(Page 5 of 5 / Links to other pages at end of this page)
Day 5 – National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The final day was characterised by inclement weather, which meant cancelling any potential plans to visit the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum and/or a visit to Mount Vesuvius. It was therefore decided, prior to catching the evening flight home, to head back into Naples and spend the day exploring the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples, officially known as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN), is a treasure trove of ancient history and art and one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. Founded in the late 18th century by King Charles VII of Naples, the collection has grown significantly over the years, thanks to the contributions of archaeologists, scholars, and collectors.
The museum's holdings are meticulously organized across several floors, each dedicated to different collections. These collections are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Italy and the ancient civilisations that influenced it. Each section provides a unique perspective on the past, from the daily lives of ancient Egyptians to the sophisticated art of the Roman Empire. The MANN is particularly renowned for its extensive collection of artifacts from the nearby sites of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum, which were preserved under the ash of Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD. These collections provide an unparalleled view of ancient Roman life, from grand sculptures to intimate household items.
It is not the aim of this webpage to go in depth, describing each of the exhibits shown in the photographs, rather to give a general idea for the reader. The museum's official website provides the most current details and information on exhibits (external link Here). The museum is organised as follows:
Basement
Egyptian Collection: This collection is one of Italy's most significant, showcasing artifacts from the ancient Egyptian civilization, including mummies, sarcophagi, and daily life objects.
Epigraphic Collection: It contains over two thousand Latin and two hundred Greek inscriptions, offering insights into the public and private lives of the Romans.
Above: Mummy from Thebes (3rd-2nd century BC)
Ground Floor
Farnese Collection: Renowned for its Roman antiquities, the Farnese Collection includes famous sculptures like the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules, reflecting the grandeur of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Campania in the Roman Age: This section displays artifacts from the Roman era in the Campania region, providing a glimpse into the local history and culture during Roman times.
Above: Farnese Bull
First Floor
Coins and Medals: Although time did not permit a visit to this part of the museum, this section houses a vast array of numismatic collections spanning different periods and regions.
Mosaics and House of the Faun: It features stunning mosaics from Pompeii, including the famous Alexander Mosaic, originally from the House of the Faun.
The Secret Cabinet: This gallery contains a collection of Roman erotic art found in Pompeii and Herculaneum, reflecting the ancient Roman views on sexuality.
Mosaic from Pompeii showing "canem cave" ("beware of the dog)
Second Floor
Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvian Towns: Artifacts from the cities buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD are displayed here, offering an extraordinary snapshot of ancient Roman life. This section also houses a remarkable scale model of Pompeii, offering visitors a detailed perspective of the ancient city before the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This model is an invaluable tool for understanding the city's extensive layout and the impact of the eruption. The model showed to the public for the first time in 1879 and the extent of its coverage is a reflection of the extent of the excavations at that time.
Southern Italy Collections: This section includes artifacts and works of art from Southern Italy, complementing the museum's extensive range of exhibits.
Above: Relief with gladiators
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Visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is an immersive experience that transports visitors back to the grandeur and complexity of ancient civilisations. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this grand museum is an essential destination for anyone traveling to Naples. A selection of further photographs taken from the museum visit follows:
On one final note, Google Arts & Culture has an interesting virtual tour of the art and artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and more, on display at the museum on the link Here (external link).
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