Greeks and Etruscans

Greek goddess Nikè

A mourning Achilles on a Greek vase

The ancient Greeks were, and still are, a world famous people, whose culture has been a rich source of inspiration for the arts and sciences of western civilisation. Greek heroes and gods such as Achilles, Hermes, Athena and Nikè, will be your guides in the ‘Greeks’ presentation.

Ancient Greeks: gods, myths and pottery

You will become acquainted with the famous Greek mythology and the different peoples of ancient Greece, who used to wage war on each other, but came together as one people during that most famous of all ancient Greek events: the Olympics. Find yourself a place on the grandstand and watch the athletes’ feats of strength. That is to say, if you have managed to soberly pass the symposium, a carousal during which the men wetted their whistles under the influence of Dionysos, the god of the wine, which was poured from beautiful Greek vases. In a reconstructed pottery you can see how these vases were made.

Etruscans: masters of bronze

The origin of the Etruscan culture of Central Italy is still enveloped in a shroud of mystery. Not even Artumes, as the Etruscans called the Greek goddess Artemis, your guide in the ‘Etruscans’ presentation, could tell you where the Etruscans originated. However, she will tell you about the trade between the Greeks and the Etruscans, and how the trade relations between the two peoples influenced Etruscan culture. The Greek influence is evident, for instance, in the exquisitely decorated Etruscan cinerary urns, many of which are adorned with scenes from Greek mythology. Further, you can admire the reconstructed roof of an Etruscan temple, with beautiful decorations and terracotta and bronze statuettes. The Etruscans were highly adept at casting bronze: some of their art works are remarkably modern and a feast for the eye.