In Greek mythology the Golden Fleece was the treasure wrested from a dragon in Colchis by Jason and the Argonauts, after Medea had drugged the dragon. Jason and Medea then fled, carrying the fleece on Jason's ship, the Argo. Some ancient writers, for exam ple, STRABO, believed that this fleece was covered with alluvial gold. Others held that what Jason sought was not gold, but amber. Apollonius of rhodes thought it was a ram's fleece used as a priest's costume, or the sign of Aries the Ram, or some other s acred cult object. After the Argo's return this prize was spread on the bridal couch of Jason and Medea, thus sanctifying their royal union.