Archaeological Museum of Arta: Recounting the history of Ambracia

It holds finds from various periods, ranging from the Archaic to the Roman era, tracing the history of Ambracia, an important Corinthian colony that developed on the site of modern-day Arta.

Archaeological excavations and scholarly research began in 1897, when the discovery of two impressive cemeteries in the ancient city of Ambracia attracted international attention. In 1916, the Koudounotrypa Cave was revealed as the place of worship of the Nymphs, Hermes, Pan, the Sileni and the Satyrs.

The Museum’s exhibits are organized into three sections: public life in the urban center of the ancient city, known as “en demo”, the cemeteries of Ambracia under the catch-all title “en tapho”, and the residential life of the inhabitants, known as “en oiko”.

Inscribed stelai, stamped roof tiles, and the boundary treaty between Ambracia and Charadra (inscribed on an individual stele) provide important information on the institutional infrastructure of the city. An impressive reconstruction of a cemetery showcases various tomb types, with funerary stelai and rich burial offerings (vessels, weapons, jewelry, etc.) discovered during the 1897 excavations.

Another hall showcases the reconstruction of the main spaces of an ancient residence, with finds (lamps, pottery, etc.) related to the various functions and activities of each room. Pottery and personal adornment items illustrate the domain of women, while the reconstruction of an andron, with a pebble mosaic floor, offers valuable insight into the function of this important male-dominated space, mainly used for symposium ceremonies.