Grave of 2,000-year-old Crimean 'princess' and gold jewellery unearthed by ...

Hundreds of 'priceless' pieces of jewellery, including a stunning gold laurel wreath, have been found in the grave of an ancient princess in Crimea.

The wealthy woman is believed to have been an elite member of the Scythian nomad tribes who roamed across Europe and Asia in the first century AD.

She was adorned for the afterlife and surrounded with 140 piece of jewellery including earrings, a necklace and plaques on her sleeves.

Two gold eye plates were also found but, in a puzzle to archaeologists, they were located on her chest.

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The grave of an ancient Crimean princess bedecked in 'priceless' gold has been unearthed by Russian archaeologists on the Crimea peninsula that was annexed from Ukraine by Russia in 2014. These finds are now held in the Netherlands where they were on display when the annexation occurred

The grave of an ancient Crimean princess bedecked in 'priceless' gold has been unearthed by Russian archaeologists on the Crimea peninsula that was annexed from Ukraine by Russia in 2014. These finds are now held in the Netherlands where they were on display when the annexation occurred

Scythian burial sites normally include several human remains but this site only contained the skeleton of the woman.

Experts say this is an indication of her high status in the ancient society found on the Black Sea peninsula, particularly when combined with the opulent items uncovered.

Nearby were found two gold rings, one with a glass gem. The other was inlaid with translucent carnelian engraved with an image of Eros and and a dog.

Other finds from her vault include a glass beads on her sleeves and a jug, possibly containing ancient wine.

In the grave, too, was an incense burner and a flagon of frankincense.

Many other graves at the Ust-Alminsky site in the Crimea peninsula - annexed by Russia from Ukraine five years ago - were looted.

Normally Scythian burials include several human remains but this has only the skeleton of the woman, indicating her high status in ancient society on the Black Sea peninsula, say experts. The positioning of items found in her burial chamber includes golden leaves on her head (pictured)

Normally Scythian burials include several human remains but this has only the skeleton of the woman, indicating her high status in ancient society on the Black Sea peninsula, say experts. The positioning of items found in her burial

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