Chaeronea, 2 August 338 BC: A day that changed the world

Developed by Dr Panagiotis Iossif and Dr Ioannis Fappas, curators of the Museum, the exhibition will run from the beginning of December 2023 until the end of March 2024.The exhibition will highlight the historical significance of the Battle of Chaeronea between the Macedonian army and that of the allied Greek cities. The battle changed the course of history by putting Alexander at the forefront of the international stage for the first time, as the leader of the mighty Macedonian cavalry.Through some 160 objects from 22 Greek museums and ephorates, two museums abroad and four private collections, the exhibition will examine on the eve of the battle the two worlds that collided to give birth to the new Hellenistic world: that of Philip II’s Macedonia and that of southern Greece, with special emphasis on the Sacred Band of Thebes.The new series of archaeological exhibitions “Human Histories” organized by the Museum of Cycladic Art will focus on the narration of important events in human history through objects selected not so much for their aesthetic value as for their importance in telling the story of a specific historical event that marked history. The exhibitions are not restricted in time or space but will follow a coherent narrative. Through events such as the Battle of Chaeronea, the exhibitions will approach people (individuals and in groups), their role in historical events, and the emotions they experienced. As with all exhibitions organized by the Museum, the new series will be accompanied by a high quality and scholarly catalogue.

Photo The Lion of Chaeronea, Polyandrion of the Sacred Band of Thebes © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports/Ephorate of Antiquities, Boeotia/H.O.C.RE.D.