In the descriptions of ancient Roman and Greek writers can find mention of it to Rome brought amber from a distant country, and Wends Lugiów lying above the Pacific North (now called the Baltic Sea). They were present Polish territory. Initially, the Romans exchanged their goods for the precious stone via the Danube peoples, but over time the self-organized trip.
In the first century BC was one of the first of such expeditions, it was described by Pliny the Elder in the first century AD Emperor Nero wanted to win amber sent one of his men into uncharted wybrzerzą Baltic. The expedition was a success by bringing to Rome large quantities of precious amber.
This trip has inspired many dealers, the profit motive marched wdługą set off to travel outside the borders of the empire. Mileage tech trade routes, you can play out on the basis of archaeological finds, for example, was discovered in Wroclaw composition containing about 1,500 kg of precious stone, dating from the first century before Christ. This journey began in northern Italy, Aquileia, then crossed the Alps and the Danube valley, and then usually in the vicinity of the Moravian Gate or Klodzko Valley entered the present-day Polish territory, from the Opole reaches over Prosną Kalisz, and further to the sea, somewhere between Danzig and Konigsberg.
Very likely it is that there were also sea routes which were brought to Rome amber. To the south of Ebląga archaeologists have discovered wooden bridges, which is likely (as is clear from dating) was used in Roman times, the crossing wetlands.
Roman merchants wyruszający north after Amber took with them a variety of goods on the exchange, which could appeal to the barbarians and allow the safe return home. Apart from the money they were wool, leather, metal products, ceramics, ornaments, textiles and wine. Clear amber trade was flourishing in the second half of the second and third century AD.
Source: T. Waliszewski Amber Trail National Geographic 8 / 2000
Currently lingering misconception that the Romans discovered the beauty of amber jewelry, and started producing it. Amber were found on Polish territory since time immemorial, long before the arrival of the Romans. In that case, whether our ancestors produced jewelry and other items made of amber? Cornelius Tacitus (55-120 AD) in his "Germania" states that the peoples living in areas rich in amber, did not appreciate its beauty. He notes that the Empire recognized the beauty of gold and only later in the Sambia Peninsula. The author observed the lives of people in these areas and found that the barbarians treat amber with complete indifference, silent on any value in use. The only reason for which was to be harvested was the price we were willing to pay the merchants of the Empire.
Tacitus describes exactly what he saw, but could not know that the peoples inhabiting the region of the lower Vistula use the amber for over 1800 years BC. The findings in this area show that solidified resin was used not only to sustain the fire. Research conducted in this area suggest that there may be up to 800 workshops dealing with the processing of amber. They mainly produce beads treated by neolithic workshop. There are known devices that acted as amulets or ornaments in the shape of rectangular or oval plates, discs with a hole in the middle, rings, pendants and various splitter also in the shape of animals and human figures.
The spread of amber finds from the Stone Age on Polish soil.
Source: Kosmowska-Cerankowicz Konart B. T. "The Mysteries of Amber
Arts amber processing reached its peak in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Kings and princes willingly used the artistry of amber, who meet their desires do not regret the finest raw materials. A. Aurifaber in 1551, he wrote: "I saw lumps of amber the size of a human head, from which His Highness the Prince commanded to perform magic (i) cups."
Some of these masterpieces are preserved to this day.
The treasury of the Wawel Cathedral is stored medallion with a portrait of King Stefan Batory, found in the sarcophagus of Anna the Jagiellonian. Currently, the medallion is poczerwieniały, but in times of glory was completely clear and shining brilliance złotożółtawym.
Also in the collection of the Wawel Castle is an unusual cup made of amber. He had no interest, and for that they called him hobble (drinking with him, he had to drink the contents to the bottom). At the bottom of the cup is a portrait of Sigismund III, constructed a special technique, which according to historians might indicate that the cup was made by the king himself. Sigismund III, known for his artistic ability had a habit of leaving his own likeness in the works. Amber performed with a wide range of subjects. To this day, preserved in necklaces, mugs, trays, figurines, framed in amber, cutlery, boxes, candlesticks, reliquaries and altars kabineciki shaped cabinets. Because they were ornamental objects carved ornaments embellished them.
Especially popular were the caskets of amber. Master in the field was Chris Maucher, who lived in the seventeenth century. He was a master in the selection of various varieties of amber, used for making caskets. One of the caskets made by the craftsman survived to this day at the Castle Museum in Malbork, you can count on it with 20 varieties of amber, despite the fact that for three centuries, some of them changed color and became comparable to each other.
Tankard cover with the workshop Skriby George. The first half of the seventeenth century.
Rosary and cross Kurpiowski amber. The rosary made Deptula Victor in 1949.
Szkatua by Christopher Maucher. Gdańsk. The end of the seventeenth century.
Source: Kosmowska-Cerankowicz Konart B. T. "The Mysteries of Amber
