Unveiling The Truth Behind Bolivia's Treasure Quest

Is there any truth to the Discovery Channel's Treasure Quest series? The show follows a team of treasure hunters as they embark on death-defying expeditions in search of legendary fortunes, from the Treasure of the Trinity to the Sacambaya Treasure. In Season 3, the team heads to Bolivia in search of the Sacambaya Treasure, said to have been hidden by Jesuits fleeing the country in the 1760s. The show certainly captures the thrill of the hunt and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. But is it all just clever scripting and creative storytelling, or is there some truth to these tales of lost treasure?

Is the Sacambaya treasure real?

The Sacambaya treasure is said to be a hoard of gold, silver and jewels hidden by Jesuits in a cave in Bolivia in the 1760s. The Jesuits had been ordered out of the country by the King of Spain and, according to legend, had local Indians construct a cave system to hide their treasure. They then murdered the workers and left curses for anyone who might try to retrieve the treasure.

Over the centuries, adventurers and explorers have tried to locate the treasure, often getting close but ultimately failing. Cecil Herbert Prodgers, for example, claimed to have a document from the daughter of Peru's president detailing the treasure's location. In 1905, he set off with a team of workers and managed to break into the cave system, but was forced to abandon the attempt due to toxic air. In the 1920s, Russian-born Edgar Sanders raised funds to search for the treasure, taking 20 men and modern equipment with him. However, after months of digging, their efforts were thwarted by the wet season.

In Season 3 of the Discovery Channel's show 'Treasure Quest', a team including Shawn Cowles, Jeremy Whalen and Jack Peters set out to find the Sacambaya treasure, said to be worth $2 billion. They encounter volatile weather, mountain lions, altitude sickness and blood-sucking bats during their quest.

While the show presents itself as a documentary, some viewers have expressed scepticism about its authenticity. In his book, 'So You Want to Be a "Reality" TV Star', Frederick "Cork" Graham, team leader of 'Treasure Quest: Snake Island', alleges that most of the episodes were heavily scripted and most discoveries were faked or planted. Graham also claims that a co-star physically assaulted him during filming. Other viewers have pointed to inconsistencies in the show, such as the team's clothing remaining unchanged throughout the series, and questioned why they didn't immediately retrieve gold bars they discovered in a cave.

So, is the Sacambaya treasure real? While there have been numerous expeditions to find it, none have conclusively proven its existence. The legend continues to lure explorers in search of riches, but the Sacambaya treasure remains elusive.

What is the Treasure of the Trinity?

The Treasure of the Trinity is a legendary trove of Incan treasure, a mythical stash of Incan gold believed to be hidden off the coast of Brazil for nearly 500 years. It is said to be worth nearly $400 million.

The story of the treasure begins in 1524, when Portuguese conquistador Aleixo Garcia led an expedition through the uncharted jungles of Brazil in search of Incan gold. With the help of thousands of warriors from the Guaraní people, Garcia attacked and looted Incan settlements, amassing a vast fortune. However, his Guaraní allies turned on him, killing him and his men and claiming the treasure for themselves. The Guaraní then reportedly took the treasure to the coast and hid it on Ilha da Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island, which is home to the deadly golden lancehead viper.

In the second season of the Discovery Channel reality TV show "Treasure Quest: Snake Island," a crew of treasure hunters led by Jeremy Whalen searched for the Treasure of the Trinity. At the end of the first season, Whalen and his teammate Cork Graham had discovered a critical clue on Snake Island indicating that the treasure was hidden in the depths of the Paraguayan jungle. In the second season, the team ventured into the treacherous waters of the Parana River and the punishing terrain of the Atlantic Forest, facing dangers such as venomous snakes, piranhas, and man-eating jaguars.

It is unclear if the team ultimately found the Treasure of the Trinity, as there are conflicting reports. One source indicates that the team discovered several artifacts, including a gold sunburst of Inca design and small metallic llamas, which suggested that they were close to finding the treasure. However, another source mentions that in the third season of "Treasure Quest," the team is no longer searching for the Treasure of the Trinity, implying that they did not find it in the second season.

Who were the Jesuits?

The Jesuits, or the Society of Jesus, are a Roman Catholic order of clerics regular for men in the Catholic Church. They were founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola and six companions, with the approval of Pope Paul III. Ignatius was a Basque nobleman from the Pyrenees area of northern Spain, and a soldier before he founded the Jesuits.

The Jesuits are consecrated under the patronage of Madonna della Strada, a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and are led by a superior general. Their headquarters are in Rome. Members of the Society of Jesus make professions of "perpetual poverty, chastity, and obedience" and promise a special obedience to the sovereign pontiff. This is because Ignatius was a nobleman with a military background, and the Jesuits are thus sometimes referred to as "God's soldiers".

The Jesuits established missions around the world from the 16th to the 18th century, with varying levels of success in Christianising native peoples. They have always been controversial within the Catholic Church and have frequently clashed with secular governments and institutions. Jesuits were expelled from most countries in Europe and European colonies beginning in 1759, and Pope Clement XIV officially suppressed the order in 1773. The Church lifted the suppression in 1814.

Jesuits have been involved in missionary work, education, research, and cultural pursuits. They conduct retreats, minister in hospitals and parishes, and sponsor direct social and humanitarian ministries. They also work in education, and have founded schools and universities around the world. They are also known for their involvement in publications, and for their contributions to science.

Is Treasure Quest: Snake Island scripted?

Treasure Quest: Snake Island is an American "reality" or "documentary-style" television series produced by MAK Pictures for the Discovery Channel. The series follows a crew of treasure hunters led by Jeremy Whalen as they search for the Treasure of the Trinity, a legendary trove of Incan treasure, throughout South America.

While the show is billed as reality television, there is evidence to suggest that it is at least partially scripted. In 2018, Cork Graham, the team leader for seasons 1 and 2, released a book alleging that most of the episodes were heavily scripted and that most of the discoveries were faked or planted. Graham also claimed that a co-star physically assaulted him during filming, which led to him suing the Discovery Network.

In the book, Graham alleges that the climax of Season 2, in which the team discovers a mask of the Incan sun god valued at $250,000, was faked. He claims that the object was actually a plastic model that was distressed to appear genuine.

Some viewers of the show have also expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the discoveries and the overall narrative arc of the series. One viewer commented that the show is "way less scripted" than similar shows like Oak Island, while another stated that it is "blatantly fake" and criticised the "creative editing".

While there are suggestions that Treasure Quest: Snake Island is at least partially scripted, it is important to note that these are allegations made by a former cast member and viewers, and may not necessarily reflect the true nature of the production process.

What is the Inca sun god?

Inti, the Inca sun god, was believed to be the ancestor of the Incas and the most powerful god in the Inca pantheon. Inti was usually represented in human form, with his face portrayed as a gold disk from which rays and flames extended.

Inti was closely associated with agriculture as he provided the warmth and light that crops needed to grow. He was also linked to the success of the Inca empire and was believed to be the source of all wealth, the king of heaven, plants, and the universe.

The Inca sun god was believed to be the son of Viracocha, the creator of the universe, and his wife, Mama Cocha, the goddess of the sea. Inti's sister and consort was the moon goddess, Mama-Kilya (or Mama-Quilla), who was portrayed as a silver disk with human features. Inti and Mama-Quilla were generally considered benevolent deities, but Inti was also capable of becoming terribly angry, and solar eclipses were considered a manifestation of his discontent.

The Inca people worshipped Inti through the construction of many temples, as well as through festivals and sacrifices. The most important festival was the Inti Raymi, or "Sun Festival," which was held during the winter solstice in June. During this festival, the Incas would fast for three days, after which the emperor would drink a corn-based beverage in front of the celebrants in honour of Inti. Then, the high priest would light a flame inside the Qorikancha, or Coricancha (the "Golden Temple"), and people would dance, sing, and play music. Children and white llamas were also sacrificed to Inti to ensure his continued generosity.

The worship of Inti was affected by the Spanish invasion, as the Spanish conquerors sought to stamp out the Inca religion. Many pieces of art and metalwork dedicated to Inti were destroyed, including a great golden disk representing Inti that was captured and sent to the Pope in 1571. Despite these efforts, the worship of Inti has enjoyed a limited revival in modern times, and the Inti Raymi festival is still celebrated in several countries throughout the Andean region.

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