The ancient Greek masterpiece etched on a tiny gemstone

By Katy Scott, CNN

Updated 1524 GMT (2324 HKT) January 26, 2018

An intricate engraving on an ancient gem has been deemed one of the greatest prehistoric Greek artworks ever discovered.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
An intricate engraving on an ancient gem has been deemed one of the greatest prehistoric Greek artworks ever discovered.
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The sealstone was one of many treasures discovered in the <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/27/europe/greece-pylos-warrior-tomb/index.html" target="_blank">3,500-year-old</a> tomb of a Bronze Age warrior. Archaeologist Sharon Stocker from the University of Cincinnati led the dig in southwest Greece in 2015.<br />
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
The sealstone was one of many treasures discovered in the 3,500-year-old tomb of a Bronze Age warrior. Archaeologist Sharon Stocker from the University of Cincinnati led the dig in southwest Greece in 2015.
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The sealstone was covered in limestone when it was first discovered. Measuring just 1.4 inches in length, it was initially mistaken for a bead.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
The sealstone was covered in limestone when it was first discovered. Measuring just 1.4 inches in length, it was initially mistaken for a bead.
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Experts are stunned by the engraving's detailed representation of the human body and the understanding of bodily movement, says Stocker.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
Experts are stunned by the engraving's detailed representation of the human body and the understanding of bodily movement, says Stocker.
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"The amount of skill that was required to execute such an intricate design on such a small surface is unbelievable," Stocker tells CNN.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
"The amount of skill that was required to execute such an intricate design on such a small surface is unbelievable," Stocker tells CNN.
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More than 40 sealstones were found in the tomb. Others had less detailed designs featuring long-horned bulls and sometimes, human bull jumpers soaring over their horns.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
More than 40 sealstones were found in the tomb. Others had less detailed designs featuring long-horned bulls and sometimes, human bull jumpers soaring over their horns.
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This 30-inch necklace, with two gold pendants decorated with ivy leaves, was found near the neck of the warrior-king's skeleton.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
This 30-inch necklace, with two gold pendants decorated with ivy leaves, was found near the neck of the warrior-king's skeleton.
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Four solid-gold rings were found in the tomb -- more than have been found at any single burial site elsewhere in Greece, according to the archaeologists. This one depicts a Cretan bull running scene.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
Four solid-gold rings were found in the tomb -- more than have been found at any single burial site elsewhere in Greece, according to the archaeologists. This one depicts a Cretan bull running scene.
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Six ivory combs formed part of the treasure trove, challenging some older ideas around gender, says Stocker.
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
Six ivory combs formed part of the treasure trove, challenging some older ideas around gender, says Stocker.
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Stocker deems the discovery "one of the most magnificent displays of prehistoric wealth discovered in mainland Greece in the past 65 years."
Photos: Treasure trove unearthed from tomb of Greek warrior-king
Stocker deems the discovery "one of the most magnificent displays of prehistoric wealth discovered in mainland Greece in the past 65 years."
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