A key museum for understanding the ancient city
In Eretria, every step leads you to an important archaeological site. The best way to begin your journey into its ancient past is with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Eretria. Here, you’ll gain valuable insight into the city’s significance in antiquity and better appreciate what you will encounter beyond its walls.
Clear your mind and let yourself be transported to this ancient maritime city, first mentioned in the Homeric epics as a participant in the Trojan War.
The museum’s exhibits come mainly from archaeological sites in Eretria and span a wide timeline—from the prehistoric era to the Roman period.
Ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, weapons, objects of daily use and ritual objects, architectural elements, and inscriptions are presented in chronological order, bringing to life the daily life of the ancient inhabitants. Among the most impressive exhibits are the sculptures from the western pediment of the Temple of Apollo Daphniphoros. Look closely at the depiction of the abduction of the Amazon Antiope by Theseus, and admire the Archaic artistry of the sculptor Antenor.
The Archaeological Museum of Eretria also houses significant finds from nearby areas such as Lefkandi and Amarynthos, as well as from the Geometric cemeteries excavated in Lefkandi and Eretria itself. Be sure to pause at the clay figurine of a Centaur, discovered in the Toumba cemetery at Lefkandi and dating to 900–875 BC. It is considered to be the earliest depiction of a Centaur in ancient Greek art. Take a closer look, then continue your visit in the courtyard, where you can admire funerary monuments, architectural elements from various sites, and mosaics.
Clear your mind and let yourself be transported to this ancient maritime city, first mentioned in the Homeric epics as a participant in the Trojan War.
The museum’s exhibits come mainly from archaeological sites in Eretria and span a wide timeline—from the prehistoric era to the Roman period.
Ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, weapons, objects of daily use and ritual objects, architectural elements, and inscriptions are presented in chronological order, bringing to life the daily life of the ancient inhabitants. Among the most impressive exhibits are the sculptures from the western pediment of the Temple of Apollo Daphniphoros. Look closely at the depiction of the abduction of the Amazon Antiope by Theseus, and admire the Archaic artistry of the sculptor Antenor.
The Archaeological Museum of Eretria also houses significant finds from nearby areas such as Lefkandi and Amarynthos, as well as from the Geometric cemeteries excavated in Lefkandi and Eretria itself. Be sure to pause at the clay figurine of a Centaur, discovered in the Toumba cemetery at Lefkandi and dating to 900–875 BC. It is considered to be the earliest depiction of a Centaur in ancient Greek art. Take a closer look, then continue your visit in the courtyard, where you can admire funerary monuments, architectural elements from various sites, and mosaics.
