Pylos Combat Agate Replica 3D print model

This model is a replica of a small stone found in 2015 by archaeologists digging near ancient Pylos, in Greece. The real stone is only 1.4in/3.4cm long and has even more detail than this replica can display. It is a rare glimpse into the amazing craftsmanship that was possible in bronze age Greece. This stone, and others like it, are called seal stones. Despite being so tiny, the concave carving allows the design to be pressed into soft materials like clay or wax.

The original stone has been dated to around 1450 BCE, around the time when the ancient Minoans (whose art style influenced the stone's carver) were dealing with a large volcanic explosion near their island of Crete. The Mycenaeans (who ruled ancient Pylos) are thought to have possibly taken advantage of the damage caused by the volcano and conquored the Minoan island in the years that followed.

Happy printing!