UC Classics experts showcase their discoveries at Met

Archaeologists give talk on warrior-princes based on their startling finds

The National Herald highlighted a talk by two University of Cincinnati researchers on their ancient Greek discoveries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

UC Classics Professor Jack Davis and Senior Research Associate Sharon Stocker presented a lecture titled Warrior-Princes of Mycenaean Greece that chronicled their discovery of a 3,500-year-old tomb that contained a leader they called the Griffin Warrior after the mythological figure emblazoned on his ivory plaque.

The two researchers were working in an olive grove in Pylos, Greece, in 2015 when they discovered an undisturbed tomb containing the remains and artifacts belonging to this leader, including weapons, armor and jewelry. Among the etched sealstones was one depicting mortal combat in such exquisite detail that Archaeology Magazine hailed it as a Bronze Age masterpiece.

Researchers determined the Griffin Warrior was likely 30 to 35 years old when he died. They performed a facial reconstruction to see what he might have looked like. A DNA analysis determined the Griffin Warrior ruled the homeland where he likely was born.

Years after, the researchers found adjacent tombs that contained a similar trove of artifacts that are helping researchers better understand the lives and culture of Mycenaean Greece.

Many of the objects discovered were engraved with mythological or religious figures and iconic images of life in Greece 3,500 years ago.

Some of the artifacts from the discoveries are on display now through Jan. 12 at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles as part of a featured exhibition.

For Davis and Stocker, the exhibition represents the culmination of decades of scholarship and discovery. The UC researchers are responsible for some of archaeology's most astonishing revelations of the past 50 years.

Davis and Stocker published a new book this year titled “The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Mycenaean Greece“ detailing their discoveries and adding context to the artifacts with stunning photos.

The president of Greece honored Stocker and Davis with Commander of the Order of the Phoenix medals, the country's highest civilian honors.

Read the National Herald story.