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Following the collapse of Mycenaean palace society and a period of relative poverty and isolation, Greece experienced a cultural and political renaissance. From the eighth century BC onwards, renewed contact with the Near East, Anatolia, Phoenicia, Egypt, and other peoples around the Mediterranean had a profound impact on Greek culture.
Black-figured amphora (wine-jar) signed by Exekias as potter and attributed to him as painter 540-530 BC More information
Black-figured amphora (wine-jar) signed by Exekias as potter and attributed to him as painter 540-530 BC
Bronze griffin head 650 BC More information
Bronze griffin head 650 BC
Marble head of a woman 550-520 BC More information
Marble head of a woman 550-520 BC
Black-figured bowl (dinos) and stand, signed by Sophilos as painter; The wedding of Peleus and Thetis 580 BC More information
Black-figured bowl (dinos) and stand, signed by Sophilos as painter; The wedding of Peleus and Thetis 580 BC
The linear Geometric style of pottery gave way to 'orientalising' motifs, such as animals and florals. A Greek script based on the Phoenician alphabet was developed, Homer composed his epic poems and a new political unit, the city-state (polis), emerged.
Competition between these states often resulted in wars but also in athletic and musical contests such as the Olympic Games.
Objects on display in Room 13 include sculpture, painted pottery, jewellery, coins and other artefacts from Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and East Greece.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Bone figurine of two females
Discover the history of Ancient Greece, £7.99
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