Argo was the name of the ship made for the expedition of the hero Argonauts, led by Jason and including many other heroes: Herakles (in some versions), Orpheus, the Dioskouroi, the sons of Boreas. They sailed to Colchis on the Black Sea (modern Georgia) and brought back the famous Golden Fleece, an enterprise in which they were helped by the local princess and witch Medea. Various episodes en route are subjects for art - see Talos, Hylas, Amykos, Phineus.
Above left: Detail from Athenian red-figure clay vase, about 425-375 BC. Ruvo, Museo Jatta (1501) 36933. © Museo Jatta, Ruvo Licence Plate 11 UK 1007 117
Above right: 'Jason takes the Fleece'. Detail from Athenian red-figure clay vase, about 470-460 BC. New York. Metropolitan Museum of Art 34.11.7 © Metropolitan Museum of Art.