Hellenic Culture Minister Mendoni: Caves are witnesses of human history
Hellenic Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has inaugurated the temporary exhibition “In the Cave: Stories from Darkness to Light”, in cooperation with the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Paleoanthropology-Speleology Ephorate (Ephorate of Paleoanthropology-Speleology).
It is the first time that an archaeological exhibition is held that highlights the cultural significance of caves – from the Paleolithic era to the present day – which were created in the distant past by natural processes, attracting humans, as they offered shelter and protection from their first steps.
The exbibtion includes a total of 296 objects from 30 caves and rock shelters of archaeological interest in northern Greece, which are imaginatively presented in two rooms as a labyrinthine cave at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
Mendoni noted that the exhibition “is an ambitious and original project that attempts, with a thorough interdisciplinary approach and contemporary aesthetics, to illuminate – literally and metaphorically – the deep, multidimensional and timeless relationship of humanity with caves. A relationship that begins at the dawn of humanity and extends uninterruptedly and is constantly evolving to the present day.” As she pointed out, “the exhibition serves as an invitation and challenge to explore and discover. Through history, art and science, visitors are invited to discover the unique world of caves and appreciate their value as monuments of nature and culture.
Caves offer themselves as witnesses to human history, but also as gateways that connect us to our ancient roots and to nature itself. The experience of this exhibition seeks to inspire awe, curiosity and awareness in the public, strengthening our connection with the past and promoting the preservation of these unique monuments for future generations.”
The Minister stressed that “each exhibit is a piece of the puzzle, telling the story of the caves and the interaction of humans and nature. At the same time, it highlights the methodological and technical peculiarities, the fascinating character and the various challenges of cave archaeological and anthropological research.”
