Museum for History and Archeology

Historic artifacts in the Musee d’Histoire et d’Archeologie in the old bastion of Saint-André

This interesting museum of history and archeology is located in the old Saint-André bastion and consists of two vaulted brick galleries. The bastion was built by the military architect Vauban in 1698 and is today a historical monument.

The museum was inaugurated in 1963 and exhibits a wide range of historical artifacts found during excavations both on land and at sea.

The historical objects go back to the history of Antibes from the 7th century BC to the 5th century after the birth of Christ, making it possible to trace the history of the urban environment during antiquity and for the peoples Ligurians, Greeks and Romans.

The history of the collection begins in the 16th century with the discovery and publication of several Gallo-Roman inscriptions.

The Terpon stone
One of the most famous finds is the Terpon stone, which dates back to between 450 and 425 BC.

The inscription on the stone is written in Ionic Greek and can be roughly translated as: “I am Terpon, servant of the noble Aphrodite, may Kypris give mercy to those who stand up”.

Also very special is La Stèle or the headstone of the 12-year-old girl Septentrion, who was a dancer at a theater in Antipolis. The stone dates back to the 3rd century AD.

Almost 60 extremely well-kept ceramic vases and ceramics produced by Greeks, Etruscans and Romans are also on display.

The museum shows remarkable objects from the Roman presence in Antibes, for example two coins from Antipolis from when the city had the privilege of minting selected coins, murals and a marble bust of Dionysus.

Wreckage and amphorae
A number of extremely well-kept amphorae (tall Greek vase with two handles and pointed bottom) have been found, which were used for transport and storage of wine, olive oil and brine, among other things.

The museum has recreated part of a ship’s hull, where 22 amphorae of colorful ornaments adorn the exhibition.

Entrance: 3 euros. Students and persons aged 65+: 1.5 euros.

By Tommy Sverre / 2021