New archaeological discovery at Pylos: a Mycenaean burial full of Minoan artifacts. "The griffin warrior" is a quick name, but an evocative one.
The coffin has long since decayed, but still remaining are the bones of a man about 30 to 35 years old and lying on his back. Placed to his left were weapons, including a long bronze sword with an ivory hilt clad in gold and a gold-hilted dagger. On his right side were four gold rings with fine Minoan carvings and some 50 Minoan seal stones carved with imagery of goddesses and bull jumpers . . . An ivory plaque carved with a griffin, a mythical animal that protected goddesses and kings, lay between the warrior's legs. The grave contained gold, silver and bronze cups . . . Among the objects accompanying him to the netherworld were a bronze mirror with an ivory handle and six ivory combs.
Of course I want to know the story. I hope it is there for the finding. The photographs are beautiful.
The coffin has long since decayed, but still remaining are the bones of a man about 30 to 35 years old and lying on his back. Placed to his left were weapons, including a long bronze sword with an ivory hilt clad in gold and a gold-hilted dagger. On his right side were four gold rings with fine Minoan carvings and some 50 Minoan seal stones carved with imagery of goddesses and bull jumpers . . . An ivory plaque carved with a griffin, a mythical animal that protected goddesses and kings, lay between the warrior's legs. The grave contained gold, silver and bronze cups . . . Among the objects accompanying him to the netherworld were a bronze mirror with an ivory handle and six ivory combs.
Of course I want to know the story. I hope it is there for the finding. The photographs are beautiful.