Ilona Anna Łapcik (Akademia im. Jana Długosza, Poland). Amber: The Gold of the Baltic Sea. – In: Languages and Cultures of the Baltic Region: Collection of Papers. Vol. 2. – Rīga: Sociālo tehnoloģiju augstskola (STA), 2007. ISBN 978-9984-39-253-0.
Summary
Amber is a fossil resin. Its beauty has been valued since Pre-historic times. There were many ancient myths discussing the origin of amber. Archeological findings suggest that amber has been used since the Stone Age. The amber of Baltic origin was spread in Europe and even beyond its borders. Nodules and ornamental objects were transported from the Baltic coast to Italy, Greece, the Black Sea, and Egypt (The Amber Road). Amber was used as the material used to produce amulets, necklaces, figurines, religious articles and ornaments. However, the most famous works of amber art was the Amber Room. Fascination with amber was caused by the natural beauty and variety of colors and shapes. Interest in amber has survived for ages.