Explorations in Bible lands during the 19th century - H. V. Hilprecht

500 EXPLORATIONS IN BIBLE LANDS
in the service of the Parthian princes who ruled the country.
Near each skull lay a square sheet of beaten gold
(3) "almost large enough to cover the exposed portion of
the face," and a scalloped band 1 of the same metal (3),
which once encircled the brow. Two barrel-shaped gold
beads (4), possibly used in connection with cords ending
in tassels to
hold the garment in place, were found near the
Plan of Tomb of Two High Officers from the Parthian Palace. First Century a. d.
waist of each body. Around the ankles (5) of the betterpreserved
skeleton, and at intervals along the legs, lay fortyeight
small gold buttons provided with ears, and twelve
larger rosettes, which apparently had served as ornaments
of the outer garment. Two heavy gold buckles with thick
wedge-shaped gold latchets, taken from the floor at
the teet,
were the gems of the collection. They doubtless repre-
wide.
1
Each band is about twelve to thirteen inches long, and over an inch