HERACLES AND OMPHALE ON A GREEK SILVER ORNAMENT FOUND IN MONGOLIA

 

Ancient Greek silver artifact depicting Hercules and Omphale, discovered from the burial of a member of Xiongnu nobility during an excavation in 2006, in Mongolia. The original artifact is currently being kept in the collection of the Institute of Archeology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.

 It was cast during the Xiongnu period, from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE. Originally attached to decorative dishes, etc., it was used to decorate Mongolian horse equipment. A truly stunning example of the presence of Greek Art in the depths of Asia 2000 years ago.