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RUST GOLD OVERSIZED 15X22 MAHAL PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET NEW | ![]() |
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US $16,744.00 | 28d 17h 40m |
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Persian Tabriz green Red Gold handmade area rug 6-2x9-3 | ![]() |
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US $739.75 | 28d 1m |
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Goat hair Qashqai Persian Shiraz Lori Luri Navy Blue Gold Plum area rug 4-9x9-8 | ![]() |
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US $519.75 | 26d 3h 48m |
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9x12 AREA RUG PERSIAN VEGETABLE DYE WOOL RED RUST GOLD | ![]() |
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US $3,096.00 | 25d 23h 44m |
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9x12 AREA RUG PERSIAN VEGETABLE DYE WOOL RED BROWN GOLD | ![]() |
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US $3,999.99 | 25d 23h 26m |
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Magnificent Muted Gold Tabriz Persian Wool Handmade Oriental Area Rug Carpet 5x7 | ![]() |
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US $1,236.00 | 25d 22h |
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Modern Gold Shiraz Gabbeh Persian Wool Handmade Oriental Area Rug Carpet 7x9 | ![]() |
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US $749.25 | 25d 20h 42m |
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PLAIN DESIGN GOLD COLOR 3X5 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $198.00 | 25d 2h 43m |
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ALL-OVER GOLD & BURGUNDY 6X9 SAROUK PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG NEW CARPET | ![]() |
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US $1,424.25 | 24d 21h 54m |
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MODERN GOLD COLOR 4X5 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL &WOOL | ![]() |
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US $276.75 | 24d 21h 27m |
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LARGE SOLID GOLD COLOR MODERN 7X9 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $644.25 | 24d 17h 2m |
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Gold Medallion Design 100% Silk Gum Ghom Persian Oriental Area Rug Carpet 5x8 | ![]() |
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US $299.25 | 24d 4h 15m |
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GOLD & BLUE MODERN 2X4 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET NEW | ![]() |
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US $198.00 | 24d 2h 5m |
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THICK PILE MODERN GOLD COLOR 3X5 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $224.25 | 23d 9h 5m |
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Amazing Gold Thick Pile Modern Gabbeh Persian Wool Oriental Area Rug Carpet 4x6 | ![]() |
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US $291.00 | 23d 4h 8m |
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4x10 BLUE GOLD ANTIQUE PERSIAN HERATI ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED WOOL AREA RUG CARPET | ![]() |
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US $1,100.00 | 29d 8h 43m |
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BROWN GOLD PERSIAN AREA RUG 2X3 HEARTH ORIENTAL 3207 - ACTUAL 23" x 39" | ![]() |
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US $29.89 | 2d 5h 56m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 6x8 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 5' 3" x 7' 6" | ![]() |
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US $200.00 | 1d 9h 38m |
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BROWN GOLD PERSIAN AREA RUG 3X5 OVAL ORIENTAL 3207 - ACTUAL 31"x55" | ![]() |
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US $49.89 | 1d 8h 41m |
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9x12 Sphinx Handmade Wool Gold Persian 34105 Area Rug - Approx 9' x 12' | ![]() |
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US $2,399.00 | 1d 5h 36m |
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10x14 Sphinx Handmade Wool Gold Persian 34105 Area Rug - Approx 10' x 14' | ![]() |
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US $2,999.00 | 21h 56m |
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FLORAL LEAF GOLD AREA RUG 8X10 PERSIAN CARPET 1126H - ACTUAL 7' 8" x 10' 2" | ![]() |
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US $299.89 | 19h 35m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 2x3 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 1' 10" x 3' | ![]() |
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US $28.80 | 17h 38m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE 2x8 runner PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 1' 11" x 7' 4" | ![]() |
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US $76.00 | 5h 38m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 8x11 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 7' 10" x 10' 6" | ![]() |
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US $424.00 | 5h 38m |
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Gold Persian Area

Selling gold in Toronto-area?
When I got married, I got gold jewelry from some family members. I don't really like yellow gold so I've never worn any of this. I have no idea what carat any of it is, but its mostly Persian style jewelry. I have a thick necklace and earring set (looks to be 18 to 24k), a thinner necklace of white gold, two rings (one with a very large blue gem, over 2 carats), and a two toned necklace (white/yellow mix). Does anyone know how much these would sell for? Anywhere I can sell them in the GTA (perferably Mississauga or York Region)?
My Personal recommendation...http://www.internetmarketingmiracle.com/OM/C2M/GoldForCash..
Checkout the review at my personal blog http://www.lauramoneyblog.blogspot.com/
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RUST GOLD OVERSIZED 15X22 MAHAL PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET NEW | ![]() |
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US $16,744.00 | 28d 17h 40m |
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Persian Tabriz green Red Gold handmade area rug 6-2x9-3 | ![]() |
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US $739.75 | 28d 1m |
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Goat hair Qashqai Persian Shiraz Lori Luri Navy Blue Gold Plum area rug 4-9x9-8 | ![]() |
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US $519.75 | 26d 3h 48m |
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9x12 AREA RUG PERSIAN VEGETABLE DYE WOOL RED RUST GOLD | ![]() |
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US $3,096.00 | 25d 23h 44m |
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9x12 AREA RUG PERSIAN VEGETABLE DYE WOOL RED BROWN GOLD | ![]() |
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US $3,999.99 | 25d 23h 26m |
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Magnificent Muted Gold Tabriz Persian Wool Handmade Oriental Area Rug Carpet 5x7 | ![]() |
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US $1,236.00 | 25d 22h |
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Modern Gold Shiraz Gabbeh Persian Wool Handmade Oriental Area Rug Carpet 7x9 | ![]() |
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US $749.25 | 25d 20h 42m |
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PLAIN DESIGN GOLD COLOR 3X5 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $198.00 | 25d 2h 43m |
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ALL-OVER GOLD & BURGUNDY 6X9 SAROUK PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG NEW CARPET | ![]() |
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US $1,424.25 | 24d 21h 54m |
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MODERN GOLD COLOR 4X5 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL &WOOL | ![]() |
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US $276.75 | 24d 21h 27m |
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LARGE SOLID GOLD COLOR MODERN 7X9 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $644.25 | 24d 17h 2m |
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Gold Medallion Design 100% Silk Gum Ghom Persian Oriental Area Rug Carpet 5x8 | ![]() |
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US $299.25 | 24d 4h 15m |
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GOLD & BLUE MODERN 2X4 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET NEW | ![]() |
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US $198.00 | 24d 2h 5m |
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THICK PILE MODERN GOLD COLOR 3X5 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $224.25 | 23d 9h 5m |
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Amazing Gold Thick Pile Modern Gabbeh Persian Wool Oriental Area Rug Carpet 4x6 | ![]() |
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US $291.00 | 23d 4h 8m |
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10x14 WOOL AREA RUG FINE PERSIAN BLACK GOLD PAKISTAN | ![]() |
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US $6,999.99 | 22d 20h 18m |
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10x14 AREA RUG FINE PERSIAN PAKISTAN IVORY GOLD PINK | ![]() |
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US $7,282.00 | 22d 20h 18m |
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Hand knotted Antique Persian Tabriz Solomon Star Wool Silk Gold Area rug 4-7x6-8 | ![]() |
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US $818.12 | 21d 31m |
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10x14 WOOL AREA RUG FINE PERSIAN BLACK GOLD HANDMADE | ![]() |
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US $7,499.99 | 21d 27m |
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19 Century Exquisite Persian Mohtasham Kashan Beige Gold Wool/Silk Area Rug 4x7 | ![]() |
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US $1,375.00 | 20d 23h 59m |
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BLACK & GOLD TIGER SKIN 6X9 MODERN NEPAL PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $411.75 | 20d 4h 24m |
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LARGE THICK PILE GOLD COLOR 7X9 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET NEW | ![]() |
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US $756.75 | 17d 6h 21m |
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THICK PILE GOLD COLOR MODERN 2X4 GABBEH PERSIAN ORIENTAL AREA RUG WOOL CARPET | ![]() |
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US $186.75 | 17d 5h 12m |
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10x14 AREA RUG HANDMADE FINE WOOL PERSIAN BURGUNDY GOLD | ![]() |
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US $6,645.00 | 16d 22h 46m |
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10x14 AREA RUG HANDMADE WOOL PERSIAN IVORY GOLD GREEN | ![]() |
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US $4,999.99 | 16d 22h 46m |
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4x10 BLUE GOLD ANTIQUE PERSIAN HERATI ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED WOOL AREA RUG CARPET | ![]() |
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US $1,100.00 | 29d 8h 43m |
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BROWN GOLD PERSIAN AREA RUG 2X3 HEARTH ORIENTAL 3207 - ACTUAL 23" x 39" | ![]() |
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US $29.89 | 2d 5h 56m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 6x8 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 5' 3" x 7' 6" | ![]() |
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US $200.00 | 1d 9h 38m |
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BROWN GOLD PERSIAN AREA RUG 3X5 OVAL ORIENTAL 3207 - ACTUAL 31"x55" | ![]() |
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US $49.89 | 1d 8h 41m |
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9x12 Sphinx Handmade Wool Gold Persian 34105 Area Rug - Approx 9' x 12' | ![]() |
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US $2,399.00 | 1d 5h 36m |
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10x14 Sphinx Handmade Wool Gold Persian 34105 Area Rug - Approx 10' x 14' | ![]() |
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US $2,999.00 | 21h 56m |
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FLORAL LEAF GOLD AREA RUG 8X10 PERSIAN CARPET 1126H - ACTUAL 7' 8" x 10' 2" | ![]() |
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US $299.89 | 19h 35m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 2x3 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 1' 10" x 3' | ![]() |
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US $28.80 | 17h 38m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE 2x8 runner PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 1' 11" x 7' 4" | ![]() |
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US $76.00 | 5h 38m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 8x11 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 7' 10" x 10' 6" | ![]() |
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US $424.00 | 5h 38m |
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TRADITIONAL gold BEIGE carpet 4x6 PERSIAN area RUG : Actual 3' 11" x 5' 3" | ![]() |
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US $114.40 | 5h 38m |
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FLORAL LEAF GOLD AREA RUG 5X8 PERSIAN CARPET 1126H - ACTUAL 5' 2" x 7' 6" | ![]() |
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US $149.89 | 5h 15m |
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BROWN GOLD PERSIAN AREA RUG 3X3 ROUND ORIENTAL 3207 - ACTUAL 39" | ![]() |
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US $49.89 | 5h 15m |
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DAMASK BROWN GOLD AREA RUG 5X8 PERSIAN CARPET 1000 - ACTUAL 5' 2" x 7' 6" | ![]() |
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US $149.89 | 4h 55m |
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FLORAL LEAF GOLD AREA RUG 9X13 PERSIAN CARPET 1126H - ACTUAL 9' 2" x 12' 5" | ![]() |
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US $449.89 | 4h 55m |
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Traditional Area Rug NEW Persian Inspired Carpet 5' x 8' Gold Wool Hand Tufted | ![]() |
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US $274.00 | 24d 21h 59m |
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8' X 11' OLD ANTIQUE STYLE PERSIAN AREA RUG 2 COLORS | ![]() |
US $249.99 | 17d 10h 11m |
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2x3 Hand Knotted Soumak Persian Oriental Olive Green Gold Carmel Area Rug | ![]() |
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US $149.00 | 27d 2h 17m |
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4X6 TRADITIONAL PERSIAN STYLE AREA RUG 4 COLORS SILK526 | ![]() |
US $99.99 | 29d 3h 13m |
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Traditional NEW Area Rug WOOL Handmade Persian Carpet ORIENTAL Gold 4' x 6' | ![]() |
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US $153.60 | 23d 1h 53m |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 2' x 3' Area Rug $315 Traditional Persian Style Gold 2' x 3' Area Rug |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 8' Round Area Rug $3660 Traditional Persian Style Gold 8' Round Area Rug |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 8' Square Area Rug $3660 Traditional Persian Style Gold 8' Square Area Rug |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 3'6" x 5'6" Area Rug $1005 "Traditional Persian Style Gold 3'6"" x 5'6"" Area Rug" |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 5'6" x 8'6" Area Rug $2430 "Traditional Persian Style Gold 5'6"" x 8'6"" Area Rug" |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 7'9" x 9'9" Area Rug $3930 "Traditional Persian Style Gold 7'9"" x 9'9"" Area Rug" |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 8'6" x 11'6" Area Rug $5085 "Traditional Persian Style Gold 8'6"" x 11'6"" Area Rug" |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 9'6" x 13'6" Area Rug $7335 "Traditional Persian Style Gold 9'6"" x 13'6"" Area Rug" |
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Traditional Persian Style Gold 2'6" x 8' Runner Area Rug $1042.5 "Traditional Persian Style Gold 2'6"" x 8' Runner Area Rug" |
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2 x 3 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 04 Black by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $99 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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5 x 8 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 04 Black by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $549 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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8 x 10 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 04 Black by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $1069 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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8 Round Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 04 Black by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $979 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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3 x 5 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 04 Black by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $249 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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2 x 3 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 01 Ivory by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $99 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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5 x 8 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 01 Ivory by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $549 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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8 x 10 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 01 Ivory by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $1069 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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8 Round Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 01 Ivory by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $979 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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3 x 5 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 01 Ivory by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $249 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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8 6 x 11 6 Rectangular Area Rug - Pink Gold Persian Heritage 04 Black by Momeni Persian Heritage Collection $1369 Interpreted from some of the most beautiful rugs in the world, Persian Heritage features a bold color palette and intricate designs reminiscent of antique Persian heirloom rugs. Power-loomed of 100% New Zealand wool, each rug features a hand made finish consisting of hand-serged edges and hand-carved designs. It is this attention to detail that makes this collection truly unique. |
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Home Dynamix Area Rug: Madlena Rug: 3207-512 Brown Gold: 7'10" Round
Sale Price: $174.99 |
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Home Dynamix Area Rug: Madlena Rug: 3207-512 Brown Gold: 5'2" Round
Sale Price: $69.99 |
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Rise of Nations Gold Edition
List Price: |
Ladera Ranch, Ca: Royal Chem-Dry Rug Cleaning
Ancient Sparta - the Real History of the City of Leonidas
THE ANCIENT SPARTANS
Ancient Sparta is a name that everybody knows and recognises. The bravery of Leonidas and the 300 are the heroic basis of myriad Hollywood blockbusters. The betrayal of Menelaos, by beautiful Helen of Troy, is enshrined in glorious Homeric myth and legend. Documentaries and books portray the brutal military regime, and the abhorrent practice of exposing weak infants in the harsh Taygetos Mountains.
As any local in the modern town will tell you, the reality of Spartan society was very different from the modern perceptions. The society of the Ancient Spartans was surprisingly sophisticated, their culture as rich as any other city in Ancient Greece.
BEGINNINGS
Surprisingly to some, the history of the Ancient Spartans does not begin with the Homeric Trojan War. The realm of Menelaos and Helen existed nearly a century before the dawn of historical Ancient Sparta. This was an older civilisation, semi-mythical even to the Dorian Spartans of Leonidas. Some authorities believe that the kingdom of Menelaos, known as Lakedaimon, was based at nearby Ancient Pellanas, not Sparta.
Excavations there are ongoing, but are yet to find concrete evidence of any palace. The historical Sparta of Leonidas begins with the Dorian Greek invasion. Tribes migrating from north-eastern Greece displaced the 'long-haired' Achaean Greeks of Homeric legend.
The rise of Ancient Sparta began in about 750 BC, when the emerging Spartan state systematically subdued the populations of the surrounding areas. The nearby village of Amyclae was incorporated into the original four settlements and Messinia was invaded, the population subjugated as helots. These were not quite slaves, but had few rights and were forced to farm the land, giving half of the produce to Sparta.
The lands of Messinia were parcelled out to Spartan warrior-citizens, known as Spartiates. During this period, the Spartan constitution was formulated, and the state elected two kings, ruling alongside a council of elders and demos of male citizens. Helots and inhabitants of outlying areas, the Perioikoi, were denied a vote. This is very similar to the 'democracy' of Athens, where only the richest males had the right to vote.
THE RISE OF ANCIENT SPARTA
Between 680 and 660 BC, the Spartan army adopted the hoplite method of fighting, which would become the mainstay of their tactics for many centuries. In 669, the army suffered a reverse against the neighbouring Argives, and had to put down a Messinian revolt in the 650's. Despite this, the reform continued and the revolt was crushed, within ten years. Finally, Messinia was completely conquered and Sparta began to look further afield.
The famous laws of Lycurgus were crafted to stabilise the society and were impressed into the psyche of all Spartans. Military training became compulsory for all citizen males; from the age of seven, their lives were dictated by unbreakable rules. The Messinian Helots provided food, and the Perekoi became the craftsmen and merchants, allowing Ancient Sparta to establish a professional army. The constant training and hardening, by beatings, austere conditions and rigid selection, led to a highly trained and elite fighting force, devoted entirely to the law.
The whole system discouraged the gathering of wealth into a few hands, avoiding material imbalances that could lead to tyranny, coups or revolts. The use of professional troops, against the part-time hoplites of other Greek states, was the major factor in the growing Spartan dominance. By the middle of the 6th century, Ancient Sparta had conquered its near neighbours and was the dominant power in the Peloponnesian league, a major player in Greek politics.
THE PERSIAN EXPANSION
Throughout the sixth century BC, the Persian Empire gradually developed. Starting as a loose confederation of tribes in modern day Iran, it grew and dominated the Middle and Near East. The great cities of Babylon, Memphis and Susa, fell to the well equipped and well drilled army of Cyrus the Great. By 512 the new king, Darius, overran the Greek cities in Asia Minor and began to influence their politics.
After a failed revolt by these cities, in 494, King Xerxes of Persia decided to punish the Greeks, especially the Athenians, key supporters of this Ionian revolt. Xerxes invaded, but the resulting Battle of Marathon saw defeat at the hands of the Athenians and their allies. Ancient Sparta declined to send an army until their religious ceremonies were over, by which time the battle was won.
480 BC saw the pinnacle of Spartan history, the Battle of Thermopylae, a name that has echoed down through history. Despite the subsequent overestimation of Persian numbers and the underestimation of Greek numbers, it was still an act of steadfast bravery. Thermopylae was an awesome display of Spartan prowess, courage and strength.
The Persian king, Xerxes, timed his invasion to coincide with religious festivals, preventing many of the Greek city states from sending armies. Despite this, many states sent small contingents, including the famous 300 Spartans under Leonidas, the overall General. The Greek forces probably numbered about 7000, and the Persian force up to 250 000 men, a vast difference in strength.
After four days of waiting for the Greeks to accept terms and disperse, Xerxes sent in his first wave of troops, demanding annihilation of the Greeks. Here his plan faltered; the terrain funnelled his army onto a narrow front and neutralised the effect of numbers. The superior training and morale of the Ancient Spartan phalanxes held the 'Hot Gates', and the initial assault was cut to pieces. The next day saw an assault by the elite 10 000 immortals, but they were also forced back, in shame.
The course of the battle now swung against the Greek forces. The infamous traitor, Ephialtes, led a force of 40 000 Persians along a goat path, bringing them around the rear of the Greeks. The guarding force of 1000 Phocians fled, and the encirclement of the advance force was almost complete. Hearing of this, Leonidas dismissed the Greek allies, leaving only the 300 Spartans, 900 Messinian Helots and 700 Thespian volunteers. They made a last stand on a hill behind the pass, dying to a man and inspiring generals for centuries.
One year later, at Platea, 10 000 Ancient Spartan warriors, part of a force of about 45 000 hoplites, and an uncertain number of light troops, defeated a huge Persian force. This, along with the victory of the Athenian navy in the battle of Salamis, crushed Persian hopes forever. They never again invaded Greece and their focus shifted to using their wealth and prestige to influence Greek politics.
THE PELOPONNESIAN WARS
The end of the fifth century BC saw the uneasy alliance between Athens and Ancient Sparta, the two major powers in Greece, break down. At first, there was no outright declaration of war, but the two city states began playing the political game, wrangling and manipulating their allies. Athens exerted pressure on the city of Corinth and its colonies in Sicily, establishing its own outposts on that island. Corinth, alarmed by this, turned to Sparta for help, and threatened to leave the Peloponnesian League.
The Athenians also intrigued against another city, Megara, neighbour of Corinth, by restricting their rights to trade in Athens. Pressure built and war broke out, becoming a battle of attrition. Despite the superior initial strength of the Spartan armies, the strong defensive walls and powerful navy of Athens forced a stalemate.
By 421 BC both cities were feeling the strain upon their treasuries and armies. An uneasy truce was called, lasting until 415, when the Athenians suffered a major defeat whilst attempting to conquer Sicily. Despite this, Ancient Sparta failed to take advantage of this reversal and again offered peace. This was gratefully accepted and lasted until 404 BC. For a while, Sparta was the dominant force in the Eastern Mediterranean, but never fully exploited its position.
Persian gold equipped a new Spartan fleet, which crushed the Athenian navy in the Hellespont. Athens had no option but to surrender, and the Spartan terms were harsh. Athens had to tear down its walls and disband its fleet.
Please visit www.eccentric-englishman.com>www.eccentric-englishman.com for more history of Lakonia.
About the Author
Martyn is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Peloponnese area of Greece.
He specializes in science and philosophy articles, but will turn his hand to anything.
www.experiment-resources.com
www.amethyst-web.net
www.eccentric-englishman.com
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