#helladic

Mycenaean gold kylix from Dendra in the Argolis

15th century BCE

Jug with marine style decoration

* late Minoan IB / late Helladic IIA period (15th century BCE)

* Phylakopi III

* National Archaeological Museum of Athens

~ Lens-shaped seal with lioness attacking a bull.

Culture: Early Aegean

Period: Helladic, Late Helladic II-III A

Date: ca. 1600–1300 B.C.

Terracotta stirrup jar with octopus ca. 1200–1100 B.C. Helladic, Submycenaean. Image: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Yasu again, everyone!

Today was the fourth day of my Athenian adventure. It consisted of two main events: 1) visiting the National Archeological Museum of Athens and 2) visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. The National Archeological Museum contained a plethora of Greek artifacts, including several from the Bronze Age (2500 – 1200 B.C.E.). For any readers who may be unaware, this is the period that we have been studying in class. The first room that we entered contained a number of items from the Early, Middle, and Late Cycladic periods. Here, we were able to view pottery and sculptures (the Woman from Syros, the Lyre Player, etc.) from the Greek Cyclades (islands). Since the dead were buried with items thought to ease the transition to the afterlife, the majority of these artifacts were grave goods. Personally, I loved viewing the Cycladic art, and some of the figurines were among my favorite (i.e. the musicians).

Once we had finished viewing the Cycladic section, we transitioned to the Helladic (mainland) section. This portion of the museum contained numerous artifacts from Grave Circle A and Grave Circle B of the Mycenaean palace site. We were able to view the “mask of Agamemnon,” the “lion’s hunt dagger,” several bronze weapons, rhytons of various shapes and sizes, and many pieces of gold and silver jewelry. We also visited a section that contained findings from the Antikythera* shipwreck. Due to sand coverage, many of the artifacts this section were partially preserved.

The artifacts at the National Archeological Museum reflect many of the values of Aegean civilization. For instance, the numerous daggers and swords reveal that the Aegeans were a militaristic people. In The Iliad, Homer’s heroes are also depicted as being strong, courageous warriors. The importance of gaining honor and “immortality” through warfare can even be seen in ancient Athens. One of the great tragedians, Aeschylus, wished to be remembered solely for his participation in the Persian War, despite his impressive theatrical achievements. The militaristic mindset of the Bronze Age Aegean, which is reflected in numerous artifacts, served as a cultural cornerstone for later Greek civilization.

That is all I have to share for today, but be sure to keep reading! Greece is still beautiful, and Santorini is just as spectacular as it appears to be in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Also, I’m sorry for the spotty, somewhat inconsistent uploads. Since we have been traveling, wifi access has been somewhat difficult to come by. However, I promise that all my adventures will be catalogued by the time I return!