Images

archaicwonder:

Greek Gold and Garnet Earrings, Eastern Greek, 4th Century BC

With the Greek expansion East, especially into the Black sea region, new
cultures and art styles were experienced which had an effect on the
Greek settlers, as well as the impact of Greek culture on the native
peoples of these areas, such as the Scythians. With the defeat of the
Persians by Alexander the Great, and the establishment of the
Hellenistic kingdoms in the East, more opportunities were opened up for
extensive trade routes and an influx of luxury items to the West.

The kingdom on the Eastern shores of the Black Sea, known as Colchis,
was famous for its wealth in gold and legends such as the Golden Fleece
grew up based on the fabulous riches of this area. Milesian Greeks
settled the area in the sixth century BC and soon established themselves
as wealthy trading oligarchies. Many of the gold items that were
created by Greek craftsmen were exported to other Greek colonies across
the Mediterranean as luxury items, but were also valued by the Scythians
as prestige items. These were worn by the elite leaders of the tribes,
as well as their families, as a means of displaying their wealth and
power.