The Archaeological Society at Athens and the Archaeological Service

In 1837 a small group of merchants and scholars founded the Archaeological Society at Athens, with the aim to “discover and restore the antiquities in Greece”. Its establishment was approved by the Royal Decree of January 15/27, 1837. From the beginning, the role of the Society was to assist the State in its first inadequate steps at that time. Thanks to the Society, the strong need of specialized archaeologists was met. Through scholarships for postgraduate studies abroad a scientific core was formed, whose members would play an important role as far as the science of Archaeology is concerned in the years to come. Furthermore, according to its articles of association, the Society had the right to appoint three Ephors and class A & B Curators (lower in rank than the Ephors).

The establishment of the Archaeological Service of the State was realized with the Act of the Regency of May 10/22, 1834. At the time, the posts of the General Ephor of Antiquities, the Supervisor of Scientific and Technological Collections, and Curators for each collection were institutionalized. The Act ΒΧΜΣΤ (2646, 24/7/1899), the Regulatory Law 5351 “On Antiquities” and the Law 3028/2002 “On the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in general” are regarded as important milestones in the history of the Service. The Archaeological Service, the sole institution for the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, is at the forefront as far as scientific research is concerned, with numerous excavations and publications. At the same time it executes the largest project concerning the enhancement of Archaeological Sites and Monuments, as well as the set-up of Museum Exhibitions and Re - Exhibitions worldwide.