Silver plate showing Scythian goddess unearthed in Russia

Archaeologists have discovered a silver plate decorated with an image of a topless Scythian goddess in an ancient cemetery in the Ostrogozhsky district of southwest Russia. The plate depicts Argimpasa, a goddess associated with human and animal fertility, surrounded by mythical creatures. The plate dates to between 900 B.C. and 200 B.C.

"None who attacks them can escape, and none can catch them if they desire not to be found," the ancient Greek historian Herodotus (circa 484 to 425 B.C.) wrote in his book "The Histories." The Scythians were famous for their gold-working skills. Archaeologists discovered the silver plate near the skeletal remains of a high status man who was between 40 and 49 years old when he died.