Богатствата на траките
The Riches of the Thracians

Summary/Abstract: This article is an attempt at assessment of the symbolical importance of the riches of the Thracians, at presenting shows their place in everyday life and stressing upon their importance in different spheres of life. As they gave social distinction, these riches embodied the personal qualities of their owners, maintained their fortune and success and guaranteed their future. Their use in everyday life greatly enhanced their owners' dignity and position. Possession of these riches depended on the willingness of those who owned them to lay out their personal wealth in acquiring them, while the exchange of gifts played an important part in Thracian social life. Everything discovered so far about the riches of the Thracians and the gifts they bestowed, has been drawn and commented upon in the article. Attention is paid to the custom of exchanging gifts. A common belief was spread that together with the gift bestowed, the owner of the article also bestowed part of his success and luck upon the receiver, and the bonds of friendship were thus enhanced. The gifts was believed to guarantee the success of those who bestowed them, since generosity was of no less importance than military glory. An analysis of the extensive symbolical influence of the riches possessed by the Thracians shows that they formed a link and a key concept in the economics, politics and culture of Thracian society.

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