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The ornate object was covered in dirt but well preserved, inspiring the farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, to send photos to archaeologists at the nearby Silesian Museum in Opava. Jiří Juchelka(opens in new tab), head of the Silesian Museum's archaeology department, told Radio Prague International(opens in new tab) (RPI) that the 20-inch-long (51 centimeters) object — made out of gold with inclusions of silver, copper and iron — was likely the front of a leather belt. "It is decorated with raised concentric circles and topped with rose-shaped clasps at the end," Based on the style of the decoration, she...

Cadbury has temporarily pulled its "real treasure hunt" ad campaign after archaeologists and the government accused it of advocating looting. The Treasure Island ads encouraged children to "grab your metal detector and go hunting for Roman riches", but failed to warn that digging without permission is illegal. It suggested a number of sites across the UK and Ireland where "treasure's fair game". The confectioner took the online ad site down on Monday after being inundated with messages from archaeologists who described the campaign as "irresponsible" - a view endorsed by the government. The arts minister, Michael Ellis, said the ad...

Researchers may have found the "Mona Lisa" model's skeleton. (Photo : Wikimedia Commons) Scientists are on a mission to find the model for the "Mona Lisa," they plan to dig up centuries-old graves and digitally reconstruct the face of a choice skeleton. Experts believe the model for the famous "Mona Lisa" painting was Leonardo da Vinci's neighbor, Lisa Gherardini Del Giocondo, ANSA reported. Several skeletons found in a Florence convent last year could be the remains of the model. Experts plan to identify the most likely candidate and compare the DNA with a body believed to be her son. "Right...