The collection of Prehistoric, Ancient Greek and Roman antiquities which is formed through the contributions of several Greek and foreign donors, as well as from the reserves of other museums, covers a vast chronological period stretching from the dawn of prehistory to the end of the Roman era.

Prehistoric times

The art of the prehistoric times (6th-2nd millennium BC) is presented in chronological groupings (Neolithic period, Early, Middle and Late Bronze Age) with examples of pottery, tools and figurines, coming from the Aegean islands, Cyprus and Central Greece. Therefore, the collection of gold jewels, which were discovered in a "royal" tomb in Thebes, documents the Mycenaean jewellery-making.

Geometric and Archaic periods

The local artistic styles of the Geometric and Archaic periods (9th-6th century BC) are traced through extensive collections of vases, jewellery and sculptures from Attica, Macedonia, Thessaly and the Greek islands.

Classical period

The art of the 5th and 4th century BC is currently represented by a small number of sculptures and by a large collection of red-figure vases, mainly of Attic and South Italian manufacture, as well as by figurines, unique jewels and coins.

Hellenistic period

The numerous regional artistic tendencies of the Hellenistic period (3rd-mid 1st century BC) can be appreciated through marble portraits of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, outstanding examples of miniature work in faience and ivory, pieces of Alexandrine pottery, and especially through a collection of gold jewels, amongst which the so-called "Treasure of Thessaly" occupies pride of place.

Roman period

The character of Roman art (mid 1st century BC-3rd century AD) is represented by jewellery of the finest workmanship, examples of glasswork, marble portraits and funerary steles, derived not only from the Greek world, but also from Phrygia and Palmyra. Two Fayum portraits provide a bridge between the Greco-Roman and Byzantine pictorial traditions.