Çanakkale Archaeological Museum

Çanakkale Archaeology Museum (City Center)

The roots of museology in Çanakkale date back to the era of Atatürk. The first steps were taken in 1936, when historical marble and stone artifacts were collected in Zafer Square. In 1965, the Museum Directorate was officially established in an annex of the church located in the same square.A significant milestone in the museum’s formation was the transfer of part of the collection belonging to Frank Calvert — a pioneering researcher who excavated many ancient sites in Çanakkale in the late 19th century, though most of his finds were taken abroad. Another important contribution came from Carl Blegen, who conducted the third phase of excavations at Troy between 1932 and 1938 and brought a portion of the discoveries to Çanakkale.One of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in the region was made in 1959 at the Dardanos Tumulus, revealing finds considered the most important after Troy. Artifacts unearthed here and in the necropolis of ancient Tenedos (Bozcaada) led to the planning of the present museum building. Completed in 1984, the new museum opened its doors to visitors, and the collections from Zafer Square were transferred to their new home.Today, the Çanakkale Archaeology Museum preserves 12,747 archaeological artifacts, 15,237 coins, and 2,714 ethnographic objects, all displayed chronologically and sourced from ancient cities and excavation sites across the region.

Troia Hall.This hall exhibits artifacts from excavations at Troy conducted under the leadership of Heinrich Schliemann (1870), Wilhelm Dörpfeld (1893), Carl Blegen (1932), and Manfred Korfmann (1987).

As one of the first mound excavations in Türkiye, Troy holds great importance in archaeology, especially for dating ceramics from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age (3000–1250 BCE). The pottery on display demonstrates technological developments over these periods. Many of these artifacts have been featured in countless publications and exhibitions worldwide, making them internationally recognized.

Assos Hall. This section showcases finds uncovered in excavations at the ancient city of Assos since 1980. Among the objects on display are lekythoi, bowls, goddess figurines, and a remarkable terracotta articulated doll with movable arms and legs, discovered in a child’s grave — an insightful example of ancient toys.

Dardanos Tumulus Hall.Located within the borders of Çınarlı Village and identified in 1959, the Dardanos Tumulus is believed to be the family tomb of the founders of ancient Dardanos — the city named after King Dardanos.

More than 300 objects recovered from the burial chamber are exhibited here, including gold jewelry, stone and terracotta vessels, terracotta statuettes, and inscribed bronze vessels.

Highlights of the Collection

Aphrodite Figurine

One of the most significant discoveries from the Dardanos Tumulus. Dated to the 1st century BCE, it is considered the earliest known copy of the “Aphrodite of Knidos” by the 4th-century BCE sculptor Praxiteles. Depicting the goddess of beauty at her bath, the statue symbolizes both health and beauty, while also reflecting the sculptor’s courage to portray the goddess nude — a milestone in the expression of artistic freedom.

Polyxena Sarcophagus

Unearthed in 1994 during excavations at the Kızöldün Hill tumulus in Biga, this marble sarcophagus from the late 6th century BCE features a tiled, house-like roof. The reliefs depict the sacrifice of Polyxena, daughter of King Priam, upon the tomb of Achilles. Both its artistic style and associated finds place it among the most important sarcophagi discovered in Anatolia.

Statue of Emperor Hadrian

After Anatolia became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BCE, the region flourished as a Roman province. The statue of Emperor Hadrian (117–138 CE) displayed in the museum was erected in Troy in honor of the emperor’s contributions to the city. He is depicted wearing armor, reflecting his imperial authority.