Caryatid BM

Room 19 has Greek material from the later 5th century BC, including sculptures from buildings on the Athenian Akropolis. The Caryatid from the Erechtheion, dating from about 421-406BC, was one of six almost identical figures of women that took the place of columns on the south porch of the building. The frieze from the small temple of Athena Nike (Victory) shows Greek warriors fighting an enemy from the East, identified by their tunics and crescent-shaped shields. This was carved in about 420-410BC. Athenian grave reliefs of the later fifth century BC are also exhibited here, along with vases and other artefacts showing the fine craftsmanship of the period.