The Museum of Cycladic Art is gearing up for an upcoming exhibition that delves into the historic day that brought Alexander the Great, a pivotal figure in world history, onto the political stage.
Titled "Chaeroneia, August 2, 338 BC: A day that changed the world," this exhibition forms part of the Museum of Cycladic Art's new series of archaeological exhibitions called "History of People." It will be inaugurated on December 14, 2023, and showcased at Megaron Stathatou under the expert guidance of curators Dr Panagiotis Iosif and Dr Ioannis Fappa.
The exhibition sheds light on the battle of Chaeronea and its significance in the transition from the classical to the Hellenistic period. The battle solidified the Macedonians' dominance in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean under the rule of Philip. On this momentous day, the young Prince Alexander, just eighteen years old at the time, emerged as a powerful presence in the political and military arena, playing a decisive role in the defeat of the Holy Company of Thebes.
Through approximately 260 artifacts sourced from 25 Greek museums, two foreign museums, and four private collections, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to "touch" the great king in an archaeological context never before experienced. It explores the collision of two worlds and the subsequent birth of the Hellenistic era, which shaped the course of history.
Under the "Stories of People" theme, the Museum of Cycladic Art is launching a new series of archaeological exhibitions in 2023. These exhibitions aim to narrate significant events in human history through carefully selected objects chosen for their aesthetic value and primarily for their role in conveying the narrative of specific historical moments that left a lasting impact on humanity. The new exhibitions transcend the boundaries of space and time to connect with the essence of human existence. By examining events such as the battle of Chaeronea, they delve into the human experience, exploring individuals' role in historical events and their accompanying emotions. Each exhibition in this series will accompany a meticulously documented scientific catalogue and an educational program.
The forthcoming archaeological exhibition will be complemented by an international scientific conference featuring Greek and foreign experts presenting their research findings on the battle of Chaeronea and human activity in the region during antiquity. The conference proceedings will be published in an academic publication, further enriching the Museum's research endeavours.
