Hundreds of ‘priceless’ pieces of jewellery, including a stunning gold laurel wreath, have been found in the grave of an ancient princess in Crimea.
The wealthy woman is believed to have been an elite member of the Scythian nomad tribes who roamed across Europe and Asia in the first century AD.
She was adorned for the afterlife and surrounded with 140 piece of jewellery including earrings, a necklace and plaques on her sleeves.
Two gold eye plates were also found but, in a puzzle to archaeologists, they were located on her chest.
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Scythian burial sites normally include several human remains but this site only contained the skeleton of the woman.
Experts say this is an indication of her high status in the ancient society found on the Black Sea peninsula, particularly when combined with the opulent items uncovered.
Nearby were found two gold rings, one with a glass gem. The other was inlaid with translucent carnelian engraved with an image of Eros and and a dog.
Other finds from her vault include a glass beads on her sleeves and a jug, possibly containing ancient wine.
In the grave, too, was an incense burner and a flagon of frankincense.
Many other graves at the Ust-Alminsky site in the Crimea peninsula – annexed by Russia from Ukraine five years ago – were looted.
Russian politician Ruslan Balbek said: ‘Some decorations in the form of a laurel wreath, golden amphoras and rings are unique in their characteristics.
‘They are fascinating in their novelty.’
The finds are as significant and valuable as another famous haul from the same ancient necropolis, some 31 miles southwest of regional capital Simferopol.
These finds are now held in the Netherlands where they were on display when Russia annexed Crimea.
Ukraine is engaged in a legal dispute to retain possession of this collection for which the insurance value was £1.7 million.
Russia insists the collection should be returned to Crimea.
However, this collection of 2,000 pieces including 500 gold items was said to have been significantly undervalued.
Both collections are seen as ‘priceless’. An appeal court hearing is due in Amsterdam next week.
