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J. Vanderpool

Leaping bulls, like the one depicted on the Griffin Warrior’s ring, were iconic in Minoan art.

Holding a mirror, an enthroned female figure (thought to be a goddess) receives a bull’s horn.

Jewelry found in the Griffin Warrior tomb dazzles archaeologists, not only for its beauty but also for its cross-cultural significance. Solid gold signet rings bear clear signs of the Minoan culture from the island of Crete. The gold ring depicting dancing women is one of the largest signet rings found in the Aegean world.

Found among the Griffin Warrior’s many grave goods, the Combat Agate depicts a scene among three warriors. Two are locked in deadly combat and one has fallen to the ground.