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The collection of items from ancient towns on the Northern
Black Sea coast provides us with an idea of the mode of
life in ancient settlements here from 6th century BC to 4th
century AD. The objects found in the course of
archaeological excavations, and thus with full
documentation recording their origin, are of particular
scientific value. Objects from excavations of Greek towns
and necropolises (Olbia, Chersonesus, the Bosporan
Kingdom, and the Berezan islands) form the basis of this
part of the collection. Excavations have been carried out
by generations of Russian and Soviet archaeologists since
the early 19th century. The items found along the Northern
Black Sea coast include pieces imported from various
regions of the ancient world and works combining the local
barbaric tradition with Graeco-Roman influence. The most
important items of Greek origin are the heads of Aesclepius
and Hygeia (3rd century BC) from Olbia, a monumental
statue of a Bosporan ruler (4th century BC) and
polychrome memorial steles from Chersonesus (4th century
BC). Remarkable examples of the collection of antique
portraits are those of the Pontian King Mithridates VI
Eupator (1st century BC) and Queen Dynamis (1st century
AD), and the stele of Theagenes and Macaria (2nd century
AD).
Some outstanding archaeological complexes have
produced important artifacts in the Hermitage collection:
Bolshaya Bliznitsa burial-mound (4th century BC) on the
Taman peninsula (burial site of priestesses of the goddess
Demeter), and Kul-Oba burial-mound (4th century BC),
objects from which show a combination of Scythian and
Greek traditions. The Hermitage possesses a rare collection
of gilded wooden sarcophaguses decorated with
engraving and incrustation (4th-3rd centuries BC) and other
wooden objects. On display is a unique work by a
Bosporan artist, a limestone sarcophagus decorated with
colourful painting both inside and out; one of the
compositions shows an artist's workshop (1st century
AD). Local production is also represented by terracottas,
painted vases in the Kerch style, glass and items of
jewellery.
If you enjoyed this collection, you might want to also visit the other collections at the State Hermitage Museum.
Ancient Coins
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Painted Sarcophagus
Detail showing an artist's workshop
Full description
Lekythos in the Form of a Sphinx
Full description
Lekythos with Boar Hunt
Xenophantos
Full description
Apollo and Hera
Sarcophagus metopes
Full description
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