For an archaeologist, knowing there is the possibility of a treasure trove worth thousands is exciting enough. However, when that treasure trove is believed to be worth $19 billion, and they have already found some evidence of its existence, the excitement levels are raised significantly.
The treasure in question is supposedly buried deep within a Finnish cave. A group of amateur archaeologists has desperately searched for it for years, not knowing if it is there or not. However, they have recently discovered an exciting piece of evidence that strongly points toward its existence.
The Lemminkäinen Temple
The Lemminkäinen Temple has been a part of Scandinavian folklore for centuries. This folklore claims that some treasure is buried deep within a Finnish cave, and the treasure is reportedly worth around $19 billion.
It is believed there are gemstones, gold and rare antiquities within the treasure. However, as it is folklore and not all folklore tales are accurate, there has been some doubt over the years as to whether this treasure exists.
The Entrance Was Filled in the Middle Ages
One of the main issues facing archaeologists today is that it is believed the entrance to the cave was filled at some point during the Middle Ages to protect the temple from Christian crusaders.
The entrance and limestone passageways were filled with mud and clay, and the cave is set to have been left alone ever since. That is until the Temple Twelve decided to do something about it.
The Temple Twelve
The Temple Twelve is a group of amateur archaeologists searching for the treasure over the last few years. They stem from many countries around the world, including the U.S.
Armed with some buckets and spades, the Temple Twelve have been digging into the cave for six hours a day, seven days a week, for over three decades. They have removed tons of rocks and clay and believe they may have finally had a breakthrough.
People Want to Join the Temple Twelve
News of the Temple Twelve’s recent discovery and their hopes for the future has traveled to many corners of the Earth. This has led to thousands of people reaching out to volunteer their time to help the group with its cause.
The Temple Twelve were grateful for the help, regardless of how big or small. The more people who could help, the quicker they would be able to reach the treasure.
The Importance of Ior Bock
Ior Bock was one of the key people searching for the treasure. He was a local tour guide who first mentioned the Lemminkäinen Temple in the 1980s. He also led the Temple Twelve until his death in 2010.
He claimed that tens of thousands of jewels, ancient artifacts and life-sized gold statues had been buried within the temple. The story intrigued many worldwide, who decided to volunteer their time to find the treasure.
Who Is Lemminkäinen?
As the temple was named after him, it is important to be aware of who Lemminkäinen is and why he is important in the search for the treasure that he supposedly buried inside the temple.
He is a prominent figure in Finnish mythology, but various tales differ in how he is killed. Some say an arrow shot him, whereas others say he was stabbed by a hollow reed. If the treasure is found, it will bring the archaeologists closer to learning the true story of Lemminkäinen.
The History of Lemminkäinen Temple
Lemminkäinen Temple is said to have been located in the Pohjola region, an area that was home to powerful and malevolent spirits. It was also guarded by fierce beasts, and only brave and skilled hunters could access it.
As Lemminkäinen was said to be a skilled hunter with excellent fishing skills, he had no issue accessing the temple, which is why it was named after him.
The Hoard Was Added to in 987AD
It has been widely speculated that the hoard was last added to in 987 AD. This was hundreds of years ago, and the cave’s entrance and passageways have since been filled in.
This is why any discovery of treasure, even if it is the smallest gemstone, will come as a great relief to archaeologists in search of treasure and to people who are familiar with the tale and want to see some proof of it.
The First Evidence of the Treasure Existing
After over three decades of searching for the treasure, the archaeologists have finally found some evidence that it exists. This is in the form of an axe.
While this might not sound exciting enough to most people, it is undoubtedly exciting to the Temple Twelve. After spending decades trying to find something that might not even exist, they are one step closer to discovering something of greatness.
Hope From an Ancient Axe
The axe is believed to be around 1,000 years old and has brought hope to those in search of the treasure. Its shape is also set to fit in perfectly with the axes used during the Viking era.
The location of the axe within the cave is also said to be evidence of the temple being filled in by hand rather than a natural build-up of silt over the years due to the cave being pretty much abandoned.
On the Brink of a Breakthrough
For years, archaeologists have been telling people that they are on the brink of a breakthrough. However, now that they have discovered the axe, they are getting increasingly closer to discovering what is really inside the temple.
This is the group’s first real discovery in over thirty years, but many people worldwide are watching on with awe as the team gets increasingly closer to making a breakthrough that could make a Finnish myth historical fact for the rest of time.
