The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece

Featured Exhibition
Designed composite showing the top of an ancient Greek sword handle and part of its decorated hilt.

Left: Sword Hilt with a Horned Handle, Minoan or Mycenaean, 1520–1440 BCE. Bronze, gold, and ivory. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture – HOCRED / Archaeological Museum of Chora, SN24–0044 / Photo © Palace of Nestor Excavations, Department of Classics, University of Cincinnati / Photo: Jeff Vanderpool; Right: Dagger (detail), Mycenaean, 1520–1360 BCE. Bronze, silver, and gold. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture – HOCRED / National Archaeological Museum, Athens, P8339

Encounter the latest discoveries from Messenia, an epicenter of Mycenaean civilization in Late Bronze Age Greece, displayed for the first time outside Europe. Archaeology and cutting-edge science reveal the world of the Griffin Warrior, whose grave held offerings of incomparable artistry. Princely burials in monumental tombs reflect a society that came to be ruled by the Palace of Nestor in ancient Pylos. Inscribed clay tablets and vivid wall paintings document the final years of a powerful kingdom.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.

Jun 27, 2025–Jan 12, 2026

Getty Villa

Villa Museum Galleries

Free

All exhibitions are included in your free, timed-entry reservation to Getty. Reservations are available six weeks in advance. Please note, there is a fee for parking.

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Partners and Sponsors

Co-organized by

The J. Paul Getty Museum and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture

Selected Works

Publications

The Kingdom of Pylos

Warrior-Princes of Mycenaean Greece
$65/£55
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