Much like today, gold ππππ was very valued in the ancient world. This piece is from the Ptolemaic Period (3rd century-2nd century B.C.E.), and it has a very obvious Greek influence. Many different types of wreaths π΄πΏππ°π¦ were made in ancient Greece using different plants πΎπ°π°π°. The βplant ππ π°β used in this wreath π΄πΏππ° may be the laurel, which was associated with the Greek god Apollo. While gold ππππ wreaths π΄πΏππ°π¦ like this one could be used to crown athletic victors, it could have also been used in a funerary context. The wreath π΄πΏππ° pictured is most likely one that had a funerary purpose. The wreaths π΄πΏππ°π¦ worn by the living were most likely made of real flowers πΌπ ±π°π¦.
Gold ππππ is a very malleable material, meaning that it can be easily shaped and bent into various shapes. While a great property to have when considering art, this also means that anything made of gold ππππ is extremely delicate. Most gold ππππ jewelry made today is actually an alloy – meaning gold ππππ is mixed with another metal to make it more durable.
Due to the delicate nature of these wreaths π΄πΏππ°π¦, there are only four π½ surviving today!