This first-century BCE Greek buckle shows a griffin, first worked in repoussé and then engraved, with a slot and knob to fasten the belt. It was worn by someone living or visiting an ancient Greek colony called Pontic Olbia, which was founded in the 7th century BCE on the banks of the Bug River estuary in present-day Ukraine. In ancient Greece, a griffin was a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolizing strength, majesty, and guardianship. They were depicted as fierce protectors of treasure, particularly gold, and were said to be in constant conflict with the Arimaspians, a one-eyed race who sought to steal the treasure. Griffins were also associated with the gods, with some myths claiming they pulled the chariot of Apollo or acted as the "Hounds of Zeus".
Griffin buckle
gold
First century BCE
Greece
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