Original Collection of Classical Archaeology

The collection of antique originals, whose beginnings date back to 1798, currently contains about 10.000 objects from the Mediterranean region. The largest part is made up of clay vessels, small bronzes and terracottas from the third millennium BC to the fifth century AD. Most of the pieces come from private collections, although the institute's own excavations have also complemented the collection. The most famous exhibit is the “Hoplite”, the bronze statuette of an Olympic athlete in starting position, dating from around 490/80 BC. Although the origins of the hoplitodromos lie in military training, the runners were civilian athletes.

To the collection in the eMuseum (selection).