Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Journey of Ancient Greece - Exhibition of Archaeological Treasures from Greece" at the Sanxingdui Museum highlights the similarities between the gold masks from Sanxingdui and Mycenae, reflecting the artistic expressions and aesthetic preferences of early human civilizations across vast distances [1][5]. Group 1: Exhibition Details - The exhibition is a collaboration between the Greek Ministry of Culture and China, marking the fourth such exhibition, with a focus on the close cooperation in cultural heritage and archaeology between Sichuan and Greece [3]. - The exhibition will take place from July to December 2025, featuring 172 valuable artifacts, including 9 replicas [4]. - The Mycenaean gold mask was initially unable to be displayed due to scheduling conflicts, but after coordination, it was included to create a dialogue between the two artifacts [4]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The choice of gold for mask-making by both the Sanxingdui and Mycenaean civilizations indicates a shared human appreciation for shiny materials, which has been a common practice since prehistoric times [5]. - Despite the similarities, the two masks serve different purposes: the Sanxingdui mask is likely a ritual item from the late Shang Dynasty, while the Mycenaean mask is a funerary object from around the 16th century BC [6]. - The artistic expressions in the sculptures from both cultures reflect their respective approaches to human representation, with Sanxingdui's art being more abstract and Mycenaean art being more detailed and realistic [8]. Group 3: Future Prospects - The exhibition aims to enhance the international influence and cultural interpretation capabilities of the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites, especially in the context of their joint application for World Heritage status [10]. - The limited ability to showcase artifacts abroad emphasizes the need for innovative display techniques to present the beauty of these cultural treasures [12]. - The dialogue between the two civilizations serves as a profound reflection on the origins and commonalities of human civilization, highlighting that despite cultural differences, the appreciation for beauty in artifacts is universal [12].

Core Perspective - The dialogue between ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations highlights the shared cultural heritage and mutual influences that have shaped human civilization over millennia [1][2][3] Group 1: Historical Context - The dialogue emphasizes the evolution of human civilization, showcasing the distinct yet interconnected development of cultures in different regions [2] - Chinese civilization, with a history of over 5,000 years, experienced significant transformations around 6,000 years ago, leading to the emergence of various ancient states [2][3] - Concurrently, the prehistoric culture of the Cycladic Islands in Greece also underwent notable social development during the same period [2] Group 2: Cultural Exchange - The exchange between China and the Eurasian steppe around 4,000 years ago significantly influenced the development of early Chinese dynasties [3] - Agricultural products from China, such as millet and sorghum, spread westward to Central Asia and Europe, indicating a two-way cultural exchange [3] - The similarities in bronze artifacts from the Erlitou site in China and the Palace of Knossos in Crete suggest parallel developments in both civilizations [3][4] Group 3: Art and Craftsmanship - The distinct styles of bronze artifacts from the Sanxingdui site in China and the Delphi site in Greece reflect different cultural influences and artistic expressions [4] - The discovery of the gold mask from Sanxingdui, which shares similarities with gold masks from ancient Egypt and Greece, indicates a cross-continental exchange of gold craftsmanship [5][6] - The purposes of gold masks in both cultures differ, with Sanxingdui masks primarily used for ritualistic communication with deities, while Mycenaean masks were associated with funerary practices [6] Group 4: Future Collaboration - The ongoing research and archaeological efforts by the Chinese Academy of Classical Civilization in Greece aim to foster further cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two civilizations [6]