Greece has unveiled an exhibition featuring more than 1,100 artifacts, including statues, table games, and children’s toys, discovered in an ancient Athens neighborhood during excavations near the modern Acropolis Museum. These items, unearthed from the foothills of the Acropolis hill, which hosts the Parthenon temple, have been meticulously restored and are part of a new site known as “the museum under the museum.” This unique exhibition will be accessible to the public from July 26.
The displayed artifacts offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of residents over 4,500 years ago. Everyday objects such as storage vessels, cooking pots, weaving tools, and needles reveal the practical aspects of ancient life, according to the Greek culture ministry. The remains of the neighborhood, on top of which the Acropolis Museum was constructed, reconstruct a complex of streets, homes with spacious rooms and courtyards, baths, and workshops. These remains have been open to visitors since 2019.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that the exhibition, located on the southern fringes of the archaeological site, integrates seamlessly into the visitor’s journey, enhancing their understanding of everyday life in ancient Athens. The Acropolis Museum, which attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, covers an area of 14,000 square meters (16,743.86 square yards) and is designed to visually connect with the Parthenon and other temples on the Acropolis hill.
A significant portion of the Parthenon frieze, measuring about 160 meters, is housed in the British Museum, while 50 meters of the carvings are on display at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. Greece has long urged the British Museum to permanently return the 2,500-year-old sculptures, which British diplomat Lord Elgin removed from the temple in 1806 during Greece’s period under Ottoman Turkish rule.
Mendoni reiterated that the new museum offers the perfect setting to house the Parthenon sculptures in their entirety. “This museum constitutes the optimal physical and conceptual framework for highlighting, interpreting, and understanding its masterpieces,” she stated.
The new exhibition not only enriches the cultural narrative of the Acropolis Museum but also serves as a poignant reminder of the rich historical tapestry of Athens. By showcasing these artifacts, Greece aims to deepen visitors’ appreciation of ancient Greek civilization and its enduring legacy. The “museum under the museum” promises to be a significant cultural attraction, drawing both history enthusiasts and casual visitors eager to explore the everyday lives of ancient Athenians.
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