Athens – The Homeland of the Gods: National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the world's greatest museums. It houses the collection of finds from all over the country, and all the most important finds are displayed here. The following photos show only the highlights of this museum as there are about forty rooms to explore in this museum!

'Kouros' in Ancient Greek words means a male youth. This is a giant 'kouros' from Thebes dating back to the Archaic Period of Greek sculpture (about 650 BC to about 500 BC).

This is the most celebrated piece of the Mycenaen masks: the Mask of Agamemnon. There are several others but not as popular as this one.

The Warrior Krater (mixing bowl) or the Warrior Vase, dating back to 12^th century BC. The men figures are warriors leaving for war and there is a woman weaving them goodbye.

This is another piece of art regarded as one of the finest examples of the Mycenaen art. It is called a Vaphio gold cup with the scene of men taming wild bulls.

This fresco depicting two boxers is among the spectacular collection of the Minoan frescoes from Ancient Thira of Santorini.

Some jars among the finds from Ancient Thira.

Do they look familiar? These are the figurines of the Cycladic collection that inspired Picasso. Do they make an impression to you now?

This is the Poseidon of Artemision (450 BC) uncovered off the shore of Cape Artemision in 1928.

The Horse and Jockey of Artemision (2^nd century AD) is another celebrated bronze statue of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

The worried face of the jockey makes the Horse and Jockey of Artemision come to life.

This is the statue of Athena Varvakeion (200 BC). It is a miniature copy of the statue of Athena Polias that once occupied the Parthenon.

The statue of Aphrodite dating back to 2^nd century AD.

The National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the must visit sights in Athens. You will definitely be fascinated by the vast collection of the most important finds that were hauled from all over Greece.

If you would like to read more of my travelogues on Greece, here are the links:-

1. Athens – The Homeland of the Gods

• Acropolis
• Ancient Agora
• National Archaeological Museum
• Exposé at the Parliament Building
• Neoclassical Trilogy
• The Walking Tour
• The Graffiti
• The Central Market
• Panoramic View

2. The White Dream in Mykonos

• Whitewashed Cube Houses
• Stairways to Heaven
• Barricades in Paradise
• Sea Breeze
• Wind Riders
• With a Little Bit of Red
• Roaming the Streets
• The Holy Ground
• When the Sun is Going Down
• I've Been to Paradise

3. Santorini – Almost Heaven

• Roaming Around the Streets of Fira
• Gazing at the Sea in Fira
• The Southern Crosses in Fira
• The Golden Hour at Fira
• Fira Sunset and After Dark
• Strolling the Streets in Oia
• The Cliffs and the Sea in Oia
• The Domes and the Bells in Oia
• The Barriers in Oia
• The Sunset at Oia
• The Volcano at Nea Kameni
• The Black-sand Beach of Kamari
• Ancient Thira

4. Miscellaneous

• Piraeus – Tinos – Mykonos
• Delos – The Open Air Museum on an Island
• From Mykonos to Thira
• Nuts about Kebab
• Patras