02/27/2024
The ancient treasure was discovered on July 3, 1799, in the town of Sânnicolau Mare, Romania, by a Serbian farmer and is composed of 23 objects weighing 9.945 kg of gold, 21 and 22 carats. The hoard includes seven large cups, a plate, four bowls, three zoomorphic cups, two flat pots, a drinking horn, and a soup bowl. These pieces come from different periods and places of origin; some have Greek inscriptions, and others have Persian, Thracian and Geto Dacian inspiration.
The artifacts in the image below display the Geto-Dacian Goddess Bendis and her twin brother Apollo; however, this mythological connection dates back to the Hyperboreans. So, Bendis and Apollo were identified as fertility deities; even the Greeks and Romans later equated Bendis to Artemis and Diana. Besides, Diana is considered the goddess and protector of childbirth. Also, you can see in the image a woman (Bendis) dancing while pregnant, emphasizing breastfeeding due to the proportions of the breasts and stomach. In addition, Bendis is seen offering two small sceptres to a griffin-like creature, a symbol rooted in the Geto-Dacian religion influencing the Egyptian deities Seraphim and Ophamin. Next, Apollo, represented by developed abdominal muscles and a broad chest, joins the fertility dance with his contribution to the griffin: an olive branch and a cup. The griffin receives Apollo's gift with a hug-like gesture using its claws.
Finally, apart from areas adjacent to Thrace, Bendis gained popularity in Athens during the Bendideia festival, which provided the dramatic setting for Plato’s Republic.
