Archaeological Museum of Sparta
The Archaeological Museum of Sparta is located in the city of Sparta, in Laconia, Greece.
It houses thousands of artefacts from the wider region of Lakedaimonia and other parts of Laconia that are not covered by the archaeological collections of Gytheio and Neapolis.
The museum presents finds spanning a long chronological range, from the Neolithic period to the Late Roman era. Its most significant holdings come from the major sanctuaries of ancient Sparta, which occupy a central place in the exhibition. The collections also include material from important prehistoric sites across Laconia, as well as sculptures from the Archaic, Classical, and Roman periods.
A notable part of the exhibition consists of artefacts from rescue excavations, including Roman mosaic floors discovered in Sparta. The museum also displays a limited number of inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the history and social life of ancient Sparta.
The exhibition is organized into seven rooms. The entrance hall contains Roman-period inscribed stelae associated with victories in the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Room II focuses on finds from the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, including votive offerings made of ivory, stone, and clay, as well as terracotta masks and dedications from other important sanctuaries such as those of Athena Chalkioikos, Apollo Amyklaios, and the Menelaion.
Room III presents Roman sculpture, portraits, sarcophagi fragments, and mosaic floors, while Room IV includes prehistoric finds from various sites in Laconia, including material from Mycenaean tombs in Pellana. Room V is dedicated to Roman mosaics depicting mythological scenes and daily life, and Room VI showcases architectural elements from the Temple of Apollo at Amyclae along with important relief sculptures and votive offerings. Room VII contains examples of Laconian sculpture, including the famous figure of the Spartan warrior traditionally identified as Leonidas, as well as inscribed grave markers and large sculptural works.
Today, the Archaeological Museum of Sparta continues to preserve and present the rich archaeological heritage of Laconia, although only a small part of its extensive collection is currently on display due to space limitations.
