Exhibition Greece at the Dawn of History
The exhibition "Greece at the Dawn of History, from the Neolithic to Mycenae" from the private collection of Ján Hertlík offers visitors a unique insight into the earliest history of Greek civilization through carefully crafted replicas of archaeological finds brought directly from Greece.
The exploration of ancient Crete, as well as the idols of the Cycladic islands, inspired my collecting passion to create a unique collection presented in my exhibitions "Greece at the Dawn of History."
The exhibition traces the development of Greek cultures from the Neolithic period through the Cycladic and Minoan civilizations up to the Mycenaean culture. Visitors can thus follow four key stages in the formation of the cultural and technological foundations of ancient Greece:
• Neolithic (c. 7000–3200 BC) – replicas of ceramic vessels, idols, and figurines, presenting the first settlements, agriculture, and artistic expression. Significant finds from Greece and Bulgaria are featured here.
• Cycladic culture (c. 3200–2000 BC) – characteristic marble figurines with simplified human forms that influenced later Greek art.
• Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1450 BC) – replicas of frescoes, vessels, and jewelry from Crete (e.g., Knossos), along with presentations of Minoan architecture and religion. A culture of peace and trade closely connected to the natural environment.
• Mycenaean civilization (c. 1600–1100 BC) – replicas of Mycenaean sculptures and an introduction to a militarized culture described by Homer in his epics.
The aim of the exhibition is to bring the everyday life, beliefs, and artistic expressions of these ancient civilizations closer to the general public. Thanks to precisely crafted replicas, visitors can experience the past up close without the risk of damaging original artifacts.
The exhibition highlights the richness and artistic sophistication of the earliest Greek cultures, from the first ceramic vessels and marble figurines of the Cycladic islands to the monumental palaces and wall paintings of Minoan Crete. Discover the diversity, aesthetics, and technical skill that preceded classical Greece and continue to fascinate archaeologists and history enthusiasts today.