#: locale=en
## Tour
### Description
### Title
tour.name = Crossroads of Civilization
## Skin
### Button
Button_E04D34E9_FE31_EA07_41E7_00F26A8C0BE9.label = Click for tour instructions
Button_E04D34E9_FE31_EA07_41E7_00F26A8C0BE9_mobile.label = Click for tour instructions
### Multiline Text
HTMLText_087D6A56_44C5_E493_41B5_B3B770D26C81.html =
IMMERSIVE MUSEUM
The details on this arch, including the bird and vine, are examples of an immersive exhibit experience. MPM exhibit artists have a history of bringing objects to life by designing galleries to feel as though you are in the place represented. Watch the video to learn more about MPM’s history of immersive exhibits.
IMMERSIVE MUSEUM
The details on this arch, including the bird and vine, are examples of an immersive exhibit experience. MPM exhibit artists have a history of bringing objects to life by designing galleries to feel as though you are in the place represented. Watch the video to learn more about MPM’s history of immersive exhibits.
TARJAN'S KIOSK
One of the most iconic images of ancient Egypt, this structure on the island of Philae is named after the Roman emperor Trajan, during whose reign it was built. The island temple of Philae contains the last stone inscription in ancient hieroglyphs, dated around 400 CE.
Modern dams on the Nile resulted in the Philae temple being partially submerged until dismantled and re-erected on a nearby island.
TARJAN'S KIOSK
One of the most iconic images of ancient Egypt, this structure on the island of Philae is named after the Roman emperor Trajan, during whose reign it was built. The island temple of Philae contains the last stone inscription in ancient hieroglyphs, dated around 400 CE.
Modern dams on the Nile resulted in the Philae temple being partially submerged until dismantled and re-erected on a nearby island.
LIONS
Lions are a common motif in ancient Mediterranean art. In fact, lions used to exist throughout not only Africa, but also eastern Asia, and parts of Europe as well. Over-hunting, and using these creatures for entertainment in places like the Roman colosseum, hastened their extinction in these areas. Also, as human populations grew, urbanization led to the deforestation of much of the Mediterranean, which had a profound impact on the local environment and wildlife, including lions.
LIONS
Lions are a common motif in ancient Mediterranean art. In fact, lions used to exist throughout not only Africa, but also eastern Asia, and parts of Europe as well. Over-hunting, and using these creatures for entertainment in places like the Roman colosseum, hastened their extinction in these areas. Also, as human populations grew, urbanization led to the deforestation of much of the Mediterranean, which had a profound impact on the local environment and wildlife, including lions.
CONSTANTINE
Constantine (reigned 306-337 CE) chose a Greek city where Europe and Asia met as a second capital for the eastern half of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople. He ended centuries of Roman persecution of Christians when he adopted Christianity as his personal religion.
Byzantium, an earlier Greek city, was renamed Constantinople but is now Istanbul.
CONSTANTINE
Constantine (reigned 306-337 CE) chose a Greek city where Europe and Asia met as a second capital for the eastern half of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople. He ended centuries of Roman persecution of Christians when he adopted Christianity as his personal religion.
Byzantium, an earlier Greek city, was renamed Constantinople but is now Istanbul.
ISLAM
Muhammad founded the principles of Islam in the early 7th century in Arabia. An Abrahamic religion, Islam acknowledges the Jewish and Christian prophets, with Muhammad as the last prophet of God (Allah in Arabic). Only after Muhammad's death in 632 CE did Islam spread beyond the Arabian peninsula.
The Kaaba is the black-draped cuboid building in the sacred mosque at Mecca.
Muhammad's move to Medina in 622 CE, called the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
Originally from Mecca, Muhammad first successfully spread his teachings in Yathrib, now Medina.
ISLAM
Muhammad founded the principles of Islam in the early 7th century in Arabia. An Abrahamic religion, Islam acknowledges the Jewish and Christian prophets, with Muhammad as the last prophet of God (Allah in Arabic). Only after Muhammad's death in 632 CE did Islam spread beyond the Arabian peninsula.
The Kaaba is the black-draped cuboid building in the sacred mosque at Mecca.
Muhammad's move to Medina in 622 CE, called the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
Originally from Mecca, Muhammad first successfully spread his teachings in Yathrib, now Medina.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia, the third church on this site, served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, for more than nine centuries from its construction in 537 CE, except for a brief period as a Roman Catholic church. In 1453, the city was taken by the Ottoman Turks and the church was converted to a mosque.
Justinian I, under whom Hagia Sophia was built, attempted in the 6th century CE, with only limited success, to reunite the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
Istanbul straddles the Bosporus, the waterway separating Europe from Asia.
.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia, the third church on this site, served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, for more than nine centuries from its construction in 537 CE, except for a brief period as a Roman Catholic church. In 1453, the city was taken by the Ottoman Turks and the church was converted to a mosque.
Justinian I, under whom Hagia Sophia was built, attempted in the 6th century CE, with only limited success, to reunite the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
Istanbul straddles the Bosporus, the waterway separating Europe from Asia.
.
WHAT ARE THE ETHICS OF
DISPLAYING MUMMIES?
The Milwaukee Public Museum takes its cues from the countries of origin. Egypt and Peru have no concerns with having mummies from their country on display in their own country or abroad, as long as it is done respectfully. These countries see these mummies as ambassadors, especially in Egypt, that help to explain the history of their country and drive tourism. If this were to change, as it did regarding the display of Native American ancestors, we would certainly remove them from exhibit. If there were other circumstances, such as a request from the country of origin for return, the Museum would work with that country to achieve a beneficial outcome.
While we understand and acknowledge that mummies are humans, they have been displayed for centuries in museums as evidence of the history of a particular people or country. They provide opportunities to learn about the past as well as death practices different from our own. Many people who feel uncomfortable about human remains on display relate it to their own ethos, morals, religious principles, bias, etc., which is fine on a personal level, but some people feel this is a sweeping and all-encompassing perspective; the Museum does not make such broad and finite decisions on behalf of other countries or peoples.
WHAT ARE THE ETHICS OF
DISPLAYING MUMMIES?
The Milwaukee Public Museum takes its cues from the countries of origin. Egypt and Peru have no concerns with having mummies from their country on display in their own country or abroad, as long as it is done respectfully. These countries see these mummies as ambassadors, especially in Egypt, that help to explain the history of their country and drive tourism. If this were to change, as it did regarding the display of Native American ancestors, we would certainly remove them from exhibit. If there were other circumstances, such as a request from the country of origin for return, the Museum would work with that country to achieve a beneficial outcome.
While we understand and acknowledge that mummies are humans, they have been displayed for centuries in museums as evidence of the history of a particular people or country. They provide opportunities to learn about the past as well as death practices different from our own. Many people who feel uncomfortable about human remains on display relate it to their own ethos, morals, religious principles, bias, etc., which is fine on a personal level, but some people feel this is a sweeping and all-encompassing perspective; the Museum does not make such broad and finite decisions on behalf of other countries or peoples.
ROSETTA STONE
Much of ancient lifeways, such as languages or belief systems, have become lost over time. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone provided the rare opportunity to unlock one of the greatest archaeological mysteries: hieroglyphic languages of ancient Egypt. Watch the video to learn more.
ROSETTA STONE
Much of ancient lifeways, such as languages or belief systems, have become lost over time. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone provided the rare opportunity to unlock one of the greatest archaeological mysteries: hieroglyphic languages of ancient Egypt. Watch the video to learn more.
ROME
Legend says that the city of Rome was founded in 753 BCE by two brothers raised by a she-wolf. First expanding at the expense of Etruscans, Samnites, and other Italian peoples, Rome eventually controlled the entire Mediterranean and beyond, becoming the most powerful empire of the ancient world by the first century CE.
Depictions of the founding twins are found throughout Rome, accompanied by SPQR ("Senate and People of Rome"). Another legendary date from this time is 776 BCE, the year of the first Olympic Games, which continued for well over a thousand years; the original competition was a single foot race. Ancient Greek athletes, all men, competed in the nude.
ROME
Legend says that the city of Rome was founded in 753 BCE by two brothers raised by a she-wolf. First expanding at the expense of Etruscans, Samnites, and other Italian peoples, Rome eventually controlled the entire Mediterranean and beyond, becoming the most powerful empire of the ancient world by the first century CE.
Depictions of the founding twins are found throughout Rome, accompanied by SPQR ("Senate and People of Rome"). Another legendary date from this time is 776 BCE, the year of the first Olympic Games, which continued for well over a thousand years; the original competition was a single foot race. Ancient Greek athletes, all men, competed in the nude.
BABYLON
The Neo-Babylonian Empire replaced the Neo-Assyrian Empire after the sack of Assyrian Nineveh in 612 BCE. Babylon came back to political and cultural prominence, with such marvels as the Ishtar Gate, which is reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Babylon's short-lived glory ended by 540 BCE when it fell before the rapidly expanding Achaemenid Persian empire which had, under Cyrus II, overthrown the Medes a decade earlier. The traditional Persian religious philosophy of Zoroastrianism crystallized about this time; Confucius in China and Buddha in India were spreading their own distinct teachings. In 509 BCE, Rome removed its last king and became a republic; the following year, Athens, having expelled a succession of tyrants, started its experiment with democracy.
Despite Babylon's reputation for decadent excess, its most famous wonder, the Hanging Gardens, have yet to be found, and may even be located elsewhere.
BABYLON
The Neo-Babylonian Empire replaced the Neo-Assyrian Empire after the sack of Assyrian Nineveh in 612 BCE. Babylon came back to political and cultural prominence, with such marvels as the Ishtar Gate, which is reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Babylon's short-lived glory ended by 540 BCE when it fell before the rapidly expanding Achaemenid Persian empire which had, under Cyrus II, overthrown the Medes a decade earlier. The traditional Persian religious philosophy of Zoroastrianism crystallized about this time; Confucius in China and Buddha in India were spreading their own distinct teachings. In 509 BCE, Rome removed its last king and became a republic; the following year, Athens, having expelled a succession of tyrants, started its experiment with democracy.
Despite Babylon's reputation for decadent excess, its most famous wonder, the Hanging Gardens, have yet to be found, and may even be located elsewhere.
WHO WAS MUMMIFIED?
While many of the most famous Ancient Egyptian mummies were pharaohs, people from all walks of life were mummified. Watch the video to learn more.
WHO WAS MUMMIFIED?
While many of the most famous Ancient Egyptian mummies were pharaohs, people from all walks of life were mummified. Watch the video to learn more.
PERSIA
The Persian king Xerxes launched a massive invasion of Greece in 480 BCE to avenge his father Darius's failed assault at Marathon ten years before. A relatively small force, led by 300 Spartans under their king, Leonidas, held off the huge Persian army for three days in one of the most famous "last stands" in history.
Before the final defeat of their forces in Greece, the Persians sacked Athens. The magnificent remains we see on the Acropolis today, including the Parthenon, were built in the decades that followed to replace the temples burned in the war.
Thermopylae, once a very narrow pass flanked directly by sea and mountain, appears quite differently today as accumulation of silt has shifted the shoreline.
PERSIA
The Persian king Xerxes launched a massive invasion of Greece in 480 BCE to avenge his father Darius's failed assault at Marathon ten years before. A relatively small force, led by 300 Spartans under their king, Leonidas, held off the huge Persian army for three days in one of the most famous "last stands" in history.
Before the final defeat of their forces in Greece, the Persians sacked Athens. The magnificent remains we see on the Acropolis today, including the Parthenon, were built in the decades that followed to replace the temples burned in the war.
Thermopylae, once a very narrow pass flanked directly by sea and mountain, appears quite differently today as accumulation of silt has shifted the shoreline.
AUGUSTUS
Following the defeat of Marc Antony and Cleopatra and their subsequent suicides in 30 BCE, the nephew and heir of Julius Caesar, previously called Octavian, held undisputed control of the vast Roman dominions. Taking the title Augustus, the name by which he was known as the first emperor of Rome, he brought the end of the Roman Republic, which had lasted nearly 500 years.
AUGUSTUS
Following the defeat of Marc Antony and Cleopatra and their subsequent suicides in 30 BCE, the nephew and heir of Julius Caesar, previously called Octavian, held undisputed control of the vast Roman dominions. Taking the title Augustus, the name by which he was known as the first emperor of Rome, he brought the end of the Roman Republic, which had lasted nearly 500 years.
ANCIENT TRADE ROUTES
The ability to create metal tools and adornments impacted ancient civilizations on several continents. To make bronze, you need copper melded with 10% tin. In the Mediterranean, copper was primarily available on Cyprus, and tin came from several areas in Europe and the Middle East. Bronze items were initially available to those wealthy enough to afford it. The need to create and transport this precious metal produced massive mining operations and trade routes expanded rapidly in the early Bronze Age, more than 4,000 years ago.
ANCIENT TRADE ROUTES
The ability to create metal tools and adornments impacted ancient civilizations on several continents. To make bronze, you need copper melded with 10% tin. In the Mediterranean, copper was primarily available on Cyprus, and tin came from several areas in Europe and the Middle East. Bronze items were initially available to those wealthy enough to afford it. The need to create and transport this precious metal produced massive mining operations and trade routes expanded rapidly in the early Bronze Age, more than 4,000 years ago.
PETRA
A rocky, isolated area of southern Jordan is the locale of Petra, the "rose-red city half as old as time," one of the most evocative ruins anywhere. Since before 300 BCE, it was the capital of the Nabateans, an Arab culture long controlling overland trade routes; it was annexed by Rome in 106 CE.
The tomb called "The Treasury" at Petra has been featured in several films. The tomb called "ed Deir" or "The Monastery" is reached by a long climb. Besides its rock-cut tombs, Petra features a theater, houses, and colonnaded streets.
PETRA
A rocky, isolated area of southern Jordan is the locale of Petra, the "rose-red city half as old as time," one of the most evocative ruins anywhere. Since before 300 BCE, it was the capital of the Nabateans, an Arab culture long controlling overland trade routes; it was annexed by Rome in 106 CE.
The tomb called "The Treasury" at Petra has been featured in several films. The tomb called "ed Deir" or "The Monastery" is reached by a long climb. Besides its rock-cut tombs, Petra features a theater, houses, and colonnaded streets.
THE MEASURE OF BEAUTY
What is considered beautiful changes depending on who, where, and when you are. Download ancient Egypt’s Next Top Model to discover how the ancient Egyptians measured beauty -- literally!
THE MEASURE OF BEAUTY
What is considered beautiful changes depending on who, where, and when you are. Download ancient Egypt’s Next Top Model to discover how the ancient Egyptians measured beauty -- literally!
BOARD GAMES
Humans have been playing games for thousands of years. Grab a friend and download our Senet PDF to learn about one of the world’s oldest board games, shown here being played by Queen Nefertiti.
BOARD GAMES
Humans have been playing games for thousands of years. Grab a friend and download our Senet PDF to learn about one of the world’s oldest board games, shown here being played by Queen Nefertiti.
MIDDLE KINGDOM PYRAMIDS
The Middle Kingdom, particularly the 12th Dynasty (1991-1802 BCE), was ruled by pharaohs originating in the southern part of Egypt. These kings established their capital farther north, in the vicinity of the Fayum. The Fayum is a fertile depression connected to the Nile by a long canal. Inspired to build pyramids like the Old Kingdom tombs nearby, they used as the core of these structures the economical mudbrick.
Did You Know?
Pharaohs of the later 12th Dynasty, mostly named Amenemhet or Senworsret, tend to look aged and careworn in their statue portraits, a far cry from the youthful, serene, and godlike faces seen in statuary of the Old Kingdom pyramid builders.
MIDDLE KINGDOM PYRAMIDS
The Middle Kingdom, particularly the 12th Dynasty (1991-1802 BCE), was ruled by pharaohs originating in the southern part of Egypt. These kings established their capital farther north, in the vicinity of the Fayum. The Fayum is a fertile depression connected to the Nile by a long canal. Inspired to build pyramids like the Old Kingdom tombs nearby, they used as the core of these structures the economical mudbrick.
Did You Know?
Pharaohs of the later 12th Dynasty, mostly named Amenemhet or Senworsret, tend to look aged and careworn in their statue portraits, a far cry from the youthful, serene, and godlike faces seen in statuary of the Old Kingdom pyramid builders.
PYRAMID TEXTS
At the end of the 5th Dynasty, the pyramid of king Unas (2375-2345 BCE) incorporated a feature new to Egyptian royal tombs: extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions engraved on the walls of the burial chamber. The exterior of the pyramid is unimpressive, but the texts in the interior are historically important. Dubbed the "Pyramid Texts," these funerary spells were to aid the king in overcoming dangerous, hostile demons of the Underworld. Such texts continued in most royal tombs in the succeeding 6th Dynasty.
The pyramid of Unas was erected close to the time-honored Step Pyramid of Djoser.
PYRAMID TEXTS
At the end of the 5th Dynasty, the pyramid of king Unas (2375-2345 BCE) incorporated a feature new to Egyptian royal tombs: extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions engraved on the walls of the burial chamber. The exterior of the pyramid is unimpressive, but the texts in the interior are historically important. Dubbed the "Pyramid Texts," these funerary spells were to aid the king in overcoming dangerous, hostile demons of the Underworld. Such texts continued in most royal tombs in the succeeding 6th Dynasty.
The pyramid of Unas was erected close to the time-honored Step Pyramid of Djoser.
PYRAMIDS AT GIZA
There are three major 4th Dynasty pyramids at Giza, two of which are immense; Khufu (Cheops in Greek) built the Great Pyramid, the first, largest (nearly 500 feet tall), and most geometrically perfect of these. Viewed from the desert, it often appears smaller as it is situated on lower ground. Ironically, the single named and undisputed image of Khufu is a tiny ivory figure just a few inches tall. Giza pyramids stand on a plateau across the river from Cairo.
Did You Know?
Mexican pyramids, such as those at Chichen Itza, often had stairways leading to the temple on the summit. The earliest Egyptian pyramids are described as stepped, but this refers to their architectural shape rather than the presence of actual stairs for climbing.
PYRAMIDS AT GIZA
There are three major 4th Dynasty pyramids at Giza, two of which are immense; Khufu (Cheops in Greek) built the Great Pyramid, the first, largest (nearly 500 feet tall), and most geometrically perfect of these. Viewed from the desert, it often appears smaller as it is situated on lower ground. Ironically, the single named and undisputed image of Khufu is a tiny ivory figure just a few inches tall. Giza pyramids stand on a plateau across the river from Cairo.
Did You Know?
Mexican pyramids, such as those at Chichen Itza, often had stairways leading to the temple on the summit. The earliest Egyptian pyramids are described as stepped, but this refers to their architectural shape rather than the presence of actual stairs for climbing.
KNOSSOS
The Minoan civilization, Europe's first, was named after the legendary Cretan king Minos of Greek mythology. This maritime Bronze Age civilization is known for its palaces, which developed from roughly 2000 BCE. The most elaborate, that at Knossos, was restored nearly a century ago, and now features elements of various periods that were not originally contemporaneous.
Minoan culture had contact with areas further afield, such as Egypt, as shown by scenes in New Kingdom tombs and frescoes like the one of Cretan-style bull-jumping from the city of Avaris in the Nile Delta.
Knossos is found just outside the modern port of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete.
KNOSSOS
The Minoan civilization, Europe's first, was named after the legendary Cretan king Minos of Greek mythology. This maritime Bronze Age civilization is known for its palaces, which developed from roughly 2000 BCE. The most elaborate, that at Knossos, was restored nearly a century ago, and now features elements of various periods that were not originally contemporaneous.
Minoan culture had contact with areas further afield, such as Egypt, as shown by scenes in New Kingdom tombs and frescoes like the one of Cretan-style bull-jumping from the city of Avaris in the Nile Delta.
Knossos is found just outside the modern port of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete.
LION GATE AT MYCENAE
The Mycenaean culture of mainland Greece developed after 1600 BCE, during the Late Bronze Age, spreading into the Aegean to eclipse the Minoans around 1400 BCE. A warrior culture, the Mycenaeans favored "fortified" palaces distinct from those of the seemingly more peaceful, mercantile Minoans.
Mycenae, after whom the entire culture is named, is just one of several sites throughout mainland Greece.
LION GATE AT MYCENAE
The Mycenaean culture of mainland Greece developed after 1600 BCE, during the Late Bronze Age, spreading into the Aegean to eclipse the Minoans around 1400 BCE. A warrior culture, the Mycenaeans favored "fortified" palaces distinct from those of the seemingly more peaceful, mercantile Minoans.
Mycenae, after whom the entire culture is named, is just one of several sites throughout mainland Greece.
PYRAMIDS
More than 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians started building pyramids, but styles changed over time. Watch this video to learn how pyramids began and what construction styles came after.
PYRAMIDS
More than 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians started building pyramids, but styles changed over time. Watch this video to learn how pyramids began and what construction styles came after.
MEDINET HABU
This large temple commemorates the exploits of the 20th Dynasty Egyptian king Ramesses III, particularly his victories over foreign Sea Peoples and the Libyans who encroached upon Egypt during his reign (1186-1155 BCE). This temple is the southernmost of a string of mortuary and monumental structures of New Kingdom pharaohs located on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor.
Did You Know?
Many experts believe that Ramesses III was a victim of a conspiracy hatched by members of the royal household. Accounts of the event are found in hieroglyphic records, and recent CT examination of his mummy seems to indicate that his throat was cut.
MEDINET HABU
This large temple commemorates the exploits of the 20th Dynasty Egyptian king Ramesses III, particularly his victories over foreign Sea Peoples and the Libyans who encroached upon Egypt during his reign (1186-1155 BCE). This temple is the southernmost of a string of mortuary and monumental structures of New Kingdom pharaohs located on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor.
Did You Know?
Many experts believe that Ramesses III was a victim of a conspiracy hatched by members of the royal household. Accounts of the event are found in hieroglyphic records, and recent CT examination of his mummy seems to indicate that his throat was cut.
DESTRUCTIVE FASCINATION
Ancient cultures, especially Egyptian, have been a part of modern popular culture for hundreds of years. From Egyptian revival architecture in the 1920s to blockbuster films and books, ancient civilizations have captured our imagination. But sometimes, that interest can be misguided and even destructive. Watch the video below to learn about the thousands of mummies that were destroyed in the name of medicine in the 16th and 17th centuries.
DESTRUCTIVE FASCINATION
Ancient cultures, especially Egyptian, have been a part of modern popular culture for hundreds of years. From Egyptian revival architecture in the 1920s to blockbuster films and books, ancient civilizations have captured our imagination. But sometimes, that interest can be misguided and even destructive. Watch the video below to learn about the thousands of mummies that were destroyed in the name of medicine in the 16th and 17th centuries.
WELCOME TO
CROSSROADS OF CIVILIZATION
We divided this exhibit not by time or culture, but rather by traits that are shared by all civilizations. Watch this video to learn more about the making of Crossroads and its themes.
WELCOME TO
CROSSROADS OF CIVILIZATION
We divided this exhibit not by time or culture, but rather by traits that are shared by all civilizations. Watch this video to learn more about the making of Crossroads and its themes.
TEMPLE MOUNT
According to Biblical tradition, David's son Solomon, the last king of a united Israelite kingdom, built the Hebrews' original temple in Jerusalem; his reign is generally placed from 971-931 BCE. Supposedly destroyed by the Babylonians, Solomon's Temple was replaced by a Second Temple, originally built in the 6th century BCE and later expanded by Herod the Great, then finally destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. All depictions of Solomon's temple are based on written descriptions.
The Temple Mount stands today in Jerusalem as a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
TEMPLE MOUNT
According to Biblical tradition, David's son Solomon, the last king of a united Israelite kingdom, built the Hebrews' original temple in Jerusalem; his reign is generally placed from 971-931 BCE. Supposedly destroyed by the Babylonians, Solomon's Temple was replaced by a Second Temple, originally built in the 6th century BCE and later expanded by Herod the Great, then finally destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. All depictions of Solomon's temple are based on written descriptions.
The Temple Mount stands today in Jerusalem as a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
ASSYRIA
Assyria went through a series of expansions and contractions during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The awesome reputation they have today stems from the aggressive military activity of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, 934-609 BCE, when it was the strongest state in the world.
Winged and human-headed bulls, called lamassu, often flanked entrances to cities and/or palaces to denote Assyrian power. Seen from the front, these bulls have their forelegs together, but in profile they are shown striding forward. Several Assyrian capitals in northern Iraq, including Nineveh, Khorsabad, and Nimrud, were "destroyed" by terrorists in March 2015.
ASSYRIA
Assyria went through a series of expansions and contractions during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The awesome reputation they have today stems from the aggressive military activity of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, 934-609 BCE, when it was the strongest state in the world.
Winged and human-headed bulls, called lamassu, often flanked entrances to cities and/or palaces to denote Assyrian power. Seen from the front, these bulls have their forelegs together, but in profile they are shown striding forward. Several Assyrian capitals in northern Iraq, including Nineveh, Khorsabad, and Nimrud, were "destroyed" by terrorists in March 2015.
SYMBOLIC COLORS
Colors used in ancient Egyptian construction often had religious significance. Download the PDF to learn more.
SYMBOLIC COLORS
Colors used in ancient Egyptian construction often had religious significance. Download the PDF to learn more.
ANCIENT POPULATIONS
Early archaeologists used physical evidence such as remaining structures or rubbish piles to determine where buildings were once located and to estimate populations of ancient cities and towns like this. However, modern archaeologists also use a wealth of technologies to better understand who was living where, when, how in places all over the world. Watch the video to learn more.
ANCIENT POPULATIONS
Early archaeologists used physical evidence such as remaining structures or rubbish piles to determine where buildings were once located and to estimate populations of ancient cities and towns like this. However, modern archaeologists also use a wealth of technologies to better understand who was living where, when, how in places all over the world. Watch the video to learn more.
ANIMAL MUMMIES
As these birds show, the ancient Egyptians mummified more than just people. Pets and food, including meat, might be buried with a person to bring into the afterlife. Animals with religious significance might be mummified as a sacrifice or to honor a god. Learn how to make your own mummified apple with the resources below.
ANIMAL MUMMIES
As these birds show, the ancient Egyptians mummified more than just people. Pets and food, including meat, might be buried with a person to bring into the afterlife. Animals with religious significance might be mummified as a sacrifice or to honor a god. Learn how to make your own mummified apple with the resources below.
CUNIFORM
The earliest writing systems were developed before 3000 BCE in Sumer and Egypt, based on drawings of things (pictograms). The wedge-shaped (cuneiform) writing of the Sumerians replaced the pictograms with abstract signs which were impressed into clay.
Cuneiform writing was originally developed to write Sumerian but was used later by other Near Eastern cultures speaking various unrelated languages, from Akkadian to ancient Persian, just as we can use the Latin alphabet to write many modern languages, from Chinese to Arabic.
Writing was probably developed independently in both Egypt and Sumer.
CUNIFORM
The earliest writing systems were developed before 3000 BCE in Sumer and Egypt, based on drawings of things (pictograms). The wedge-shaped (cuneiform) writing of the Sumerians replaced the pictograms with abstract signs which were impressed into clay.
Cuneiform writing was originally developed to write Sumerian but was used later by other Near Eastern cultures speaking various unrelated languages, from Akkadian to ancient Persian, just as we can use the Latin alphabet to write many modern languages, from Chinese to Arabic.
Writing was probably developed independently in both Egypt and Sumer.
STEP PYRAMIDS
Early in the 3rd Dynasty, the pharaoh Djoser had a large mastaba tomb begun by his architect Imhotep, but this was enlarged several times to eventually become a six-tier "stepped" pyramid, the first massive stone building in the world. True pyramids evolved in the late 3rd and early 4th Dynasties.
STEP PYRAMIDS
Early in the 3rd Dynasty, the pharaoh Djoser had a large mastaba tomb begun by his architect Imhotep, but this was enlarged several times to eventually become a six-tier "stepped" pyramid, the first massive stone building in the world. True pyramids evolved in the late 3rd and early 4th Dynasties.
ARCHAEOLOGY
Throughout this exhibit, we’ve demonstrated some of the ways scientists learn about the ancient past. Now’s your chance to think like an archaeologist! Download the Archaeology Detective activity to see what you might learn from clues found in a modern backpack.
ARCHAEOLOGY
Throughout this exhibit, we’ve demonstrated some of the ways scientists learn about the ancient past. Now’s your chance to think like an archaeologist! Download the Archaeology Detective activity to see what you might learn from clues found in a modern backpack.
LASTING IMPACTS
Ancient cultures around the world impact our lives every day in often unnoticeable ways. But one noticeable impact is modern time-keeping. From how many days in a month to the days of the week, we apply ancient knowledge every time we write the date or tell someone the time. Learn more in the video below.
LASTING IMPACTS
Ancient cultures around the world impact our lives every day in often unnoticeable ways. But one noticeable impact is modern time-keeping. From how many days in a month to the days of the week, we apply ancient knowledge every time we write the date or tell someone the time. Learn more in the video below.
UNDER THE LAYERS
This CT scan shows what lies beneath Padi-Heru’s many mummified layers. Watch the video below or download the PDF to learn more about how Padi-Heru’s body was mummified by ancient Egyptian priests
UNDER THE LAYERS
This CT scan shows what lies beneath Padi-Heru’s many mummified layers. Watch the video below or download the PDF to learn more about how Padi-Heru’s body was mummified by ancient Egyptian priests
OBJECT LOANS
Humans have been trading goods across the world for thousands of years. Even today at the Milwaukee Public Museum, we often send our objects to other states or countries for scientific research. Watch this video to learn how objects are loaned between institutions.
OBJECT LOANS
Humans have been trading goods across the world for thousands of years. Even today at the Milwaukee Public Museum, we often send our objects to other states or countries for scientific research. Watch this video to learn how objects are loaned between institutions.
DECISIVE BATTLES
Throughout history, wars and battles have changed the shape of nations. Watch the video below to learn about one battle that altered the course of history for Rome and Egypt.
DECISIVE BATTLES
Throughout history, wars and battles have changed the shape of nations. Watch the video below to learn about one battle that altered the course of history for Rome and Egypt.
TELL HADIDI
Conflict is not just a part of humanity’s past. Milwaukee Public Museum archaeologists worked at a Bronze-age site in Syria in the mid-1970s that showed evidence of battle and many occupations. Recent conflicts in Syria have destroyed the site, making MPM’s collection a rare and important part of Middle Eastern history. Click the link to learn more.
TELL HADIDI
Conflict is not just a part of humanity’s past. Milwaukee Public Museum archaeologists worked at a Bronze-age site in Syria in the mid-1970s that showed evidence of battle and many occupations. Recent conflicts in Syria have destroyed the site, making MPM’s collection a rare and important part of Middle Eastern history. Click the link to learn more.
ANCIENT MEDICINE
Just like today, many ancient Mediterranean cultures had doctors to treat the wounded, including on the battlefield. Visit MPM’s webpage to learn more about a special collection of replica Pompeiian medical tools
ANCIENT MEDICINE
Just like today, many ancient Mediterranean cultures had doctors to treat the wounded, including on the battlefield. Visit MPM’s webpage to learn more about a special collection of replica Pompeiian medical tools