Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology

The Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, located on the first floor of the magnificent complex of the Vieille Charité in Marseille, is a treasure trove of art and history that offers a fascinating journey through the civilizations of the Mediterranean. Inaugurated in its current location in 1989, the museum presents collections that cover a vast time span, from antiquity to classical periods. The museum is divided into several main sections, each of which explores a distinct geographical and cultural area of the Mediterranean. One of the most significant collections is dedicated to ancient Egypt, considered the second most important in France after the Louvre. This section features a wide range of artifacts ranging from the pharaonic dynasties to the Ptolemaic era, with objects ranging from funerary statues to sarcophagi, from jewelry to everyday tools. Among the most impressive pieces are the sarcophagus of Ânkhhâpi, in dark green serpentine, and the sarcophagus of Pa-en-ese, in black basalt, both from the Ptolemaic period. In addition to the Egyptian collection, the museum houses artifacts from the ancient civilizations of the Near East, Greece, Rome, and the Phoenician and Etruscan cultures. These objects offer a comprehensive overview of the daily life, religious beliefs, and funerary practices of these civilizations. For example, the Greek section of the museum contains vases, sculptures, and coins that illustrate the political and cultural life of the Greek city-states, while the Roman collection includes mosaics and statuettes that testify to the greatness of the Roman Empire. A particularly fascinating area of the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology is dedicated to funerary steles. These inscribed stones, mainly from Egypt and Greece, offer an intimate view of the funerary practices and religious beliefs of ancient civilizations. The inscriptions and images on these steles reveal touching details about the deceased and their families, adding a human touch to the grand historical narrative. The museum is also famous for its collections of religious artifacts, including statues of deities and votive objects. Among the highlights are a bronze cat head from the Late Period of ancient Egypt and a series of bronze statuettes representing various Egyptian deities, such as Isis, Amun, and Thoth. These objects not only testify to the artistic mastery of ancient craftsmen but also offer a glimpse into the complex religious practices and worship rituals. From an architectural point of view, the Vieille Charité complex is a masterpiece of the 17th century, designed by the architect Pierre Puget. Originally conceived as a hospice for the poor, the building was transformed into a cultural center in the 1980s, with the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology occupying a central position within this historic space. The combination of baroque architecture and ancient collections creates a unique and evocative environment that enriches the visitor experience. An interesting anecdote concerns the statue of the prefect Sobekhotep, one of the gems of the Egyptian collection. This cubic statue is a rare example of Egyptian funerary art, and its presence in the museum is the result of a long and complex acquisition process involving archaeologists and art historians from around the world.