7 Ancient Greek Artworks You Should Know

Lasting from the 7th century BC to the end of antiquity (c. 600 AD), the Ancient Greek civilization has been widely studied, mainly through its art, which can be divided into four seamless periods: Geometric (although little is known about this period), Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic. Today, it is considered the most influential art ever made. Here is a tiny selection of some of the best artworks you should know.

The Venus of Milo

The Aphrodite of Milo is a Hellenistic sculpture discovered on the island of Milo (or Milos). This beautiful marble statue is an exquisite example of the workmanship of this period, though nothing is known of its creator. Famous for the mystery of her missing arms, the statue is an incredible embodiment of the beauty of the female form.

The Amphipolis Mosaic

The abduction of Persephone, fresco found in the tomb of Vergina

The Mask of Agamemnon

This artifact, one of five discovered in the graves, was found at Mycenae in 1876 by Heinrich Schliemann. Referred to as the ‘Mona Lisa of prehistory,’ it is a funeral mask made of gold found over the face of a body in a grave shaft. Modern archaeological research suggests that the mask doesn’t belong to Agamemnon as it seems to date from 1550–1500 BCE – earlier than Agamemnon, as tradition regards it. The mask is on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Vatican Amphora by Exekias

Made by Exekias, an Ancient Greek painter and potter, the amphora depicts Achilles and Ajax, though fully dressed in their body armor and holding spears, playing a board game, probably a variant of backgammon or checkers. The amphora, on display at the Vatican Museums, showcases Exekias’ talent as an artist.

Attic amphora by Exekias depicting Achilles and Ajax playing a game during the Trojan War

The Resting Satyr or Leaning Satyr

This statue is generally attributed to Ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. It depicts a satyr resting his right elbow on a tree trunk. As there are many copies of this sculpture, it can be deduced that it was one of Praxiteles’s most famous works, with one shining example displayed at the Capitoline Museums in Rome.

Roman copy after a Greek original attributed to Praxiteles

The Derveni Krater

The Derveni Krater – a type of large vase typically used to mix wine and water in Ancient Greece – was discovered in a tomb at Derveni, near Thessaloniki, in 1962. The elaborate decoration is an ode to the god Dionysus’ power over nature, in both life and death. The krater is exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

The Nike of Samothrace (or Winged Victory)

This magnificent statue represents the goddess of Victory as if she was soaring to new heights. Exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, it is one of the five most popular works at the museum. The two-meter-high statue is also the subject of a petition from the people of the island of Samothrace for repatriation.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.