Old religions are systems of beliefs in whose center was one or more gods, and human existence and destiny depended on their will. This exhibition presents a selection of archaeological finds featuring mythological fantasy beings found in the area of ancient Narona – Ancient Roman city and bishopric, located in the Neretva valley in present-day Croatia.
The exhibits include the fantastic creatures from Greek-Roman mythology, such as the Medusa, the Pegasus, the Kerbera, the Harpie and the Gryphon. It is this diversity of presentations, different materials and numerous objects that tell the tale of mythological fantasy creatures in the everyday life of ancient Narona inhabitants.
The exhibition is visually complemented by illustrations and video projections of fantastic creatures and is also accompanied by a commemorative catalog.
Unlike Greek, the original Roman religion did not have a developed mythology and many Greek myths were introduced by accepting Greek beliefs. Greek gods were like humans, with all human virtues and shortcomings. They were in constant conflict with each other, trying to overtake and outsmart one another in numerous mythological stories.
Since Greek and Roman civilizations are literary societies, mythological stories were written in the form of Greek poetry (Homer), in theatrical works (Eshil, Euripid, and Aristofan) and later in Roman literature (Vergilius, Ovid). Thanks to the Roman takeover, Greek mythology has continued its life and has been largely preserved to this day.
Archaeological excavations of the ancient Narona in a little place called Vid near Metković are being carried out over the last hundred and fifty years. The exceptional position of the resort on the top of the river delta provided the growth of Narona in one of the most important economic centers in the ancient eastern Adriatic.
Artist of the exhibition: Toni Glučina
Exhibition curator: Danijela Marković
Visual display: Ivona Michl
The exhibition is opened from 14.10. to 12.11.2017. For more information visit the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery website.
