Image Gallery: Ancient Treasure Trove Discovered in Russia

Goddess Athena

artifacts from burial of male warrior in Caucasus

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

This pendant was fashioned from a gold coin. One side (seen here) shows the head of the goddess Athena in a helmet facing right. The other side shows Nike, goddess of victory, along with a star.

Gold plaque

artifacts from burial of male warrior in Caucasus

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

This gold plaque, with mounted agate, would have been attached to the sheath of a short iron sword. It is less than 2 inches across.

Shapely drawings

artifacts from burial of male warrior in Caucasus

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

This black glazed cup is decorated with geometric drawings.

Iron axe

iron axe found with warrior burial

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

This iron axe is one of many weapons found with the burial of the warrior.

Bronze mirror

bronze mirror found with ancient warrior burial

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

This bronze mirror contains a base in the shape of a goddess with an ornament, in the shape of a palmette, to the right.

Deer artifact

artifacts from burial of male warrior in Caucasus

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

This deer formed part of a tripod. The head (including antlers), chest and rear are made of bronze, while the trunk and neck were constructed with iron.

Iron chain mail

iron chain mail from ancient warrior

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Valentina Mordvintseva)

A close-up view of the iron chain mail, found rolled up in a single lump.

Owen Jarus
Live Science Contributor

Owen Jarus is a regular contributor to Live Science who writes about archaeology and humans' past. He has also written for The Independent (UK), The Canadian Press (CP) and The Associated Press (AP), among others. Owen has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism degree from Ryerson University.