Golden Beasts
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Bridging disciplines, the book examines how ancient civilizations used meticulously crafted gold figures to assert dominance and legitimize rule.
For example, the Roman Empire's adoption of the griffin illustrates the use of these creatures in political propaganda.
The book progresses chronologically, beginning with ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, where golden beasts held religious significance as deities and guardians.
Subsequent sections explore their presence in empires like the Aztec, and their enduring symbolism in medieval heraldry, Renaissance art, and even contemporary artistic expressions.
Supported by archaeological findings, ancient texts, and artistic representations, Golden Beasts offers a unique lens through which to understand the complex relationship between power, symbolism, and material culture.
The book argues that the creation and deployment of golden mythical beasts served as a deliberate strategy for communicating complex ideological narratives.
By focusing specifically on these golden figures, the book provides a deeper understanding of their unique role in shaping history, from their religious beginnings to their use in political propaganda and imperial expansion.
