Art: Masters of Gold

Peter the Great. Father of the Fatherland and Emperor of All Russia, spent most of his reign (1682-1725) trying to imitate the culture of the West, but he also kept a cold eye on the East. In Siberia great bands of plunderers were digging up the tombs of a civilization that had disappeared from the pages of history by the 4th century A.D. The looters were after gold, and the tombs were rich in that. Being a practical man, Czar Peter simply gave orders that the looters be looted in turn. Soon plaques and buckles were pouring into the imperial coffers....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!