Europe - June 2019


	A huge collection of antiquities thankfully preserved for generations of the public to view

We visited here in 2011 when Carrie was 9	She has a better perspective now












Looking out into the courtyard


Artifacts 5,000 to 10,000 years old



In 2011 this hallway was open to the public Now it is roped off and must be viewed from a distance



An inner courtyard

	At left: "Laocoön and His Sons" - a sculpture from the Hellenistic Period (323 BC– 31 AD) Laocoon was a Trojan priest in Greek mythology, who along with his two sons, was attacked by giant snakes sent by the gods. The phrase "I fear the Greeks even bearing gifts" is attributed to him.


The Hall of the Animals must also be viewed from a distance

The original mosaic on the floor is a focal point of this room





We also visited this room in 2011 The grandkids were young. Note the color of my shirt for later	The Dome above provides natural light










	In every room there are figures from antiquity both despicted on other artifacts and as stand alone sculptures Below in the distance is the statue of the Discus Thrower That room also could only be viewed at a distance

As we explore the many hallways, we must look in all directions	The ceilings are magnificent
	Comparing these photos with those from 2011 it looks like I am wearing the SAME pink shirt 8 years later!









The spiral staircase to other levels is a work of art itself

Ancient tapestries and maps depict moments in history

This map documents Julius Caesar's crossing the Rubicon River in defiance of the Roman Senate " Iacta Est Alea" - The die is cast	In this place the Carthagenian Hannibal fought the Romans

Christian Artifacts



The final room is the Sistine Chapel where photos are not allowed. I found these online