Greek Reporter: See the glittering gold of Mycenaean Greece
UC Classics discoveries shed light on ancient Greece
The Greek Reporter highlighted gold artifacts discovered by researchers at the University of Cincinnati in Pylos, Greece.
The Bronze Age gold documented the culture, religion and economy of the Mycenaean civilization, characterized by palatial states, advanced urban organization and a written language called Linear B.
UC Classics Professor Jack Davis and Senior Research Associate Sharon Stocker in 2015 discovered the tomb of an ancient Greek leader dubbed the "Griffin Warrior" for the mythological griffin adorning an ivory plaque found in his grave.
The discovery was hailed as one of the most spectacular Greek finds in two generations. The tomb included armor, weapons and jewelry, including an exquisite agate sealstone depicting mortal combat in such fine detail that Archaeology magazine declared it “a Bronze Age masterpiece.”
The tomb contained more than 2,000 objects crafted by artisans: gold rings emblazoned with leaping bulls, an epic battle depicted on a tiny sealstone and a delicate gold necklace bearing polished agate and beads.
UC Classics Professor Jack Davis, left, and Senior Research Associate Sharon Stocker pose in front of the Colosseum. Their discoveries are helping to shed light on ancient Mycenaean civilization. Photo/Provided
In 2017, Davis and Stocker found gold-covered princely tombs at Pylos that likewise contained gold jewelry and artifacts that are helping historians understand ancient Greece.
“Like with the Griffin Warrior grave, by the end of the first week we knew we had something that was really important,” said Stocker, who supervised the excavation.
A particularly interesting find was a gold pendant bearing the image of the Egyptian goddess Hathor who presided over motherhood and the protection of the dead, the Greek Reporter wrote.
“You have this explosion of wealth. People are vying for power,” Stocker said. “It’s the formative years that will give rise to the Classic Age of Greece.”
Read the Greek Reporter story.
Featured image at top: A gold ring found in the family tombs at Pylos depicts bulls and barley. Archaeologists believe it's the first known depiction of domestic animals and agriculture in a single artwork from ancient Greece. Photo/Jeff Vanderpool/UC Classics
Related Stories
History Department Lecture
January 9, 2002
Lecture by Allan W. Winkler, Miami University, Oxford on "Urban America in World War II: Cincinnati as an example" at the Cincinnati Museum Center at 7:30pm.
UC Research Ranking Climbs
January 10, 2002
The University of Cincinnati moved up in two different national rankings established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to compare college and university research efforts.
History Department Lecture
January 17, 2002
Lecture by Leslie Adelson, Cornell University, will deliver a Taft lecture titled "Back to the Future and Beyond 'Two Worlds':Turkish Lines of Thought in Contemporary German Literature and Memory Work" at 3:00pm in the Max Kade German Cultural Center in Old Chemistry.
New Appointments in McMicken Administration
January 21, 2002
The college is very pleased to announce two new appointments.
Sign Up for the Discovering A&S Elective
January 24, 2002
Parent's Asking, "What does someone do with THAT major?" Don't know all your options? Sign up for a 2 credit hour elective where you can meet A&S faculty, emeriti faculty, as well as, alumni.
Three of Four UC Fulbrights Scholars from McMicken
January 28, 2002
Tainted water supplies in Bangladesh, international security and missile defense, transformations in Mexico and greater understanding of India - this varied list sums up the work of four Fulbright Scholars at the University of Cincinnati who are concentrating on real-life issues involving our neighbors around the world.
Prominent Line-Up Examines Race in 2002 Ropes Series
January 31, 2002
The issue of race will receive one of the most intensive examinations undertaken in Cincinnati since the April riots when the University of Cincinnati Department of English launches its Ropes series in January and February 2002.
Nominate a Distinguished Alumni
January 31, 2002
The Purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Awards is to recognize graduates of the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievements.
UC Physicists Play Important Role in Experiments That Provided New Understanding of Neutrinos
January 31, 2002
Three physicists at the University of Cincinnati played a key role in recent experiments which provided a surprising new understanding of a tiny subatomic particle known as the neutrino.
Angelene Jamison-Hall: Publishing Award
February 13, 2002
An unpublished novel by Angelene Jamison-Hall won first place in the new writing contest sponsored by River View Publishing in Riverside, Iowa.