---
title: Tiryns Gold Signet Ring
author: Zde
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15223/tiryns-gold-signet-ring/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Tiryns Gold Signet Ring
_Authored by Zde_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15223.jpg)
## Image Caption
Engraved [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) signet ring from [Tiryns](https://www.worldhistory.org/tiryns/), c. 15th century BCE.
National Archaeological Museum, [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/).
The largest ring (7.5 × 3.5 cm) handed down to us from the [Mycenaean civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mycenaean_Civilization/), the Tiryns signet ring flags up the strong vein of [Minoan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Minoan/) influence on the Mycenean cultural flourish between c. 1400 and c. 1200 BCE. The ring was excavated in 1915 from the lower town of Tiryns, an archaeological site in Argolis, [Peloponnese](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnese/). The site is mythically associated with Heracles ([Hercules](https://www.worldhistory.org/hercules/)) and his Twelve Labours, an idea empowered by the architectural overlaps between the vast *megaron* (reception hall) of the Tiryns [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) and the adjacent [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Hera](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hera/).
The goddess on the ring, sitting on a throne and raising a libation cup, is identified with [Demeter](https://www.worldhistory.org/demeter/) based on the interpretation of single-dot patterns on her long dress as grain seeds. She keeps a wide, shallow bowl under her feet, and receives the procession of lion-headed, daemonic libation-bearers. These are separated by ears of wheat, and their eagle-like bodies might be mirroring the eagle that sits behind the throne as the symbol of authority and rulership. Ears of wheat and grains can also be seen as embellishments for the sun and the moon at the top part of the carving, which may represent a *nychthemeros* (night-and-day) sky symbolising the cycle of [seasons](https://www.worldhistory.org/Horae/).
## Bibliography
- [Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/941 "Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns"), accessed 3 Feb 2022.
- [Collection of Mycenaean Antiquities](https://www.namuseum.gr/en/collection/syllogi-mykinaikon-archaiotiton/ "Collection of Mycenaean Antiquities"), accessed 3 Feb 2022.
- [Museums of Greece](https://greek-museums.tumblr.com/post/90091106736/national-archaeological-museum-archaeological "Museums of Greece"), accessed 3 Feb 2022.
- [ON THE FAMOUS MYCENAEAN SIGNET RING, CMS I, 179, OF THE TIRYNS TREASURE](https://www.academia.edu/4389733/ON_THE_FAMOUS_MYCENAEAN_SIGNET_RING_CMS_I_179_OF_THE_TIRYNS_TREASURE "ON THE FAMOUS MYCENAEAN SIGNET RING, CMS I, 179, OF THE TIRYNS TREASURE"), accessed 3 Feb 2022.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Zde. (2022, February 17). Tiryns Gold Signet Ring. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Zde. "Tiryns Gold Signet Ring." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 17, 2022. .
### MLA
Zde. "Tiryns Gold Signet Ring." *World History Encyclopedia*, 17 Feb 2022, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gold_ring_with_relief_Sitting_Goddess_and_seahorses_Mycenaean,_NAMA_6208_080858.jpg) by [**Zde**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gold_ring_with_relief_Sitting_Goddess_and_seahorses_Mycenaean,_NAMA_6208_080858.jpg). Submitted by [Nathalie Choubineh](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nathalie.choubineh/ "User Page: Nathalie Choubineh"), published on 17 February 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon a work even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.