10 Things to Do in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the largest and most important archaeological museums in the world. Located in the heart of Athens, it is home to some of the most important archaeological finds from across the Greek world. From sculptures to pottery, to coins and jewelry, the museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. With so much to see, here are 10 things to do in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
1. Explore the Ancient Greek Collection: The museum’s ancient Greek collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It includes sculptures, pottery, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. Highlights include the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,100-year-old device used to predict astronomical events, and the Mask of Agamemnon, a mask thought to be the face of the legendary king of Mycenae.
2. See the Egyptian Collection: The museum’s Egyptian collection includes some of the country’s most important archaeological finds. Highlights include the colossal statue of Ramses II, the mummy of a priestess, and the funerary mask of Tutankhamun.
3. Admire the Ancient Greek Sculptures: The museum is home to some of the most famous sculptures in the world. These include the Athena Parthenos, a colossal statue of the goddess Athena, the Nike of Samothrace, and the Discobolus of Myron.
4. Learn About Ancient Greek Pottery: The museum has an impressive collection of ancient Greek pottery, including vases, plates, and cups decorated with scenes from mythology. It also has a large selection of funerary urns, which were used to store the ashes of the deceased.
5. Visit the Coin Collection: The museum’s coin collection contains coins from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. It includes coins from Athens, Sparta, and other Greek cities.
6. Explore the Jewelry Collection: The museum’s jewelry collection includes rings, necklaces, and earrings from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. Many of the pieces are made from gold, silver, and other precious metals.
7. See the Mosaics: The museum has some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world. These include the floor mosaic from the House of the Faun in Pompeii, the floor mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii, and the mosaic from the House of the Nymphs in Delos.
8. Check Out the Prehistoric Collection: The museum’s prehistoric collection includes artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Highlights include the Harvester Vase, a pottery vessel decorated with a scene of a harvest, and the Cycladic Idol, a marble figurine dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
9. Visit the Byzantine Collection: The museum’s Byzantine collection includes sculptures, icons, and other artifacts from the Byzantine period. Highlights include the mosaic of the Virgin Mary from the Church of the Virgin Mary in Istanbul, and the mosaic of Emperor Justinian from the Church of St. John the Baptist in Istanbul.
10. Learn About Ancient Greek Technology: The museum has a large collection of ancient Greek technology, including the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,100-year-old device used to predict astronomical events. It also has a selection of ancient Greek tools, such as the potter’s wheel and the olive press.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Greek culture. With its impressive collection of artifacts from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods, it offers a unique insight into the history and culture of ancient Greece. Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient Greek collection, admire the sculptures, or learn about ancient Greek technology, the museum is sure to have something to offer.