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| | Gold Treasures of the Ayutthaya Period |
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In 1957 the archaeologists of the Fine Arts Department conducted an excavation at the crypt of the main prang of Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya. The rich find, one of the most significant in the history of Thai archaeology, led to the discovery of some two thousand objects reflecting religious and aristocratic life in the early Ayutthaya period. Among the thousands of objects the most important pieces are the articles of royal regalia such as crowns and swords, and the princely ornaments of various types of neck and chest decorations, necklaces, armlets, bracelets and rings. Also important are the religious objects including gold plaques depicting the Buddha, a large number of fine Buddha images in the round and the votive tablets.
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It is believed that many of these artifacts belonged to the two elder of King Intharacha's three sons, who both returned to Ayutthaya to seize the throne when they heard of their father's death. Meeting near the palace, they fought a dual on elephant back and both were killed. The youngest son, who was not involved in the fight, then automatically ascended the throne as Phra Borom Rachathirat.
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To make merit for his dead brothers, the new king built two chedis on the spot where they died, and the main prang in Wat Ratchaburana to enshrine their belongings and votive objects.
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