Phanagoria: Aphrodite's medallion and Iranian sword found in a Greek colony in Russia (PHOTOS)

During excavations, part of an archaeological expedition on the Taman Peninsula in the Krasnodar Krai of Russia, a burial place was unearthed, presumably of a priestess to the goddess Aphrodite.

Archaeologists also discovered an Iranian sword, indicating that Phanagoria, the largest Greek colony on the Taman Peninsula, participated in political processes in the region.

"An interesting artifact was found in a 1st century AD burial. It is a silver medallion depicting Aphrodite and ten signs of the zodiac (all except Aquarius and Libra)," the Volnoe Delo foundation said in a statement.

"The girl who wore it was a priestess or a worshiper of the goddess. Other ornaments worn by her, such as rings and earrings, are also related to the cult of Aphrodite

"These finds are further evidence that Phanagoria was an ancient Greek colony, and its inhabitants, at least until the 1st century AD, worshiped the Olympian gods and probably believed in astrology."

Another find was an Iranian sword, as can be judged by its distinctive golden pommel on the wooden hilt. The weapon was part of the equipment of knights from the 4th–6th centuries AD. The sword was found in the hiding place of a deep crypt with a military burial.

"Probably the sword was part of diplomatic offerings from the East or was a war trophy. This, in turn, allows us to conclude that during this period, Phanagoria actively participated in political processes in the Black Sea region and in the Caucasus", explains foundation.

Historians have also analysed the contents of treasures and bags, which were hastily hidden by the townspeople from the barbarians who attacked them.

Phanagoria was founded in the mid-6th century BC by Greek settlers on the coast of the Gulf of Taman. The city was a large emporium for all the traffic between the coast of the Maeotian marshes and the countries on the southern side of the Caucasus.

It was the eastern capital of the Bosporan Kingdom, with Panticapaeum being the western capital. Strabo described it as a noteworthy city which was renowned for its trade.

Phanagoria was founded ca. 543 BC by the Teian colonists who had to flee Asia Minor in consequence of their conflict with the Persian king Cyrus the Great. The city took its name after one of these colonists, Phanagoras.

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