These eight items , arrange in mostly chronological order, give good insight into the development and ultimate trajectory of Greek culture from the Bronze Age into the Classical Period. Items have been selected to cover a wide breadth of different cultural aspects from socioeconomic, military, and political. These items originate from varying locations including Athens, Sicily, Crete, and the Cyclades.
Clay tablets inscribed with records in Linear B script, -1400/-1300, From the collection of: British Museum
Period: Late Bronze Age
Material: Clay
Location Found: Knossos, Crete
This clay tablet was baked in a palace fire which helped preserve it's inscriptions.Represents a transitional element in history
Clay tablets inscribed with records in Linear B script, -1400/-1300, From the collection of: British Museum
Upon closer examination, elements of the Linear B language can be seen. In particular, the clay tablets from Knossos are mainly inventory elements that were never meant to be preserved.
Part of a necklace, Unknown, "10th c. BC" - "", From the collection of: Museum of Cycladic Art
Period: Dark Age
Location: Skyros, Greece
Material: Gold
This was found in a pot-geometric grave and has the workings of Mycenaean and near eastern craftsmanship hybrid together. Renaissance Piece.
Corinthian helmet, Unknown, "circa 550 BC" - "", From the collection of: Museum of Cycladic Art
Period: Archaic
Location: Olympia, Greece
Material: Bronze
This helmet is a typical hoplite warrior headpiece. The polis of Corinth put great effort into redesigning the helmet for functionality
Athens, decadrachm, Unknown, -0465, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum
Period: Classical
Location: Athens
Material: Silver
Coins such as these frequented the ancient Greek Classical era and made trade between colonies and other city states much more efficient.
Volute Krater with Battle Scene From The Trojan War, The Niobid Painter (Greek, b.Circa 475 BC, d.Circa 450 BC), ca. 450 B.C., From the collection of: Cincinnati Art Museum
Period: Classical
Material: Ceramic, Red-Figure Technique
These vessels were manly used to mix wine and water together. The depiction on it is believed to be from the Trojan War.
Volute Krater with Battle Scene From The Trojan War, The Niobid Painter (Greek, b.Circa 475 BC, d.Circa 450 BC), ca. 450 B.C., From the collection of: Cincinnati Art Museum
The events depicted are believed to be Achilles and Prince Hector confronting one another as Athena looks on. Athenians at the time of this Krater's creation enjoyed the confrontation between the two.
Decrees for Samos., Unknown, 405/4 and 403/2 BC, From the collection of: Acropolis Museum
Period: Classical
Material: inscribed stele
This was bestowed to the two of Samos from the Athenians in good will after the Peloponnesian War when Samos remains allied with Athens.
Decrees for Samos., Unknown, 405/4 and 403/2 BC, From the collection of: Acropolis Museum
Closer rendering shows Athena (right), and Hera (left) shaking hands in goodwill to portray the honor upon Samos. This was a common technique seen in offering between political allies.
Period: Classical
Location: Athens, Greece
Material:Terracotta
This Amphora represents victors of an event in the Panhellenic games. The winner of any competition, music, poetry, sports, might get it
Prize Vessel from the Athenian Games, 363 - 362 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Unable to be seen are two translations in Attic Greek. Inscription: Two kionedon inscriptions on the front: NIKODEMOS EPOIESEN (Nikodemos made it); TON ATHENETHEN ATHLON (Prize of the Athenian Games).
Portrait of Pericles, Unknown, -430, From the collection of: Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Period: Classical
Location of Excavation: Lesbos
Material: Marble
This bust of Pericles is the centerpiece of the collection and represents years of war, peace, and prosperity for Athens.
Portrait of Pericles, Unknown, -430, From the collection of: Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
The sculptor made his face look calm and relaxed to capture his incorruptible political manner. The bust sat on the Acropolis as people walked in to signify the man who shaped Athens history.
Credits: All media
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