El Dorado: The truth behind the myth

For centuries European invaders were infatuated with 'El Dorado', the fabled city of gold, in what is now known as Colombia. Countless attempts to find the city and exploit its riches led many an explorer on a wild goose chase and even caused Sir Walter Raleigh's demise.
But 'El Dorado' was real in as far as it refers to a ritual that took place at Lake Guatavita, near modern Bogotá.
The British Museum's exhibition 'Beyond El Dorado: power and gold in ancient Colombia', will display some of the fascinating objects excavated from the lake in the early 20th century, including ceramics and stone necklaces.
The exhibition opens October 17 and runs until March 23, 3014.