The Borovo silver treasure

Rhyton with figure of a sphinxA silver treasure found in 1974 by ploughing the ground 2 km from the village of Borovo, Ruse. The machines that brought the treasure to light damaged the items with their cutting implements but after a precise work it was restored to its original splendour. After the excavations no tumulus was found and it is a mystery why the treasure was buried in the ground. The treasure items are 5 silver vessels decorated with gold with a very interesting shape and ornamentation. It dates back to the middle of the 4th century BC. The treasure consists of the following items:

  • Three rhyta ending with figures of a horse, bull and sphinx. The details were precisely made.
  • Amphora-like jug — the clothes and hair of the people engraved on it are decorated with gold. The scenes on the jug are beautifully and skilfully made. They depict deities and dancing figures. One of the figures is of the god Dionysus, and other — of Heracles. The figure of Heracles is holding in his hands a rhyton similar to those in the treasure.
  • A silver large bowl with gold on its lip and around the massive handles. The heads of satyrs, mythical creatures from the suite of god Dionysus, are welded to the handles. The bowl is put on a cone-like stand. A deer attacked by a griffin is depicted in gold-plated relief in its centre.

The Borovo treasure dates back to the time of the Odrysian king Cotys I (383-359 BC) which is evident by the inscriptions with his name on two of the vessels.

Video – The Borovo silver treasure

 

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