Unearthed a silver plate with a topless Scythian goddess

Russian archaeologists have discovered a silver plate decorated with the image of a topless Scythian goddess. The saucer found in an ancient cemetery in the Ostrogozhsky district, southwestern Russia, depicts Argimpasa, a goddess associated with human and animal fertility.

The plate dates from 900 BC to 200 BC, when the Scythians flourished in this area. The Scythians were semi-nomadic and were known as excellent warriors who could move quickly across the battlefield.

A silver plate depicting a topless goddess has just been found in Russia.

The ancient Greek historian Herodotus (circa 484 to 425 BC) wrote in his book "The Histories". The Scythians were also known for their elaborate gold-working skills.

The ancient cemetery where the saucer was found has 19 burial pits. The excavation team found the silver disc inside a mound that had been partially robbed in antiquity. Despite the robbery, archaeologists discovered the silver plate near the skeleton of a man between 40 and 49 years old when he died.

The team also found Scythian pendants made from bone, the material for harnesses, including bronze plates decorated with wolf figures, as well as a goblet, jar and a bear's jaw. could be evidence that a "bear cult" exists in the area.

The silver plate found 34.7cm long and 7.5cm wide features an image of a topless Argimpasa, who is believed to be wearing a crown. Around her, the archaeologists wrote, were winged falcons and other legged creatures that researchers are still trying to understand.

This plate may have served as a good burial for the man who was buried here. While many Scythian sites have been excavated, very few silver discs like this have been found.

Valeriy Gulyaev, an archaeologist from the Russian Academy of Sciences who led the research team, said more research is needed to explain the divine figure on the plate.