Thursday, July 06, 2006

The "Theseus Ring" Debate


Last November, the Greek press reported the (re) discovery of a gold signet ring (2.7 x 1.8 cm) dated to the late 15th-early 14th century BC and conventionally named "The Theseus Ring". The ring, which depicts a bull-leaping scene, is said to come from the area of Anafiotika at Plaka, Athens. The scene also includes a lion on the left and a tree (?) on the right.

Today, the National Museum at Athens wishes to buy the ring but there is a huge debate about its authenticity. Although preliminary archaeometric analyses from the "Democritus Institute" are said to verify its authenticity, some archaeologists, including Yannis Sakellarakis, are still sceptical.

For more info (in Greek), take a look here.

1 comment:

justinat1988 said...

When was it found? Is it at all possible to rc date matter around where it laid in situ?