Preface

　　The Greeks is an international travelling exhibition organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Over the past decade, it has been successfully exhibited in various countries, including the United States, Canada, South Korea and China. This exhibition features exhibits from 14 museums across Greece, and originate from archaeological excavations within the country. These artifacts serve as tangible evidence, presenting a panoramic narrative of ancient Greek history.

　　Ancient Greek civilization was a human-centered civilization. As the Greek philosopher Protagoras once said,“Man is the measure of all things.” This exhibition places “the human” at its core, interpreting ancient Greek civilization through the stories of the Ancient Greeks. Spanning from the Neolithic period to the Hellenistic era, each historical unit invites you to “meet” the Greeks. They were Europe’s earliest farmers and seafarers on the Aegean Sea, the founders of Western literature and drama, athletes in the first ancient Olympic Games, and citizens of the first democratic city-states. They include figures like Agamemnon, the mythical commander of the Greek coalition during the Trojan War, and historical icons such as Alexander the Great, one of the most prominent visionary leaders in history. Remember their names, listen to their voices, and observe their lives—for within them, we discover nearly all the elements and characteristics of modern Western civilization.

　　Let us get to know them, starting in 6800 BC…