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The Medea monument in Batumi was designed by Davit Khmaladze and erected in Europe Square in 2007. In Greek mythology, Medea was a daughter of King Aieti (Georgian: აიეტი), the king of Kolkheti in present day western Georgia. Medea helped Jason to steal the legendary Golden Fleece (Georgian: ოქროს საწმისი).

The Kolkhetian people developed an expertise in the smelting and casting of metals long before this skill was mastered in Europe. This attracted the attention of Greek traders and adventurers, like Jason and the Argonauts, who traveled to the kingdom to seek out the rich natural resources, including gold.

The Argo ship of Jason and the Argonauts on the Medea Monument

The Kolkhi people had developed a unique way to prospect for gold. A sheep’s fleece was attached to a wooden support and left in a fast flowing mountain stream causing particles of gold to collect in the wool. The fleece would then be hung in a tree to dry before the gold was shaken or combed out. This technique for collecting gold may have given rise to the legend of Jason and his quest for the Golden Fleece.

Jason and Medea and the Golden Fleece on the Medea Monument

Medea is known in most stories as an enchantress and is often depicted as being a priestess

Medea is known in most stories as an enchantress and is often depicted as a priestess

Jason was a Greek mythological hero who was the leader of the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece.

The Medea monument is located in Europe Square.

The Medea monument in winter

Photos courtesy of http://www.gobatumi.com

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