Unique Artifacts
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Trias of Ostia Antica

15.00 

«War is the father and king of all.» – Heraclitus

Trias of Ostia Antica (Terni lapilli in Latin) was one of the first board games that the Greek youngsters were practicing upon, as it is considered to be among the simplest of all the strategy games of the ancient world. In its simplicity, though, is where the secret of the superior strategic thinking of the ancient Greeks is truly hidden. This is probably why the Romans embraced the game, changing its name to Terni Lapilli and helping it survive to this day.

Trias can be found engraved in a series of archaeological sites around the world, such as the Great Propylaea at the Sanctuary of Eleusis (Greece), on a tombstone in the cemetery of Saint-Irénée in Lyon, et cetera. Among the most impressive remains of Trias were unearthed in the Trajan’s School at Ostia Antica, along with the Basilica Julia at the Roman Forum.

In the world of Classical Greece, War and Rhetoric (in the sense of political confrontation) were considered the ideal fields to practice virtue and sharpen your mind. Whether you were the offspring of a eupatrid (member of the nobility of ancient Athens) or a farmer’s child, the Greeks had the opportunity to stand out for their ability to win “battles” and lead. In this endeavor, strategic thinking was the most valuable asset.

This is why ancient Greeks designed a series of highly educational board games through which the youngsters sharpened their minds and developed critical thinking. It is no coincidence that Lysimachus, tutor of Alexander the Great, devised a game for the latter to practice. He was encouraged to play the role of Achilles, and the latter gradually became an archetypal figure (that of the “noble warrior”) in the youthful mind of Alexander the Great. What Alexander the Great did next is well-known all over the world.

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There is no benefit when music stands secret and hidden.

— Lucian, 2nd c. CE

SEIKILO Museum offers a fine selection of premium products closely related to our ancient world's musical heritage. Whether a replica of a lyre or another ancient musical instrument, sheet music of ancient surviving melodies, books about the history & myths of music in ancient Greece, or pristine quality recordings of ancient-inspired melodies, you can take with you a unique piece of history that you will cherish for a lifetime and even pass on to the next generation of your family.

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Bring the Museum to your Home

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Acquire an Artifact

Discover the magic of ancient music with the handcrafted instrument recreations of the unique SEIKILO collection, such as a lyre, a kithara, a phorminx, or a pandura!

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Preserve the Stories

All the myths and stories you heard during your visit to the SEIKILO Museum are but a mere fragment of what was written. Explore the legacy of the lyre through SEIKILO museum-quality books!

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Experience Ancient Music at Home

Replicate the amazing experience of a SEIKILO museum visit by listening to studio-quality recordings of surviving ancient melodies and contemporary compositions on ancient musical instruments.

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Ancient Games, Modern Play

Αncient Greeks designed a series of highly educational games through which the youngsters sharpened their minds and developed critical thinking. Experience the timelessness of play with our series of ancient board games for the whole family, handcrafted with premium materials.

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Get in touch

Filippou 5, Thessaloniki

+30 2316019635

info@seikilo.com

Filippou 5, Thessaloniki

WhatsApp +30 6981175235

Viber +30 6981175235

Must know before you visit

The Museum runs interactive tours from Monday to Friday (11:00 & 16:00) and on Saturday (11:00), strictly upon reservation. More time slots are available upon request.

All our tours are guided by a professional lyre player who performs live for you.

Available time slots highly depend on the season. Please reach out for details.

The cost is 15 € per person and 5 € for kids up to 12 (always accompanied by an adult).