An important exhibition entitled “The Treasure of the Marseillesites” will be held from January 15 to April 15, 2013 in Marseille, in the chapel of the Vieille Charite, a former almshouse built between 1671 and 1749 in the French city. There, 16 ancient works from the Delphi Museum will be transferred – and with the consent of the Central Archaeological Council (CAC). Among them, five “immovable” ones.

The term refers to the most valuable objects in museums that, either due to their uniqueness or their fragile condition, are not moved outside the borders. However, five of them, parts or fragments of architectural members belonging to the Treasure of the Marseilles, were deemed to be able to travel to Marseille, as their condition does not pose any danger. It will also be a very good projection of ancient Greek civilization abroad.

“The lists of immovables are not a panacea, but a provision to avoid mistakes or exaggerations”, “it is good that these lists exist, but the KAS should decide on a case-by-case basis”, were some of the opinions heard at yesterday’s Council meeting.

The exhibition, which will be held as part of the “Marseille. Capital of Culture 2013” events, will include three sections. The first will be dedicated to Delphi, the second to the Treasury of the Marseillesites, in which the Treasury building will also be presented in hologram form, and the third to the work of the French School in Greece.

The treasuries were small buildings, erected near sanctuaries, usually to house the offerings of the cities. The most important have been found at Olympia and Delphi. The treasury of the Massalians combined Ionic and Doric elements with Egyptian-inspired capitals.

Source: APE-MPA, El. Markou