Greece has always been a land of mystery and intrigue, with its rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. As a traveler in Athens, one cannot help but feel enlightened by the sheer number of historical sites and museums that are scattered throughout the city. One such place is the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the most important artifacts from Greek history.
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is a treasure trove of ancient Greek art and artifacts. It is home to over 11,000 exhibits that span from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. The museum was founded in 1874 and has since been one of the most important institutions for the study of Greek history and culture.
As I walked through the halls of the museum, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the sheer number of artifacts on display. From bronze statues to pottery and jewelry, each exhibit tells its own story about life in ancient Greece. One of the most impressive displays is the Golden Mask of Agamemnon, which was discovered in Mycenae by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876. The mask is made entirely of gold and weighs over 600 grams, making it one of the most important artifacts from the Mycenaean period.
Another fascinating exhibit is the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek analogue computer that was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes. The mechanism was discovered in 1901 by a group of sponge divers who were diving off the coast of the island of Antikythera. It is believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC and is considered to be one of the most complex devices of its time.
As I continued my journey through the museum, I came across exhibits that showcased the evolution of Greek art from the Geometric period to the Hellenistic period. The Geometric period (900-700 BC) was characterized by simple shapes and designs, while the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC) saw a more realistic style of art that focused on capturing the human form in all its glory.
One of the most impressive exhibits from the Hellenistic period is the statue of Alexander the Great, which was discovered in the city of Pompeii in Italy. The statue depicts Alexander as a young man, with his head slightly inclined and his hand resting on his hip. It is believed to have been created by the Greek sculptor Lysippos and is considered to be one of the most important portraits of Alexander that has survived to this day.
As I walked through the museum, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of enlightenment about Greek history and culture
See you tomorrow, for more adventures in this fascinating journey.
Mary