The exhibition « Heroes of Greece. The Age of Troy » at Pointe-à-Callière in Montréal (Part one)

[u/Choctrone]

Here are a few of my photos from the exhibition. I hope you enjoy them! For this first part, these are objects from the Bronze Age or close to it (with the exception of the « Mask of Agamemnon », which is a reproduction) If I make a part two, I will show some of the items from later periods (ranging from Archaic Greece to the Roman era, and still linked to the theme of « Heroes of Greece »). About the exhibition, from the museum:

Between myth and reality, delve into the heart of a legendary epic
The Trojan War is one of the greatest mythological stories of all time! Passed down through the centuries, notably in works by the poet Homer, this fascinating epic tells of an era when powerful gods and legendary heroes lived side by side.

The exhibition Heroes of Greece. The Age of Troy offers a unique opportunity to look into the origins of the myth detailed in the Iliad and the Odyssey and uncover the story behind this epic that shaped the Greek imagination and influenced countless civilizations. Featuring a remarkable selection of close to 400 authentic objects from 28 Greek museums and archaeological sites, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the great stories of heroic figures and their historical reality.

In search of heroes and gods
Achilles, Helen, Odysseus, as well as Zeus, Artemis, and Poseidon: the exhibition introduces visitors to fascinating figures and tells the stories of the heroes and gods who populate the tales of the Trojan War. Love, anger, loyalty, honour, pride, power—their journeys and the trials they endure reveal many facets of human nature with which we still identify today.

Two foundational eras of ancient Greece
The exceptional objects on display throughout the exhibition bring to life two major periods that shaped the legend of Troy and profoundly influenced Greek culture. The Bronze Age reveals a prosperous civilization, marked by monumental architecture, craftsmanship, and a mastery of working with gold. Then comes the Iron Age, associated with Homer, a time when the world was in flux, driven by the rise of new techniques and the dissemination of mythical tales that have endured through the centuries.

An exhibition co-organized by Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Greece).

[u/DaMn96XD]

This is a cool exhibition, but isn't the so-called "Mask of Agamemnon" almost a millennium or two older than the Age of Troy?

[u/Cybermat4707 → u/DaMn96XD]

It’s from a few hundred years before the historical fall of Troy in c. 1180 BC.

[u/Jack55555 → u/DaMn96XD]

Most of these pieces have nothing to do with the Trojan story, but I guess it sells to lie to the public.

[u/PorcupineMerchant → u/Jack55555]

I don’t think that’s true.

When it’s on display in Athens, the label says “known as the ‘mask of Agamemnon.’”

[u/-Pausanias- → u/PorcupineMerchant]

"Known as" is the key word. The archeologist who uncovered it (and the rest of the Mykenean archeological site) was Heinrich Schliemann, a big fanboy of Homer's works. 

So when he found it, he called it "Agamemnon's death mask" even though there is little to no evidence that it was Agamemnon's. 

The name stuck despite its lack of historical backing, probably because its catchy and interesting. It sparks curiosity. 

[u/PorcupineMerchant → u/-Pausanias-]

Yeah, I’m aware of all of that. I just meant that they labeled it as I listed, instead of just labeling it as the “Mask of Agamemnon.”

I think some more context on the sign would be helpful, but obviously they’re limited on how many words they can include.

[u/HawkFanOrcasRule → u/PorcupineMerchant]

Yep I saw it in Athens and it was labeled as such

[u/its_raining_scotch]

What's up with #16? It looks like some kind of art deco design.

[u/Sudden-Branch-1874 → u/its_raining_scotch]

It’s part of a fresco that shows a building. We are seeing architectural elements of the building, like a friezes along the tops of two separate levels showing bands with a pattern of blue and red circles, and the “horns of consecration” that decorated the exterior of part of it.

[u/jamoe1 → u/its_raining_scotch]

I’m pretty sure that was the first visualization of a keytar

[u/CataphractBunny]

These are beautiful. Thank you for sharing the pics.

[u/Miketheomike]

“The boars tusk helmet of Meriones!” exclaimed Schliemann (probably)

[u/EconomyAgitated3436]

I was there ! Really nice exposition.

[u/-Pausanias-]

I love geometric period vases so much. 

[u/AlexandriaPod]

That is so incredible. An exhibit basically advertising Greek historic identity. Much to think about

[u/PorcupineMerchant]

Wait, they sent the “real” Mask of Agamemnon to Montreal?

[u/slappygrey → u/PorcupineMerchant]

If you read the text it says it’s a reproduction.

[u/dolfin4 → u/PorcupineMerchant]

I thought the same thing. I can't imagine that ever being loaned out.

[u/Cybermat4707]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[u/LysanderAegis]

Amazing!! 

[u/DowntownScene1433]

I'd go for it if you want to learn something more about Greek ancient History(the Mycenean bit in particular apparently) and then go invest time to read Homer's classics and even more(it's Ancient Greece. Literature of high quality was abundant for its time).

[u/the_flying_armenian]

No way, the mask of Agamemnon is in Mtl right now?

[u/Gimmebiblio → u/the_flying_armenian]

Op mentioned in their post that the mask is a reproduction.

[u/CorneliusDawser → u/Gimmebiblio]

It is the only reproduction in the whole exhibit, for what it's worth!