Thrace: A Northern Treasure Trove
Egypt: Gold and Geopolitical Ties
anatolia: Exploring Beyond the Usual Suspects
Colchis and its Gold in Prehistoric Times
The Mycenaean civilization, flourishing between 1600 and 1100 BC on the Greek mainland, was well-known for its opulence, notably evident in the vast amounts of gold objects discovered in its archaeological sites. Many scholars and enthusiasts alike have pondered the source of this immense wealth, asking, "Where did the Mycenaeans get their gold?" This article explores some prominent theories, focusing on the regions of Thrace and Egypt, as well as other potential sources.
Thrace: A Northern Treasure Trove
Thrace, the ancient region spanning parts of modern-day Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey, has long been speculated to be a primary source of Mycenaean gold. The abundance of gold and other precious metals in the region is historically established.
Gold artifacts from the Bronze Age, contemporary to the Mycenaean era, have been unearthed in Thracian lands, indicating local utilization and appreciation of the metal.
The proximity of Thrace to the Mycenaean centers would have facilitated trade. The Mycenaeans were known to engage in extensive trade networks, and it's plausible that they procured gold from the Thracians, either through direct trade or as loot from conquests.
Varna gold treasure
Egypt: Gold and Geopolitical Ties
While geographically farther away than Thrace, Egypt's significance in the ancient world and its diplomatic ties with the Mycenaean civilization make it a noteworthy contender.
Ample Sources of Gold: Egypt was known for its gold mines, especially in areas like the Eastern Desert and Nubia. The ancient Egyptians held gold in high regard, associating it with the sun god Ra and immortality.
Diplomatic Exchanges: The Amarna letters, a series of clay tablets from the 14th century BC, showcase diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian Pharaoh and various rulers, including those from the Mycenaean world. Such connections indicate that high-value exchanges, possibly involving gold, could have taken place.
Mercenary Services: There's speculation, though not conclusive proof, that the Mycenaeans might have served as mercenaries for the Egyptians. In such scenarios, they might have been paid in gold, contributing to the wealth accumulated back on the Greek mainland.
anatolia: Exploring Beyond the Usual Suspects
While Thrace and Egypt are often highlighted due to their historic prominence and connections to the Mycenaean world, other regions should not be overlooked.
Ancient Anatolia, primarily modern-day Turkey, was rich in mineral resources, including gold. The Mycenaeans had connections with the Hittite Empire, which dominated Anatolia during this period.
The possibility of local sources of gold within or near the Mycenaean territories shouldn't be dismissed. While not as abundant as the previously mentioned regions, local sources could have supplemented imported gold.
Trade and exchange between the Aegean world (including the Mycenaean Greeks) and Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) is an integral aspect of the Bronze Age and Iron Age history of the eastern Mediterranean. Anatolia has been home to numerous civilizations, such as the Hittites, Luwians, and Phrygians, and has served as a bridge between the East and the West.
Early Connections: The foundation for Aegean-Anatolian connections was likely laid during the Early Bronze Age, with both regions participating in a broader network that included the Cycladic islands and Minoan Crete. Goods like obsidian from the Aegean would have made their way to Anatolian shores, and vice versa.
Mycenaean-Hittite Relations: The Mycenaean civilization and the Hittite Empire, two dominant powers during the Late Bronze Age, had significant interactions. Hittite texts have made reference to a place named "Ahhiyawa," which many scholars believe refers to the Mycenaean Greek world.
The Hittite archives from Hattusa, the capital, contain letters exchanged between Hittite kings and rulers of Ahhiyawa. These letters hint at both cooperation and conflict, illustrating the complexity of their relationship.
Gary Todd, flickr, Hittite Gold Necklace, Ancient Anatolia Gallery, British Museum, London, England, UK.
Goods such as oils, textiles, metals (including gold and tin, essential for bronze production), ceramics, and luxury items would have been exchanged between the two civilizations. The Mycenaeans were particularly renowned for their pottery, which has been found in Hittite contexts.
Troy's Strategic Position: Located at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, the city of Troy held a strategic position in controlling maritime traffic between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea. This location made it an essential trade hub, facilitating exchange between the Aegean world and Anatolia.
End of the Bronze Age and Continued Interactions: As the Bronze Age transitioned into the Iron Age, both Anatolia and the Aegean world underwent significant changes. The collapse of the Hittite Empire and the decline of the Mycenaean palatial centers in the late 12th century BC shifted the nature of interactions, but trade and exchange continued. The emergence of new Anatolian kingdoms, like Phrygia, and the rise of city-states in the Aegean ensured continued trade ties.
Trade and exchange with Anatolia were instrumental in shaping the cultural, economic, and political landscape of the Aegean during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The intricate web of interactions, from trade goods to diplomacy and conflicts, highlights the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and underscores the importance of Anatolia as a nexus of ancient trade routes and cultural interactions.
Colchis and its Gold in Prehistoric Times
Colchis, located in the region of modern-day western Georgia, plays a significant role in both mythological and historical accounts of the ancient world, especially in the famous Greek tale of the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. Beyond its legendary status, the historical Colchis was a prosperous land with a reputation for wealth and, particularly, gold.
In discussions about the sources of Mycenaean gold, Colchis should indeed not be forgotten. As a significant hub for gold in the prehistoric Black Sea region and given its connections with the larger ancient world, there's every reason to consider that Colchis played a role in supplying the Mycenaean civilization with gold, either directly or indirectly. The mix of historical facts, archaeological finds, and enduring myths makes the question of gold from Colchis even more intriguing.
James Blake Wiener / World History Encyclopedia
Alluvial Gold: Colchis was famous for its alluvial gold—that is, gold deposits transported by rivers and deposited in riverbeds. The ancient Greeks wrote of local inhabitants using sheepskins to trap these small particles of gold from the rivers, an image that likely contributed to the myth of the Golden Fleece.
Recent archaeological excavations in Georgia have unearthed rich golden artifacts, indicating the long tradition of gold mining and crafting in the region, which dates back to the prehistoric era.
Trade Relations with the Mycenaean World: Given the Mycenaean civilization's vast trading networks and their love for gold, it is plausible that they would have sought trade relations with regions known for the precious metal. Colchis, with its gold resources, would have been a likely trade partner. The acquisition of Colchian gold might have further added to the wealth of the Mycenaean world.
The Mythological Connection: The tale of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece showcases the allure of Colchian gold. While the story is rooted in mythology, it reflects the ancient Greek knowledge of Colchis's wealth.
Colchis's geographic location made it a crucial intersection between the steppes of southern Russia, the civilizations of Anatolia, and the ancient Near East. Its gold, combined with its strategic position, made Colchis an influential player in regional politics and trade.
The wealth of the Mycenaean world, manifested in its golden treasures, is a testament to the civilization's power, reach, and economic prowess. While it's challenging to pinpoint the exact sources of this gold, it's clear that their extensive trade and diplomatic networks across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond played a pivotal role. Whether it was the rich mines of Thrace, the splendid treasures of Egypt, or the distant lands of Anatolia, the Mycenaeans managed to tap into these resources, creating a legacy that continues to captivate us today.
