»Declassified map inspires treasure hunt for Nazi-looted wealth«
There are few things that stimulate the imagination as much as a traditional treasure hunt, and this week a massive one is taking place in the Netherlands. Officials in the European nation have published an ancient map that is claimed to disclose where Nazi German soldiers concealed millions of dollars’ worth of plunder during World War II.
The metal detector’s high-pitched buzz alerts treasure seeker Jan Henzen that he may be getting closer.
“I’m quite tickled,” he declares. I’ve been investigating this area for thirty years and have discovered some wonderful Roman artifacts, but I had no idea that Nazi loot was hidden here.
Jan Henzen, a metal detectorist and treasure hunter, excavates dirt near the Dutch village of Ommeren in search of wealth hidden by Nazi German soldiers during World War II. Reuters
The Dutch National Archive disclosed the news by releasing the map online, after it had been kept secret for 75 years in accordance with the nation’s official secrets laws.
“The red crosses show where four boxes of treasure are buried,” explained Annet Waalkens, an archivist, as she explained the map surrounding the Dutch village of Ommeren.
“There are brooches, necklaces, silver and gold coins, rubies, diamonds, lots of valuables,” she claimed, estimating the hidden treasure’s worth at millions of dollars.
A little map, revealed online after being held secret for seventy-five years by Dutch officials, supposedly depicts the locations of treasures seized by Nazi German forces during World War II. Reuters
Modern explorers have descended on the Dutch town, which was on the front lines during World War II, in hopes of unearthing the loot German soldiers stole following the 1944 bank explosion.
Concerns have been raised regarding the scope of the amateur scavenging as officials have observed the treasure hunt with curiosity.
Officials have observed the treasure search with interest, but they are concerned about the scope of the amateur treasure hunting.
“I have already encountered Dutch citizens from all throughout the country. Yesterday, someone from Drenthe using a divining rod reported finding the location, but it was buried beneath asphalt, which was inconvenient “Former mayor of the city Klaas Tammes stated. “I understand, but I believe it will be difficult to locate. On the other hand, as the president of the foundation that owns this land, I am also somewhat apprehensive, as I am aware that people will begin excavating randomly. I hope it won’t spiral out of control.”
However, Henzen stays intent on his hunt.
“I think it’s buried here,” he continues, “and I’m not the only one, because I already see some big holes in the ground.”
In the end, though, the race for the riches may never be won; shortly after World War II, Dutch officials obtained the map from a German soldier, and they attempted to locate the treasure twice in 1947 without success.
»Declassified map inspires treasure hunt for Nazi-looted wealth«