The stunning art and architecture left behind by the ancient Greeks has captivated the world for millennia. Greek artists achieved an unparalleled mastery of sculpture, painting, jewelry, pottery and monumental building that set the foundation for all of Western art to follow. The realism, detail, and sheer beauty they attained is awe-inspiring to this day.
Luckily, many spectacular Greek treasures have survived the centuries for us to admire. They provide a glimpse into mythology, history, and daily life in Greece‘s golden age between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. Here are 15 of the most remarkable artifacts that capture the glory and grandeur of this hugely influential ancient civilization:
1. Parthenon Marbles
Originally adorning the famous Parthenon temple, this collection of Classical Greek marble sculptures is considered the pinnacle of Greek art. Carved in the 5th century BC, they depict battles, festivals and scenes from Greek mythology in breathtaking detail and realism. Many are now controversially housed in the British Museum.
2. Mask of Agamemnon
This stunning gold funeral mask from 1550-1500 BC was discovered in the ancient city of Mycenae. With its finely wrought features and details, it captures the skill of Mycenaean goldsmiths. Long believed to depict the legendary king Agamemnon from Homer‘s epics, it actually predates him by centuries.
3. Winged Victory of Samothrace
One of the most celebrated sculptures in the world, this huge 2nd century BC marble statue depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, alighting on the prow of a ship. Her clinging, windblown drapery and realistic anatomy exhibit the unrivaled artistry of the Hellenistic period. It is a star attraction at the Louvre in Paris.
4. Acropolis of Athens
The heart of ancient Athens, this hilltop complex contains the ruins of several immensely significant Classical Greek buildings, including the iconic Parthenon. Built in gleaming marble in the 5th century BC, they are the quintessential works of Greek architecture and a testament to the power and prestige of Athens.
5. Riace Bronzes
In 1972, these two extraordinarily lifelike Greek bronze statues of naked bearded warriors were discovered by a scuba diver off the coast of southern Italy. Over 6.5 feet tall and dating to around 450 BC, they are rare surviving examples of the virtuosity and realism the Greeks achieved in large bronze sculpture.
6. Venus de Milo
This graceful marble statue of Aphrodite, goddess of love, is one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture. Dating to 100 BC, her sensual nude torso, realistic drapery, and twist of the hips exemplify the Classical Greek style. Her missing arms only add to the mystery and allure. She is greatly admired at the Louvre.
7. Delphi Archaeological Site
Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was considered the ‘navel of the earth‘ and holiest site in Greece. Pilgrims came from far and wide to consult its Oracle. The sprawling, evocative ruins include the Temple of Apollo, a stadium, theater and the spectacular Tholos. Countless works of art and votives were dedicated here.
8. Antikythera Mechanism
Often called the world‘s first computer, this mysterious and highly sophisticated bronze device was found in a 1st century BC shipwreck. Using a complex series of gears, it could calculate and display information about the movements of celestial bodies and the timing of eclipses. Nothing else close to its complexity is known for a thousand years afterward.
9. Phaistos Disc
Discovered on Crete, this enigmatic fired clay disc from 1700 BC is stamped with 241 mystifying symbols, arranged in a spiral on both sides. To this day no one has been able to decode its meanings. It remains one of the most famous puzzles in archaeology, an enduring mystery from the advanced but still obscure Minoan civilization.
10. Laocoön and His Sons
Hailed as a masterpiece as soon as it was excavated in Rome in 1506, this heart-wrenching Hellenistic marble sculpture depicts a Trojan priest and his sons being strangled by sea serpents sent by Poseidon. The agony on their faces and the rippling musculature of their nude bodies is sculpted in incredible detail, making it a cornerstone of Vatican Museums‘ collection.
11. Gold Mask of Tutankhamun‘s Mummy
While not strictly Greek, this priceless solid gold death mask demonstrates how strongly Egyptian art influenced the Greeks. Tutankhamun‘s serene, youthful and exquisitely decorated face, gazing out for eternity, has become an icon of ancient artistry. At over 22 pounds of solid gold, the mask is also an astounding display of wealth.
12. Pylos Combat Agate
Measuring only 1.4 inches long, this Mycenaean sealstone from 1450 BC nevertheless contains a staggering level of microscopic detail. It depicts a dramatically violent battle scene with bodies strewn beneath clashing shields and swords. The skill needed to carve this intricate scene onto such a minuscule gem is almost unimaginable.
13. Pergamon Altar
Built in the 2nd century BC, this enormous, elaborately sculpted altar from the Greek city of Pergamon is a defining monument of Hellenistic art. Its 400-foot long frieze contains over 100 larger-than-life figures locked in an epic battle between gods and giants. The dynamism, emotion, and movement captured in the swirling composition is spellbinding.
14. Treasury of Atreus
Also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, this imposing beehive-shaped tomb at Mycenae dates to around 1250 BC. One of the finest examples of Mycenaean architecture, the sheer size and perfect symmetry of the space is astounding, as is the colossal door lintel, the largest known monolith in the world.
15. Bust of Pericles
A masterful portrait that seems to capture both the physical appearance and personality of one of ancient Greece‘s most influential statesmen. Pericles was the force behind the building of the Parthenon and ushered in the golden age of Athens in the 5th century BC. This Roman-made marble bust based on a Greek original conveys his nobility, wisdom and resolve.
These stunning artifacts offer just a peek at the many treasures the ancient Greeks left behind. Their legacy of artistic innovation and excellence is woven into the very fabric of Western civilization, continuing to beguile and inspire us millennia later. Greece‘s cultural contributions are arguably its greatest treasure of all.
