Epigraphic Museum

The Epigraphic Museum of Athens, located in the southern wing of the National Archaeological Museum, is one of the most important institutions in the world dedicated to ancient inscriptions. Founded in 1885, the museum houses the largest collection of ancient Greek inscriptions, with over 14,000 pieces covering a period from the 8th century BC to the Roman period. The inscriptions preserved in the museum represent primary historical sources of invaluable value, as they provide direct information on the political, economic, religious, and social life of ancient Greece. The collection includes public and private inscriptions, decrees, treaties, funerary epigraphs, votive inscriptions, and much more. Each inscription is a window into the daily life and political and social structures of ancient Greece. One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its ability to reveal details about the construction and functioning of ancient societies through inscriptions. For example, among the most important artifacts is a tablet documenting the construction costs of the Parthenon, offering a detailed view of the materials used and expenses incurred. This type of document is essential for scholars seeking to better understand the economy and resource management in ancient Athens. The museum’s exhibition rooms are organized chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to follow the evolution of writing and epigraphic practices over time. Room 11, for example, houses the oldest inscriptions dating back to the 8th century BC, and provides an introduction to the evolution of Greek writing. Here you can see the oldest inscriptions from Attica, including the oldest stone inscription found on the Acropolis and a commemorative stele dedicated to the Corinthians who fell in the naval battle of Salamis in 480 BC. Room 1, on the other hand, presents public texts of great importance, such as decrees of the Athenian assembly, lists of votive offerings, and alliance treaties. These inscriptions offer a unique perspective on the political decisions and diplomatic relations of ancient Athens, showing how the city managed its internal and external affairs. One of the most interesting anecdotes concerns the decree of Themistocles, which discusses Greek strategy during the Persian wars. This document, while subject to debate about its authenticity, is an example of how inscriptions can shed light on crucial aspects of Greek military history. From an architectural point of view, the museum itself is an example of neoclassical elegance. Originally part of the National Archaeological Museum complex, the building has undergone various modifications and expansions over the years. In the 1950s, architect Patroklos Karantinos designed the extension of the building, giving the museum its current form. This combination of history and modernity makes the museum a fascinating place to visit.