Major New Archaeological Museum Exhibit Celebrates Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis

The new temporary exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum (in Athens), titled “Glorious Victories: Between Myth and History” celebrates the 2,500-year anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae and the Naval Battle of Salamis, bringing to life the victorious struggle of the Greeks against the Persians.

The exhibition boasts 105 ancient works, including a model of an Athenian trireme from the 5th century BC, which come from the National Archaeological Museum as well as other museums across Greece, including the Archaeological Museums of Astros, Thebes, and Olympia. Faithful recreations of Ancient Greek inventions are also on display with items coming from the Konstantinos Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology.

Digital projections contribute to the creation of a powerful atmosphere in which visitors may more easily perceive the drama of the events and the inspiring meaning of Nike (“Victory”).

Especially iconic for this very historical anniversary is the bust of Themistocles, a Roman copy of an original work from the 5th century BC, which is usually displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Ostia.

The striking helmet of the great general Miltiades as well as the stunning bronze statue of a horse and jockey from Artemision, lost in a shipwreck in antiquity but rediscovered off Evia in the twentieth century, add to the greatness of this collection.

This unique exhibition will run until the end of February 2021 and should not be missed.