The Treasures in The British Museum
@xmuse_
The British Museum — one of the world’s greatest museums! With a collection of over 8 million objects, it’s a treasure trove of human history and culture. Let’s explore some of the treasures that make this museum so special. A thread 🧵
1. The Rosetta Stone (196 BC, Egypt) An ancient decree inscribed on a stone slab, instrumental in deciphering hieroglyphics, featuring three languages: Egyptian hieroglyphics, Demotic script, and ancient Greek.
2. The Statue of Ramesses II Weighing an impressive 7.25 tons, this partial statue of King Ramesses II is one of the largest pieces of Egyptian sculpture at the British Museum.
3. The Portland Vase (1–25 AD, Rome) A stunning Roman glass vessel, intricately decorated with white glass cameo scenes, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and beauty.
4. The Magna Carta (1215, England) A foundational document of democracy, signed by King John, limiting his power and establishing the rule of law, a cornerstone of human rights and freedom.
5. The Elgin Marbles (447–432 BC, Greece) A stunning collection of classical Greek sculptures from the Parthenon, depicting scenes from mythology and everyday life, showcasing exceptional artistry and craftsmanship.
6. The Easter Island Statue (Moai), (1200–1500 AD, Easter Island) A mysterious and fascinating statue from Easter Island, representing the island’s unique culture and artistic expression.
7. The Sutton Hoo Helmet (625 AD, England) An Anglo-Saxon helmet discovered in a ship burial, featuring a face mask and intricate metalwork, showcasing the artistry and warrior culture of the time. It had to be reconstructed after being badly damaged during excavation.
8. The Lycurgus Cup (400 AD, Rome) A stunning Roman glass cup, featuring intricate glasswork and a unique color-changing effect, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.
9. The Lindisfarne Gospels (710–720 AD, England) A manuscript featuring intricate Celtic knotwork and colorful illustrations, showcasing the artistry and spirituality of medieval monks.
10. The Ringlemere Cup (1700–1500 BC, England) A stunning Bronze Age gold cup, featuring intricate metalwork and a unique shape, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Britons.
11. The Lewis Chessmen (12th century, Norway) A set of intricately carved medieval chess pieces, made from walrus ivory and whale teeth, showcasing Viking artistry and the game’s enduring popularity.
12. The Bronze Head of Augustus o The Meroë Head,(27–25 BC, Rome) A stunning bronze sculpture of the Roman Emperor Augustus, featuring intricate metalwork and a powerful expression, showcasing Roman artistry.
13. The Hoxne Hoard (4th-5th century AD, England) A collection of Roman silver coins and jewelry, discovered in a field, providing a glimpse into the lives of ancient Romans in Britain.
14. The Mummy of Horemkenesi (2400 BC, Egypt) A well-preserved ancient Egyptian mummy, featuring intricate linen wrappings and a beautifully painted coffin, providing a glimpse into ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
15. The Warren Cup (5–15 AD, Greece) An ancient Greek silver cup, featuring intricate metalwork and erotic scenes, showcasing the artistry and culture of ancient Greece.
16. The Cyrus Cylinder (539 BC, Babylon) An ancient clay cylinder inscribed with the declaration of Cyrus the Great, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, a significant artifact in religious history.
17. The Mildenhall Treasure (4th century AD, England) A collection of Roman silver vessels and jewelry, discovered in a field, featuring intricate metalwork and decorative designs.
18. The Snettisham Hoard (70 BC, England) A collection of ancient Roman gold jewelry, discovered in a field, featuring intricate metalwork and decorative designs, providing a glimpse into ancient Roman culture.
19. Greek Caryatide (5th century BC, Greece) A stunning marble sculpture of a female figure serving as a column. It was part of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens.
Here ends our tour and as we exit this crime scene, ponder: Do these artifacts simply serve as evidence, or do they embody the spirits of their former owners?
Do you believe these artifacts should be returned to their rightful owners? Some think that all artifacts should be repatriated, as they are enriched by being viewed in their place of origin and serve as reminders of a nation’s history and potential tourist trade. Others believe that artifacts should remain accessible to the widest audience possible and that current custodians have the resources to protect them.
Ultimately, the decision may vary depending on the artifact’s history, legal status, and the capacity of the original country to care for it. Should it be returned?
