Age of heroes

Around 1200 B.C.E., the whole of Greece was struck by a wave of unexplained catastrophes which led to the fall of Mycenaean palaces. The magnificent and highly developed culture of Mycenae crumbled; its oligarchy was eradicated, and with it, political and economic order dissolved. What followed was a long enigmatic period from which no written records or monuments have survived, a time referred to as “Greece's 'dark centuries'.” Homer placed his heroes of the Iliad and Odyssey against the backdrop of this epoch.

The exhibition transports visitors into the exciting times of these heroes: how did a king like Ulysses live? Which weapons did a warrior like Agamemnon use? What jewellery did heroes give their wives and daughters to wear? In addition to addressing such questions, priceless exhibition objects from Cyprus show that the wealthy island of copper quickly overcame the years of crisis and created luxury goods for Greek heroes.

The "dark centuries" are brought to life by means of impressive models such as the life-sized partial recreation of the mighty heroon of Lefkandi, a mysterious grave on the island of Euboea. In the interactive areas of the exhibition, adults and children alike can experience the exhibition hands-on, such as in the open workshop “The House of Heroes,” which is open on weekends.