regalia since the 7th century, the treasure, named after King Dagobert I, was kept in the Basilica of Saint-Denis until it vanished in 1795, likely stolen. It was created by master goldsmith Saint Eligius.
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24points
#24 The Just Judges
The Just Judges, a panel from the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, was stolen in 1934 and remains missing. The panel is believed to feature portraits of contemporary figures like Philip the Good and possibly the artists themselves.
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24points
#25 Heirloom Seal Of The Realm
The Heirloom Seal of the Ming and Qing dynasties was lost during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, with various theories about its disappearance. Despite efforts to find it, including during Ming and Qing reigns, the seal remains missing, and no claims to its discovery have been substantiated. The Heirloom Seal was a symbol of imperial legitimacy, representing the authority of the emperor, which made its loss a significant blow to the continuity of the Chinese imperial system.
23points
#26 Antwerp Diamond Heist Stolen Items
The Antwerp diamond heist, known as the "heist of the century," occurred over the weekend of February 15-16, 2003, in Belgium. Thieves stole diamonds, gold, silver, and jewelry worth over $100 million. Despite some arrests, most of the stolen diamonds remain missing.
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22points
#27 Menorah From The Second Temple
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, historically used in the Tabernacle and the Jerusalem Temple. It has long symbolized the Jewish people and Judaism, both in Israel and the Diaspora. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the menorah became its official emblem. It is considered a missing treasure, with the original candelabrum lost to history after the destruction of the Second Temple.
21points
#28 Treasure Of Amaro Pargo
This lost treasure is said to include silver, gold jewelry, pearls, valuable stones, Chinese porcelain, fabrics, paintings, and possibly 500,000 pesos. Its location is debated, with theories suggesting it lies near Roques de Anaga, Punta del Hidalgo, or the cave of San Mateo in Tenerife.
21points
#29 Treasure Of The Llanganatis
The Treasure of the Llanganates is said to be a vast hoard of gold, silver, and other valuables hidden by Inca general Ruminahui in Ecuador's Llanganates mountains. After learning of Atahualpa's death, he secreted the treasure away, but despite his capture, its location remains unknown.
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19points
#30 Twin Sisters Cannons
The Twin Sisters are a pair of iconic cannons used by Texas forces during the Texas Revolution and the American Civil War. Famous for their role in the Battle of San Jacinto, they are considered the "Texas Holy Grail," with a legendary place in Texas military history.
14points