Greece 1050–520 BC (Room 13)

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.

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.

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