Ancient Greeks
Athletes, Warriors and Heroes
A British Museum TourOverview
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes completed its tour May 2009.
The exhibition featured highlights from the British Museum's collections around the theme of competition in the Ancient Greek world: in sporting events such as the Olympics, as well as in politics, drama, music and warfare. The touring display formed one of the largest selections of Greek artefacts ever lent by the British Museum and included wonderful examples of sculpture and both black and red-figured vases.
The exhibition was inspired by the British Museum website, an acclaimed online resource for teachers, pupils, families and all who are interested in this subject. It promoted use of the website and enriched the study of Greece in the classroom by supporting and enhancing the confidence and expertise of teachers.
Ancient Greeks achieved great success, attracting record numbers of schools and overall visits (with almost 150,000 visitors and more than 10,000 pupils). Visitors praised the content and interpretation and, in particular, the fact that such major national collections were available in their own region. The exhibition has been supported by a range of learning resources and programmes that continue to be used by the hosting venues.
'I know how hard it would be to be a hoplite! And I think I know a bit more about how Athenians lived (and dressed!).' Luton student
'It has made me realise how most of the things we know and do today are very similar to what the Greeks did.' Lincoln student
'Getting really close to all of the beautifully displayed vases and recognising so many I'd seen in books.' Gosport Gallery visitor
