Collection's Holdings
- Focus of the collection
- The Collection of Classical Antiquities comprises more than 5,000 objects, with a particular emphasis on its coin collection. In addition, it includes a substantial number of ancient vases, Greek and Roman terracotta figurines, Roman glass vessels, and Etruscan anatomical votive offerings.
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- Permanent exhibition
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The Collection of Classical Antiquities is one of the oldest and most important collections at Justus Liebig University Giessen. Comprising more than 5,000 objects, the collection encompasses a wide range of material, including an extensive coin collection, ancient vases from various periods and artistic traditions, Greek and Roman terracotta figurines, Etruscan anatomical votive offerings, and Roman glass vessels. A selection of these objects has been on permanent public display since 1987.
The collection plays a central role in research at JLU. Its holdings are studied and catalogued within the framework of current research projects and examined through new research questions and modern methodologies. The collection is equally important for teaching and student training. Objects from the collection are regularly used in university courses and are analysed in the context of B.A. and M.A. theses. In addition, museum education and curatorial training constitute a key component and distinctive feature of the Classical Archaeology programme in Giessen.
The permanent exhibition is organised to provide an overview of the collection’s diverse holdings and object types while at the same time offering visitors a journey through 3,000 years of ancient cultural history. Visitors can explore a wide variety of themes, ranging from ancient Egypt and Heinrich Schliemann’s discoveries at Troy to the development of writing systems in ancient cultures. The exhibition also addresses topics such as the world of the gods and mythical heroes, everyday life in ancient Athens, burial customs, and coin production in the cultures of the Mediterranean world.