Chapters 1.1 to 1.3 concern the background to this study, particularly the research that has been undertaken to clarify the technique which was used to study the tool marks through the use of laser optics. Previously a SEM was used in other studies which are also discussed in this section. The chronologies that are used by archaeologists are discussed in Chapter 1.3 along with their limitations so that reader can understand the problems with the dating of the Scythian culture and the Greek colonization.


In Chapters 2 and 3 case studies are used to explore the differences between Scythian and Greek jewellery manufacturing techniques and the development of the Scytho-Greek techniques. These differences can be used to distinguish between the various craftsmen and potentially to identify modern pieces produced in the style of the aforementioned craftsmen.