Greek Gold Earring (305-224 BC), from Mesopotamia; belonged to
Seleucid Empire.
A winged, naked Eros stands upon a kantharos cup (wine/offerings cup) which sits over an alabastron vase (container used for perfume and oils). Below, the earring ends in the shape of an Amphora vase (Pithos – storage vase), decorated with Garnets.
Seleucid Empire (Kingdom, as it is referred to in Hellenic) was a Greek power in West Asia during the Hellenistic period. Founded in 312 BC by the Macedonian general Seleucus I Nicator, it began after the division of the Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great, and ruled by the Seleucid dynasty until its annexation by the Roman Republic under Pompey in 63 BC.
Around 305-224 BC, in the land of Mesopotamia, within the territory of the Seleucid Empire, there was a special pair of gold earrings. These earrings were not just a valuable piece of jewelry but also carried an intriguing historical story.
The Seleucid Empire, also known as the Seleucid Kingdom in ancient Greek, was a powerful force in Western Asia during the Hellenistic period. Founded in 312 BC by the Macedonian general Seleucus I Nicator, this empire emerged after the division of the Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great. The Seleucid dynasty ruled until it was annexed by the Roman Republic under Pompey in 63 BC.
These gold earrings are a perfect testament to the art and culture of the Seleucid Empire. On the earrings, a small statue of Eros, the god of love and desire in Greek mythology, is finely carved and stands on a kantharos cup, typically used for holding wine or offerings. Beneath the cup is an alabastron vase, a type of container commonly used to store perfumes and oils. At the bottom of the earrings is the shape of an amphora vase, a storage jar, decorated with precious garnet stones.
The delicate combination of these elements not only showcases the craftsmanship in jewelry making but also reflects the importance of cultural and religious symbols in daily life during that time. Eros, with his wings and naked form, symbolizes love and desire, a common image in Greek art. The kantharos cup and alabastron vase indicate prosperity and luxury, while the amphora vase represents storage and preservation, as well as the enduring nature of culture and heritage.
Through the intricate details and the historical story behind these earrings, we can appreciate the beauty and splendor of the Seleucid Empire, as well as the connection between art, culture, and history of a bygone era.
