Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. WINGED NIKE
This sensuous, swirling, rippling statue of Athena once adorned the Agora's Stoa of
Zeus Eleutherios. Her active stance and clinging, flowing
chiton
(a loose, full-length
tunic) are typical of the way in which the goddess was depicted at that time. It dates
to around 415 BC.
7. ATHENIAN LAW FOR DEMOCRACY
In 336 or 337 BC, the citizens of Athena passed a historic vote for a new system
of democracy, giving every (male) citizen an equal vote. The law is inscribed here,
and topped by an image of a personification of the Demos (people) of Athens being
crowned by Democracy herself.
8. APOLLO PATROOS
This colossal but finely sculpted cult statue of Apollo graced a temple to the god in
the Agora. A later copy shows that in this sculpture the god of music was playing the
kithara, an early stringed instrument. Dating to around 330 BC, it is the work of the
famous sculptor and painter Euphranor.
9. MARBLE CLEROTERION
This allotment machine was used by the Parliament of Athens between the 3rd and
2nd century BC, in the period of the ten tribes of Attica, to select officials. The seem-
ingly simple box performed complex operations with slots, weights, cranks and col-
oured balls. A sign below the display case explains the complexities of its operation.
10. CALYX KRATER
Dating to 530 BC, this is the earliest known calyx krater - an elegant vessel used
to mix water and wine at banquets - and the only vase of this shape attributed to
Exekias, the greatest Attic vase painter. It shows several beautifully detailed scenes,
including Herakles being introduced to the gods of Olympus and the Greek and Tro-
jan heroes' fight over the body of Patroclus.
