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Greece: Athens and Lycia (Room 15)
520 – 430 BC
Following the defeat of the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 - 479 BC, democratic Athens built up a powerful maritime empire. In an age of prosperity Athenian artists flourished, and Athens’ distinctive painted pottery was exported all over the Mediterranean world.
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Relief panel from the Harpy Tomb 470-460 BC
More informationRelief panel from the Harpy Tomb 470-460 BC
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Bronze head of Apollo: the 'Chatsworth Head' about 460 BC
More informationBronze head of Apollo: the 'Chatsworth Head' about 460 BC
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Marble portrait bust of Perikles 2nd century AD
More informationMarble portrait bust of Perikles 2nd century AD
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Red-figured volute-krater attributed to the Berlin Painter about 500-480 BC
More informationRed-figured volute-krater attributed to the Berlin Painter about 500-480 BC
In Room 15, pottery is shown alongside other objects to illustrate such themes as democracy, the human body, the Athenian Empire and the people of Athens. Among those pressed into joining Athens’ tribute-paying were the Lycians - so-called allies of the empire living in what is now south-west Turkey.
Sculpture in this gallery comes from tombs and shrines built on the acropolis of Lycian Xanthos.
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