Red Gold: The Amber Road

Anyone who has seen 'Jurassic Park' will be familiar with amber, as it plays a major role in the plot. This fossilized tree resin was described by the ancients as "warm to the touch and, when burned, is even more agreeable than frankincense." Indeed, it was a highly prized commodity in Antiquity, being used in jewelry and religious practices throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa, and even Central Asia. But the amber in question came from somewhere decidedly far from any of these places: the Baltic Coast. How did this "red gold" travel so far? Tune in to this week's episode to find out!