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Following the defeat of Athens and the collapse of its empire in 404 BC, a power struggle on both sides of the Aegean Sea followed. In the Greek mainland the once independent city states fell under the rising power of Macedon. On the other side of the Aegean, Persia reasserted its imperial power over the East-Greek cities.
Marble head of a youthful god: the 'Aberdeen Head' 325-280 BC More information
Marble head of a youthful god: the 'Aberdeen Head' 325-280 BC
Red-figured storage jar (pelike), attributed to the Marsyas Painter 360-350 BC More information
Red-figured storage jar (pelike), attributed to the Marsyas Painter 360-350 BC
Silver double-headed drinking vessel (kantharos) 350-300 BC More information
Silver double-headed drinking vessel (kantharos) 350-300 BC
Bronze relief with Aphrodite and Anchises 350 BC More information
Bronze relief with Aphrodite and Anchises 350 BC
Objects on display in Room 20 illustrate the rise in private luxury that accompanied political and social change in the fourth century BC. This includes gold jewellery, exquisite metalwork showing the influence of Persian art, and a focus on novel representation of the human body.
A tomb from Lycian Xanthos built in around 360 BC for Payava, the Persian-appointed governor of the city, dominates the centre of the gallery.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Bronze mirror case
Traditions of the Greek Olympics, £8.99
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