Lost Treasures

Found & Forgotten: Ancient Skulls, Viking Gold, and the Right Way to Dig

In this thrilling episode of Lost Treasures, hosts Adam Means and John Scheil return from a short break with a jam-packed discussion of recent discoveries and lessons learned in the world of treasure hunting and archaeology. From ancient skulls in China to Viking-era betrayals in Britain and Roman coin hoards in Romania, this episode has it all — along with Adam’s personal update on a years-long excavation journey. In This Episode: * 🧠 300,000-Year-Old Skull Discovery: Hear about a new find in China that may represent a previously unknown human ancestor — complete with forensic clues like healed lesions and unique brain size. * 🪙 Viking Coin Controversy in Britain: Learn how two metal detectorists found a $3.8 million treasure and lost everything (including their freedom) by skipping the legal steps. It’s a cautionary tale of greed and impatience. * 🏛 Roman Coin Jackpot: A retired welder in Britain stumbles upon an ultra-rare gold Roman coin from 69 AD — and does everything right, earning recognition and a share of the reward. * ⚖️ Cultural Patrimony & Legal Lessons: The hosts explore what can happen when treasure laws are ignored — and why playing by the rules ensures both historical preservation and personal gain. * 📍 Adam’s Personal Excavation Update: Adam shares behind-the-scenes details of his three-year-long journey to legally excavate in a public park. From dealing with archaeologists to mastering permits, GPR surveys, and contract issues, it’s a masterclass in real-world treasure hunting. * 🏺 Dacian Silver in Romania: Dive into two stunning Romanian finds — one featuring 1,469 Roman silver coins and another with ornate Dacian-era silver jewelry, both done by detectorists who followed the rules and are now part of the historical record. Download and Tune In! This episode is a global tour through time, treasure, and the challenges of doing things the right way. Whether you're new to metal detecting or deep into your own archaeological project, Episode 18 offers practical advice, legal insights, and jaw-dropping discoveries. Download now and join Adam and John as they uncover the past — the right way — on Lost Treasures.

Buried Truths: Egypt’s Royal Tombs, Ancient Fortresses, and the Oldest Calendar on Earth

In this jam-packed episode of Lost Treasures, hosts Adam Means and John Scheil take you on an unforgettable journey across continents and millennia, exploring the most astonishing archaeological discoveries making headlines in 2025. The duo dives deep into recent finds and what they reveal about ancient civilizations — all with their signature wit, insight, and infectious enthusiasm. In This Episode: * 🏺 The Tomb of Thutmose II: Hear the incredible story of the first royal tomb discovered near the Valley of the Kings since 1922 — a site hidden behind waterfalls and misidentified for decades. Learn how color, symbolism, and fragments of alabaster helped confirm its royal occupant. * 🧱 China’s Great Wall Gets Older: A newly uncovered section of the Great Wall dates construction back 300 years earlier than previously believed. John and Adam unpack what this means for our understanding of the Western Zhou Dynasty and early Chinese engineering. * 🕌 Saudi Arabia’s Bronze Age City: Beneath an oasis, archaeologists found an ancient fortified settlement complete with trade goods like frankincense and myrrh — a testament to a thriving trade network stretching across the ancient world. * 🛕 A Nabataean Temple in Italy: A 2,000-year-old temple, dedicated to Nabataean gods, was uncovered off the coast of southern Italy — the only one of its kind ever found outside the Middle East. * ⚰️ Luxor’s Sealed Chambers: Eleven newly unearthed tombs from nearly 4,000 years ago give a fresh glimpse into ancient Egyptian family life, burial customs, and craftsmanship. * 🎨 Women on the Throne: Stunning murals in Peru reveal the Moche society may have been matriarchal, with depictions of women in positions of power dating back to 650 CE. * 📅 The World’s Oldest Calendar: At Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, the oldest known luni-solar calendar has been discovered — a 12,000-year-old record of celestial events and comet strikes that may have led to a mini ice age and sparked the rise of agriculture. Download and Tune In! From Egypt to China, Italy to Peru, this episode explores the wonders of human civilization and the buried clues that connect us to our past. Whether you're a historian at heart or just love a good mystery, Episode 17 of Lost Treasures delivers a globe-spanning dose of discovery, wonder, and humor. Download now and explore the stories the earth has been waiting to tell.

Unveiling Hidden Histories: From Notre Dame to Neolithic China

Join hosts John Scheil and Adam Means in this intriguing episode of "Lost Treasures," as they uncover the layers of history from the recent archaeological findings around the world. This episode is packed with updates and insights into significant discoveries that tell us more about our past and present. In This Episode: * Notre Dame Cathedral Reopening: Dive into the recent renovations at Notre Dame Cathedral, where the fire's aftermath led to unexpected archaeological finds, including ancient graves and artifacts, revealing more about Paris's storied past. * Global Archaeological Discoveries: Travel around the world from your headphones with stories of extraordinary finds such as a 5,000-year-old jade dragon in China, and explore how these discoveries are reshaping our understanding of history. * Treasure Hunting Technologies: Hear about the latest in metal detecting technologies that are making waves in the treasure hunting community, enhancing the search for lost artifacts. * Community and Exploration: Learn about the hosts' plans to engage more with their audience through live digs and interactive sessions, bringing the thrill of discovery to listeners everywhere. Tune in Now! Whether you are an amateur historian, a professional archaeologist, or someone fascinated by the mysteries of the past, this episode of "Lost Treasures" offers a riveting look into the treasures hidden beneath our feet and the modern technologies uncovering them. Download the episode on your favorite podcast platform and join John and Adam as they bring history to life through exciting stories and discussions. Links referenced in this episode: * highplainsprospectors.com [https://highplainsprospectors.com] * losttreasuresam.com [https://losttreasuresam.com]

Global Discoveries and Technological Advancements in Treasure Hunting

Join hosts Adam and John for an action-packed episode of "Lost Treasures," as they take listeners on a global tour of recent archeological finds and share thrilling tales from the treasure hunting world. This episode features updates on ongoing projects, insights from seasoned metal detectorists, and fascinating stories about the latest discoveries world wide. In This Episode: * Treasure Hunting Technologies: Adam discusses advancements in metal detecting with a showcase of a high-end $10,000 metal detector featured on his TikTok, emphasizing the fusion of technology and tradition in modern treasure hunts. * Global Archaeological Finds: From a 5,000-year-old jade dragon in China to ancient pottery in Egypt, the hosts cover recent significant archeological discoveries that provide a window into ancient civilizations. * Treasure Hunts and Legal Battles: The episode delves into the enchanting yet complex world of treasure bounties, including the discovery of the "Golden Owl" in France after 31 years and the legal intricacies involved in such hunts. * Community and Engagement: The hosts encourage community interaction and share exciting plans for upcoming episodes, inviting listeners to submit their stories and join the treasure-hunting conversation. Tune in Now! Whether you're a history buff, an adventurer, or a tech-savvy treasure hunter, this episode of "Lost Treasures" offers a treasure trove of stories and insights. Download the episode on your favorite podcast platform, and join Adam and John as they explore the thrilling intersection of history, technology, and treasure hunting.

Challenges and Triumphs in Archaeological Excavations

Join hosts Adam Means and John Sheil in this enlightening episode of "Lost Treasures," as they delve into the practical challenges and unexpected discoveries of archaeological excavations. This episode offers a first-hand account of a recent dig at Eden Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, highlighting the intricacies and hurdles encountered during such ventures. In This Episode: * Field Challenges: Adam recounts the recent Eden Park excavation, detailing a mishap with GPS coordinates that initially led the team astray. The resolution involved a blend of modern technology and old-school navigation techniques to correct the course. * Community Involvement: The hosts discuss the community's enthusiastic participation in the dig, emphasizing the educational and communal value of public archaeology. * Learning Opportunities: John reflects on the educational aspects of working alongside archaeologists and park personnel, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation of the archaeological process—from site setup to the meticulous sifting of soil. * Unexpected Setbacks: Adam shares a personal challenge of contracting poison ivy during the excavation, adding a human element to the trials of fieldwork. Tune in Now! This episode not only shares the technical sides of an archaeological dig but also personal stories that bring the field's challenges and joys to life. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology student, or simply curious about the past, this episode of "Lost Treasures" offers a compelling glimpse into the world of excavation. Download the episode on your favorite podcast platform, and join Adam and John as they unearth the past, one layer at a time.