by Jim Osborn

Created on: May 13, 2010

When visiting Greece, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is not to be missed. It is considered one of the finest museums in existence. The collection of relics are breathtaking and amazing. 

Many prehistoric objects from the Neolithic period or (New Stone Age) and Early to Mid-Bronze age can be viewed. Stone tools such as axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools are displayed along with bronze tools developed by smelting copper and tin and even including artifacts remarkably recovered from the lost city of Troy.

The museum boasts a large collection of art, including the Cycladic art collection which includes marble figurines and vessels from Delos (an island with cultural and religious significance) and Keros (uninhabited islands off the coast of Greece) which inspired famous artists like Pablo Picasso. 

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens also houses one of the most impressive Egyptian artifact collections on the planet, which includes mummies, jewels, bronze statues and even a 300 year old loaf of bread with a huge bite taken out of it (seriously).
The Agora Museum in Athens is another gem of historical splendor that contains artifacts dating as far back as the 2nd century BC. Some of the most impressive items include a Mycenaean ivory jewelry case, a pair of gold earrings from 850 BC, small animal toys dating back to the 4th Century AD.

The ancient Agora Museum also contains a wealth of statues ranging from marble to bronze age sculptures as old as ca. 330 BC including the statue of Apollo Patrools, and a huge sculpture by Euphranor of Corinth (famous Greek painter and sculptor who lived in the 4th century BC).

The Maritime Museum of Crete is located in Chania, Crete and is dedicating to preserving Greece’s historical naval and military history. The exhibits are mainly focused upon maritime piece’s and displays which includes historical paintings, war relics, and ancient ship instruments from the Bronze age.

Models of both ancient vessels as well as modern ships of war can be viewed and explored. Old books along with documents of historical significance can be seen, lectures and other educational programs are offered to educate and promote Crete’s navel traditions and glory. 

Greece offers so many museums that contain treasures of great value and consequence and deciding which ones to visit can be a mind boggling decision but the three museums noted above are among the most impressive and unique establishments you are likely to find anywhere in the world.

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