National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece

Hello Friends.

When you take a step back and look at artifacts from history, it really makes you think about how people used to live. For example, I was looking at some old bottles the other day, and it made me think about how people used to drink. It seems like such a primitive way of life now.

When looking at historic artifacts, it provides a reflection on the past. It is interesting to see how people lived and what they considered valuable. For example, in Ancient Greece, people would often use pottery to store food. They would also use different shapes and colors to decorate the pottery. This was a way to show off their wealth and status. Another example is in the Middle East, where people use carpets to decorate their homes. Carpets were often made with very intricate designs, and they were a way to show off the wealth and status of the owner. By looking at historic artifacts, we can learn a lot about the past and the different cultures that existed.

Yesterday, I had a down day and wanted to go do something. I was told about the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, and as it turns out, it was just a short walk from my apartment.

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece is one of the most visited museums in the world, and for good reason. Housing some of the most significant artifacts from antiquity, the museum is a treasure trove of ancient history. Among the museum’s many famous pieces are the statues of Poseidon and Athena from the Parthenon, the Mask of Agamemnon, and many other treasures.

Dust off your pith helmets and come with me, as we venture into the echoing halls of history at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

National Archaeological Museum

Location : 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82
Google Map Link : https://goo.gl/maps/K7QHMSUyens4qGWr6
Web page is at : https://www.namuseum.gr/

The museum is home to over 11,000 artifacts from all over Greece, dating back to Prehistoric times. The National Archaeological Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Athens and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Greece. Also, just look at that building. Dare I say it is sexy, sexy in that classical type of toga way.

As a sign of the time, when you arrive they ask you to show them your COVID shot records, and if you have a large bag, like a backpack, you will have to check it at the door. The line was a bit slow moving… but like time, it marched on.

When waiting to enter, I started to marvel at the columns out front. Athens, was perhaps all, once like that. Towering pillars, painted with ornate gold and blues.

Here is a closer picture of one of them. I think, back in the day… WAY back in the day. This is how the buildings looked… fancy AF I think

This is the map of the Museum. However, due to COVID, about 50% of the building was closed. 🙁 That was a bummer… but the ticket was only €6, so IDK, also, by the time it finished, my legs were done. So, perhaps it was just right?

Many ancient texts, including the Bible, describe beings that were much larger than humans. These beings, often called ‘ancient aliens,’ have been credited with helping to create human civilizations. Some people believe that ancient aliens still exist, and may be visiting our planet today. This is a statue of a man, or is it a life-sized statue of an ancient alien?

The building felt strange at first… perhaps it was the large space and the statues that just sorta, did not fill it… Still, however, it was cool to see the works.

NSFW?

Zeus or Poseidon?

That is a debate many locals have about this statue. It was found next to the sea, but look at the hand, you would NOT hold a trident like that. Perhaps a bolt of lightning. YES… but I have not held lighting before, so, IDK. What do you think? Zeus or Poseidon?

The Antikythera Mechanism is an ancient Greek analog computer that was recovered from a wreck off the coast of Antikythera. The device consists of a complex system of gears and is believed to have been used to predict astronomical events. The Mechanism is the oldest known example of a geared machine… this is a rebuilt version of it that is wild!

A lot of statues look like they are from Pirates of the Caribbean, I think the 3 movies. With the zombie pirates that are coming out of the water.You know the one… well, this guy here reminded me of it.

Look at this poor guy here… shocked. He was out, doing his snake man thing to come home and see that his dogs had ripped up the couch. Yea bro, I know the feeling well. It’s okay.

NSFW

Egyptian monkey balls. Baboon? NSFW aside, the face was neat looking.

The Egyptian Collection, they had on display was also quite amazing to see. Again, that reflection on the past, history, time… time… it is am amazing thing to think about.

I would love to have one of these as a pet. Like, this size. A little winged lion was hanging out with me. Yea, it would be dope if it spat fire too!

Besides about 50% of the place closed off, a lot was also getting painted and fixed up. So, bummer, but also cool!

The second floor was, well. Not as interesting to me. The parts that were open, were filled with a lot of pots and ceramics. They had neat paintings on them. But… it just did not fill my mind with wonder.

They did have this skull on floor 2. It was laid with a bunch of bottles around it. I looked on for a while… I am not sure if it is a modern skull or an old one. And, why is it missing a tooth? Did that happen in life or death?

This statue I loved. I enjoyed the broken aspect of it. I know, the artist did not invasion it this way, but, to me, here in 2022, it has a lot of meaning.

I also stood around for a bit and did a sketch of this sculpture. It was Eros and Pan together drinking, and a fat little baby with wings played with Pan’s horns. Seems like a fun time.

I also found this gold head thing, interesting like, Why the long neck? It’s like a SUPER long next, part giraffe, and part human… and the expression, why? So many questions.

If you go to the basement, that is where you can enter the courtyard. It was a nice green surprise for sure. Stepping outside, into this lush garden was a moment of wow.

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece is one of the most important museums in the world. It is home to a vast collection of archaeological artifacts from all over the ancient world. The museum is dedicated to the study and preservation of these artifacts, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.

Thanks for joining me on this tour de force of The National Archaeological Museum. Come back again for another story.

Cheers

Hey, if you enjoyed this post, here is another one titled : Free Walking tour, Athens, Greece.That you may want to read.