Temporary exhibition “The Qin-Han Dynasties of China and Roman
Cyprus: Aspects of Life of Two Distant Worlds”, at Lemesos Archaeological
Museum
The Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Transport, Communications
and Works, announces the opening of the temporary exhibition “The Qin-Han
Dynasties of China and Roman Cyprus: Aspects of Life of Two Distant Worlds” at
the Archaeological Museum of the Lemesos District, on Monday the 28
th of September 2015 at 7 p.m..
The mutual organization of archaeological exhibitions between the
Republic of Cyprus and the People’s Republic of China was agreed during the
visit of the Chinese Deputy Minister of Culture in Cyprus, in October 2013. At
that time, a bilateral Agreement was signed, concerning the prevention of theft,
of illicit excavations and of illegal import and export of cultural goods
between the two countries. It must be stressed that it is the first time that an
exhibition with archaeological artifacts from another country is organized in
Cyprus. This exhibition is therefore very important, since it reminds us that
antiquities can stimulate dialogue and mutual understanding with peaceful
means.
The Qin and Han Dynasties, with a life span of over four centuries,
were important periods of Chinese history and have played a vital role in the
evolution and shaping of the traditional Chinese culture. The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) was very short, but it signals the
beginning of China’s imperial era, after the unification of various rival
states across central China. The Han Dynasty
(206 BC – AD 220) was one of the
longest-lived Chinese dynasties and is comparable in terms of power and
prestige, to its almost contemporary
Roman
Empire. It is considered a golden age
in Chinese history, especially in arts, politics and technology. All subsequent
Chinese dynasties looked back to the Han period as an inspiring model. The Han
Dynasty has influenced the East just like
Greece
has influenced the West.
Cyprus has lost its strategic significance under the domination of
the Roman Empire (58 BC – AD 395), as it was under the status of pax romana. Public buildings (theatres,
baths, gymnasia, etc.) and luxurious villas with mosaic floors are the most
impressive testimonies of Roman presence on the island. In this exhibition,
ancient objects from both civilizations are displayed one next to the other,
arranged in three categories, in an original as well as daring effort to bring
together, under the same roof, two distant worlds.
-------------------
