These images show the 2,650-year-old treasures archaeologists have found after bungling tomb raiders missed them when they plundered the sacred site for loot.
The archaeologists discovered gilded buttons as well as gold and silver plates, a broken dagger and a golden amphora that had been missed by the bungling raiders who plundered the tomb.
The famous Melgunovsky Barrow is the site where members of the nomadic Scythian culture had buried their kings in the ground before covering the terms with molten metal to protect them from tomb raiders.
But despite their efforts, the tomb raiders had smashed through the metal protection in order to loot priceless and beautifully crafted treasures such as this gold necklace which was found at the site some 250 years ago by archaeologists.
It is one of the items still on display in the Russian Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.
However, a fresh look at the tomb, that included using a metal detector, revealed new underground treasures including the gold and silver buttons and other items dating back to the second half of the seventh century BC.
Ukrainian archaeologists admit they were stunned by the find, because the site had been plundered so many times it was believe nothing could have been left.
The gifts which were stolen had been placed in the ground with the bodies of at least three deceased Scythian rulers to accompany them into the afterlife.
The tombs were known as the “Molten Graves” because of the covering of molten metal to keep away tomb robbers.
The head of the Central Scythian expedition, Yuri Boltrik, said: “The buttons were most probably from furniture and would have adorned the stool of the Assyrian ruler.”
There are also excited by the find of the golden amphora depicting Scythians in their daily lives which is considered an outstanding monument of ancient jewellery.
The amphorae had been used to store wine, and the site features depictions of a Scythian warrior pulling a bow.
This treasure was a real discovery – the images on the vessel give an idea of the external appearance of the Scythians.
All of the treasures recently found are currently being cleaned and prepared ready for an official presentation where they will be shown to the media and the public for the first time.
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Story By: Amelia Guran, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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