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Archaeologista

@archaeologista.bsky.social
97 followers 278 following 156 posts

#FemaleArchaeologist Archaeology, History and Art. All photographs are mine, unless specified. Photographs and texts CANNOT be used to train AI. Please seek permission for use of photographs.

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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 19h
This unbelievably beautiful lion was made during the Archaic period (6th century BC) and it’s from Cyprus. The island‘s naturally occurring limestone is used for this piece of art. Note that this lion would have been painted. Own photograph. From Museum of Bank of Cyprus. Nicosia.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
When Odysseus & his soldiers blinded the one eyed Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon guarded the cave in agony awaiting revenge. Wiley Odysseus tied himself & his crew underneath the herd of the Cyclops Shepherd, & they escaped the cave. This 500BC vase depicts this scene. Keramiekos. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
This extremely emotive and stunning painting was done on a vase dating to 510BC. The mourners put the body of their loved one into rest. Kerameikos Museum of Athens. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Happy birthday to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. He was born today near Milan in 1571, or 1573/4 as he told others in Rome.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Gorgeous depiction of Theseus subduing the Bull of Marathon. Note the stunning capture of motion: the hero pushes down the bull to the ground in the midst of its speedy charge. Attic kylix-skyphos 500-480 BC. Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece. Own photograph.
An Ancient Greek vase showing in black figure against red background a man pushing a bull headlong to the ground during its speedy charge.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The God Pan is the son of Hermes (Mercury) & a Dryad. When he was born Zeus held the babe & smiled and said: he’s the joy of us all (Pan). Southern Italy. 4-3 century BC. Museum of Archaeological Institute, Catania. Own photo. #ancientsky #ancientrome #archaeology #ancienthistory #italy #sicily
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
The bust of the young Marcus Aurelius before he became an emperor! 2nd century AD. Museum of Roman Theatre of Catania. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Odysseus and his soldiers use a stick or rod to blind the one eyed Polyphemus. Fragment of an archaic vase, archaeological museum of Argos.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
It is Sunday in Catania, & a CATanese mother has brought her children to the Ancient Roman Theatre to provide them with culture and education. Built in 1st c. AD, in place of an older Greek one, this cultural institution fell into disuse & was sacked during the long night of the medieval dark age.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Heartbreaking funerary lekythos showing a father grieving the death of his son. The old man is asking for the gods’ favour, or Kalos. The Greek word parakaleo is not dissimilar to Italian per favore or Spanish por favor. Etymologically they all ask for a boon. 5th c. BC. Thebes. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Tender and heart-rending. Grave stele of Philotera. The dead female holds her baby and gazes into the distance, early 4th c. BC. Ancient Siphai. Archaeological Museum of Thebes. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Ivory pyxis, cosmetics vase, with relief representation of sphinxes. From the grave good in the princely tomb of Megalo Kastelli hill, Thebes, 13th c. BC. #ancientGreece #ancientsky #Mycenaean #odyssey
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
“The Barbarians are coming today. And the Barbarians do not appreciate fine phrases or long speeches.” — Cavafy. trans. by Marguerite Yourcenar and W H Auden Never a poet historicised AND prophesied this accurately.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
An early classical phoenix, as she ponders her or others’ destiny. One of the most technical works I have come across. Full of emotions. Made me so proud of our European culture and heritage. Archaeological museum of Aegina. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Altare di Maria Santissima di Trapani. Palermo. Italia. 7th of August marks the martyrdom of St Catalan, founder of the Theatinis, popular in south Italy. This phenomenal altar is a work of the formidable Palermean artist Antonello Gagnini. 16th century. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A single column of the temple of Apollo still stands on the island of Aegina. Due to this column, it is now called the port of Kolona or the Column. The temple is from the 6th century BC, earlier than the Parthenon of Athens. Own photographs.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
This tender and earthly votive relief shows a loving family praying and offering a piglet to Zeus (Right). It is made in Thebes and c. 330-320 BC. Almost a century before Alexander III razed this glorious city. Own photograph. Archaeological Museum of Thebes. #AncientGreece #Greece #AncientSky
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Life size fresco on the walls of the Palace of Kadmos (Cadmus) in Thebes (Thiva), painted c. 14-13 century BC!!! Own photograph. Archaeological Museum of Thebes. #Mycenaean. #AncientSky #Greece #AncientGreece
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
In this fourth century AD table support, the Corinthian sculptor chisels the new imposed god of Christianity in the old image of a native god of his ancestors: Hermes Criophorus. Left: The Good Shepherd. Byzantine Museum of Athens. Own photo Right: Hermes. Roman copy of C5th BC Greek original
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Odysseus is tied to the mast as he and his crew pass through the bewitching song of the sirens. Odyssey was a an favourite of many Attic vases painters, such as this one dated c 480-470BC. Photograph courtesy of @britishmuseum.bsky.social.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
The actual terracotta pipes built by the tyrant Pisistratus & sons c. 550-500BC. These underground pipes carried cold and tasty water to public fountain houses in the archaic Athens. Found in situ by preventative archaeologists before the opening of Evangelismos Metro Station. Own photograph.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The Zeus of Ugento - Bronze • 530 BCE • From Ugento (Lecce), Via Fabio Pittore • National Archeological Museum of Taranto, inv. no. 121327 Currently on display at Acropolis Museum of #Athens #italian #greek #archaeology #ancientsky
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
#MuseumMonday: The Euphronios Krater, c. 515 BC, displayed at Ispirazioni at @acropolismuseum.bsky.social Hermes guides the gods Thanatos & Hypnos to take the body of Sarpedon, son of Zeus, away to wash and clothe. In Homer Apollo was bid by Zeus to do so, instead of Hermes. #Archaeology #Heritage
(C) Archaeologista.

Ispirazioni is a free exhibition at Acropolis Museum of Athens showcasing the finest arts of Greece in Italy.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The sunset drenched Gate of Athena Archegetis (Athena the Leader) marking the entrance to the Roman Agora of Athens. It was made in 11BC, all from Pentellic marble, funded by Julius Caesar and Octavian Augustus. It has many secrets. More to come in a blogpost. #ancientgreece #ancientrome
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The icon of a female goddess holding a boy is too common in the ancient world. But what about female goddess holding a girl? Here is one of Artemis. The ramifications of these images for women and girls and women’s spaces are overlooked in archaeology. Museum of Brauron. Attica. Greece
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The Arch of Hadrian in Athens. Beyond this point, according to the inscription on this side of the arch, is not the city of Theseus, but that of Adrian (Adrianopolis). The arch was commissioned by the people of Athens as a token of gratitude for Emperor Hadrian‘s building projects.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
One of the oldest surviving depictions of Heracles (left) with an arrow fighting the three bodied monster Geryon. One of the oldest depictions circa 680-50BC. British Museum. Proto-Corinthian “found“ near Athens.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Thanatos, God of Death, carved fabulously in a huge round marble column drum from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Now in the BM. 340BC. The temple burnt down by the birth of Alexander the Great.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Herakles / Hercules fighting the Nemean Lion. Unknown Florentine sculptor, mid-16th century. Czartoryski Museum, Kraków, Poland.
(c) Archaeologista
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Zeus the Aegis Bearer. Archaeological Museum of Athens Photographs are by me.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Marcus Claudius Marcellus. 42-23BC Supposedly he was going to proceed Augustus as Emperor but died young aged only 19. Teatro Marcello in Rome was built by Augustus in his honour. This replica is in mausoleum of Augustus in Rome.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Bronze cow Laconian, about 530 BC. Said to be from Sparta. An inscription on the cow's back records its dedication to Hera. You can clearly see the goddess’s name on the back of the votive offering. British Museum
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The unearthing of the giant cult statue in Largo Argentina, Roma. The old photograph is part of the exhibition inside the archaeological site, where you’ll be able to see the remnants of ancient temples.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
A wonderfully intricate #mosaic artwork of Saint Peter by an unknown Italian artist of 18th century. To give you an idea, this is rather a small work, and each mosaic is very small and delicate. Located at The Prince Czartoryski Museum in Kraków, Poland. #art #culture #mosaicmonday
Photograph is mine.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Statue of Demeter. This 2nd century crystalline marble statue is thought to be a copy of a Greek original from 5th century BC. Goddess Demeter with outstretched arms is displaying the product of the earth. Boncampagni Ludovisi Collection. Pallazo Altemps. Roma #ancientbluesky #acientrome #greece
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
The Charioteer. c. 470BC. Bronze. Delphi. #ancientbluesky #ancienthistory #archaeology
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Caesar Divus Augustus Rome Photograph by me
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
The Protocorinthian 'Macmillan aryballos' (perfume bottle)was made in Corinth c 650 BC; attributed to the Chigi Painter; said to be from Thebes. It’s only 7cm in height!! #archaeology #ancientbluesky #greece Photograph by me. British Museum
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Looking for a great read? This book on fountains of #Rome is a delightful read (even 110 years after its publication). With lots of fun facts about Roman square, figures and even the ”spoila” (when parts of an older building is reused in a newer one). & it’s FREE www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75707
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Happy #MosaicMonday. One of my favourite mosaics is this small and detailed work after Madonna of Guido Reni (arguably the most important painter of Rome in early 17th century, and very, very gay!) made by Fabbrica di San Pietro in Rome. It’s now in the museum of Krakow. Photograph is mine.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Palazzo Borghese in Rome, endearingly named “il Cembalo” or “the Harpsichord”by the Romans. It is now the Spanish embassy. Photograph by me.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
The Birth of Athena from the head of Zeus. When Zeus was pregnant with Athena, he had a terrible headache. Hephaestus split his head open, and jumped out Athena, fully armed. Athenian 550 BC. From Vulci in Etruria. #archaeology #ancienthistory #mythology
Athenian Black figured lip cup. c. 550 BC. From Vulci in Etruria. British Museum.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
This #FrescoFriday forget about Pompeii. Let’s go to another well preserved town in italy, Ostia Antica. It was preserved by sandy sediments courtesy of Tiber‘s multitude of floods. This first century Fresco shows theatre masks, and therefore the intensity of cultural productions in the city.
Photograph by Archaeologista
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Detail of Catiline in Cesare Maccari's fresco (1882–1888) in Palazzo Madama, Roma. Cicero rose to fame by unfolding the so-called Catalina conspiracy to dismantle the republic in 63 BCE. Although, later Cicero got into trouble for prosecuting roman citizens without the right to trial.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
In the Parthenon frieze dated c. 443 BCE the god Dionysus (right) leans his arm on the shoulder of Hermes (left) in a friendly manner. Hermes has always protected the god. For it was he who brought the infant Dionysus into the cave of Pan, to be looked after by his nymphs. Photo mine. #ancientsky
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
For this #ReliefWednesday let’s appreciate this magnificent relief series found in the Greek harbour town Piraeus. It depicts an Amazon capturing a Greek. On the right it’s the Roman copy, on the left the remains of a Greek original, belonging to 5th century BC. Photograph mine. #ancientbluesky
Amazon captures a Greek  Roman copy. Amazon capturing a Greek. Greek original.
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
A wonderful depiction of Thetis carrying the shield of Achilles on a “dolphin”, from Hephaestus’ workshop to Troy. Thetis was espouse of Peleus (the prophetic shapeshifter) & mother of Achilles the greatest Greek hero. Her cult & her priestesses were treated with utmost respect. #ancientbluesky
Thetis on a dolphin, bringing new armour to her son Achilles Made in Corinth about 350-300 BC 
British Museum GR 1907.5-17.1
Thetis on a dolphin, bringing new armour to her son Achilles Made in Corinth about 350-300 BC 
British Museum GR 1907.5-17.1
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
The God Antinous has the attributes of Lord Dionysus (grapes and vine leaves). Why you ask? Like him he was twice born and resurrected after death. Cult of Antinous competed with Christian dogma to the extend that we know lots about him from Christian writers feeling angry about this lovey god.
Roman statue of the God Antoninus at the British Museum
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Mausoleum of Octavian Augustus. Built in 28BC in Rome’s Campo Marzio, it was also a temple for festivals related to the deified Augustus. It was looted & destroyed by Christians. Like many mausoleums in Italy, its remains later turned into a fortified Castle for the nobility, in this case Colonnas.
Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus, 28BC, Rome, Campo Marzio
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Archaeologista @archaeologista.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
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