2,000-Year-Old Gold Rings with Brahmi Script Found in Thai Iron Age Burial

At the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, Thailand, approximately 80 miles southwest of Bangkok, two gold rings dating back 2,000 years were unearthed, one featuring Brahmi script. These artifacts were located near human remains in what is thought to be a burial site from the Iron Age for elite individuals. Excavations that began in February 2026 have revealed more than six skeletons, all oriented northeast with bronze items placed above their heads, alongside gold jewelry, bronze artifacts, and pottery indicative of high status. The engraved ring includes the term "pusarakhitasa," translating to "the one protected by Pushya," a Vedic zodiac sign. The unadorned ring suggests its owner was part of the Vaishya social class, which includes merchants and farmers. The site was initially discovered by locals in 2026, who found bronze drums in a rice field. Researchers intend to perform 3D scans and send charcoal samples to the U.S. for dating.