Archeological Museum

For Ancient History Geeks

This museum contains a very impressive collection of works collected from all over the former Ottoman Empire. I focused on the Hellenistic statues, but there was a lot more to see. I am going to have to go back, for there is no way a person can see it all in one day. I took well over 50 pictures, so this is just a small sample. Again, flash photography is limited in places, so bare with me.
These first two pieces are from a funeral sarcophagus (coffin). It is called the sarcophagus of mourning women. There were very detailed carvings all around the piece. I took this corner shot to give a sense of proportion.

Notice the detailed expression of sorrow!

This is the sarcophagus of Alexander, one of the museum's prized pieces. It was by far the most detailed and intricate work in the collection. In many places the color was still traceable. I watched a short video that accompanied the work describing the techniques used to reveal some of the images that were drawn on but worn off with time.
The whole work depicted extremely violent war and hunting scenes.

Giantomache- battle between the giants and the gods. In the left you can see Athena with a shield. This was part of a larger work, but I wanted to show the incredible detail rather then the over all scene.

Marcus Aurulius- Famous philosopher and Roman Emperor. Some of you may know him from the movie Gladiator.

This is Sappho, the most famous female poet of the ancient world. It is hard to get a sense of proportion from the photos, but this was one of the largest busts in the collection.

This is Paris. He was the one that stole Helen, causing the Trojan War. He was also the one who shot Achilles in the heal, killing the great Greek champion. This is a representation of an original. I include it here to show how the statues would have been originally painted. In a few cases you could see slight traces of the original paint.

Marsyas- 3rd century B.C. He was a Satyr that was flayed alive by Apollo for daring to challenge him in a musical competition. The New Music Fest featured works inspired by this story a couple of years ago.

Alexander the Great- 3rd century B.C. This was particularly interesting for me as I am currently reading a book on Alexander by Stephen Pressfield.