Theseus Ring
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Theseus Ring, is a gold signet ring that originated in Greek Mythology and dates back to the Minoan period.
Contents |
[edit] Origin
The Theseus Ring, according to legend, originated in a dispute between Minos and Theseus over the parentage of Theseus. In Crete, Minos molested one of the maidens and Theseus becomes angry and challenges him, boasting of his parentage by Poseidon. Minos, being the son of Zeus, did not believe that Theseus did indeed have divine parentage. If Theseus' father was in fact Poseidon, then he believed that Theseus would have no difficulty reaching the bottom of the ocean. He then threw a ring overboard and challenged Theseus to dive in and retrieve it. It is then believed that the fishes of the sea then took Theseus upon their backs and conveyed him to the palace of Amphitrite, Neptune's wife. She then handed Theseus the ring that had landed at the bottom of the ocean floor and also gave him a jeweled crown, which, according to legend, was later placed upon the stars.
[edit] Description
The ring itself is gold, and measures 2.7 x 1.8 cm. On the ring is the depiction of a bull-leaping scene, which includes a lion to the left and a tree on the right. It dates back to the Minoan period of Greece and coming from the area of Anafiotika in the Athens ancient city center of Plaka.
[edit] Debates over Authenticity
The debate over the actual authenticity of the Theseus ring has been existent ever since its discovery in the Plaka district of Athens in the 1950s. For a while it was dismissed as a fake, but as of August 2, 2006 the ring has been identified as authentic and genuine 15th century B.C. artifact. The Greek press had reported the discovery of a gold signet ring, and the National Archaeological Museum wanted to purchase it for 75,000 euros from the woman who owned it. After a decision from a panel of experts at the Cultural Ministry, the piece was declared to be genuine.
