The British Museum • Remnants of the Ancient World
Welcome to another tour around London along with me and my wife Mhel. Two foreigners from an island in the Philippines and now living a new life in the UK. Today we will take you around one of the most beautiful museums in the country "The British Museum".
Located in Bloomsbury London it is a public museum that houses eight million pieces from around the globe and has the largest collection in the world. It showcases culture, history, and art. I love visiting museums and I am very glad there is a lot here in London. Visiting here for the very first time brings butterflies to my stomach. It excites me just imagining the artifacts that we will be seeing here.
The museum opened in 1759 and has expanded throughout the years. Upon entry, you will see this grand court, with glass ceilings lit up by natural light. The museum has three floors and looks overwhelming if you try to see it all. Starting from the ground floor it will lead you to the entrance to different galleries.
It is adviseable to check the map on the left side area and take a photo. You could easily get lost and go around in circles if unguided. It is impossible to see everything and I suggest to come early to get the most out of your visit if you are a tourist.
In the grand courtyard, there is a lion guarding the courtyard. This is from 370-350 BC "The Lion of Kinodos" was acquired from southwest Turkey. It used to be on the top of the roof of a mausoleum, sculpted from marble but the eyes and paws are missing. It is said that glass or metal is used to fill the eyesockets that glimmered in the sun.
The Obelisks of Nectanebo, a black silk stone from ancient Egypt. It is a pair and this is only the upper part of the obelisk which was broken off.
The quartzite head of the Pharoah Amenhotep the third. This is around 1400 BC from Thebes. There are so many artifacts on display in the courtyard and would easily take a lot of your time if you look at them all.
Ancient Egypt
Room 4
We had to move on to see more of the museum as we did not have a lot of time since we came in the afternoon. We first entered room 4 which showcases one of the most important highlights of the museum "The Rosetta Stone", you would notice it right away with the huge crowd surrounding it.
The Rosetta Stone
It contains Egyptian hieroglyphs and is the key to understanding them. This was found by Napoleon's soldiers and was then later taken to the British Museum. It has pictures and symbols inscribed which was deciphered by Scholars. The message tells of a decree for the priests to support the reign of Ptolomy the Fifth.
Ramesses the Great
In the same room, you cannot miss the colossal granite statue of Pharoah Ramesses the Great. He is known to be a warrior and the greatest pharaoh. He built cities, monuments, and temples during his reign.
If you love ancient Egypt you will be astounded by the collection. The collection of statues, tombs, and artifacts in this room is so massive we were only able to investigate a few and we needed to keep on going.
It is mind-blowing to be this close to ancient Egyptian tombs. Each tomb contains hieroglyphics on the outside and inside. It would be great if I could read each inscription. It tells stories of the ones buried in these tombs.
Towering inside are red granite columns which are also inscribed with hieroglyphics. I have failed to investigate more about these columns as I wanted to see more of the exhibits. Sometimes you are just lost in wonder, astounded just by the sight of these artifacts. You simply just look failing to find out more about it.
Assyria: Nineveh
Room 9
Nineveh served as the A gallery Nineveho the capital of the mighty Assyrian empire which is now Iraq.
From 704 to 681 BC, Sennacherib ruled Assyria from 704 to 681 BC and was known for his construction endeavors. This gallery features intricately carved stone panels which used to adore its chambers and gardens. The panels show a range of situations, one of which is the delivery of enormous sculptures meant to be placed at the main palace gateways.
These drawings show Sennacherib's intense interest in his construction projects as well as historical quarrying and transportation methods.
Assyrian Winged Bull
Also called the "Lamassu" from ancient Iraq, it is a stone mythological creature that guards the palaces to repel demonic forces. This winged bull if you would closely has five legs. This is to depict a firm stance when looking from the front. While looking from the side it would seem to be in a forward movement.
The Balawat Gates
These massive main doors of Balawat have bronze bands on them that have depictions of the exploits of the Assyrian empire. These are just a replica but some of the original bronze bands are on display. Standing in front of these massive gates will almost transport you back to the ancient Assyrian era.
Living and Dying
Room 24
This gallery showcases how people from around the world deal with the reality of life and death. This gallery also includes Hoa Hakananai'a and Moai Hava from Rapa Nui or Easter Island. It dates back from 1000–1200 and is made from basalt. I am sure most of you have seen this statue which is used for rituals and is said to be the faces of their ancestors.
India: Amaravati
Room 33a
One of the most significant Buddhist sites in India was Amaravati in southeast India. The gallery showcases a few of the sculptures which were housed within the Buddhist shrine.
The sculptures here are intricately designed and carved in limestone. It depicts scenes from the court, animals, dwarves, and even nagas.
China and South Asia
Room 33
China's history from 5000 BC to the present is showcased in this part of the museum, it features handscrolls to classic blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming dynasty, and tomb figurines from the Tang dynasty. The exhibits showcase China's abundant art and culture, paintings, ceramics, bronze, and jade.
Large cloisonné enamel
One of the highlights in this gallery is this jar from the Ming dynasty.
It is decorated with a five-clawed dragon chasing a pearl among the clouds. The lid is also decorated with a dragon. This jar dates back from 1426-1435 and is made from metal and ceramic.
Chinese Jade
Room 33b
China has considered jade with the highest value during ancient times, aside from its beauty it is said to have magical elements.
The gallery showcases weapons, ornaments, and ceremonial artifacts crafted from Jade.
These are just some of the rooms that we can share with you today from the ground floor. There are so many rooms we have missed but for sure we will be back here to share more from the ground floor.
What other wonders could be on the second floor? I hope you join us again next time to explore the galleries above.
Hope to see you again soon.
Cheers!
All photos are original and taken with
Lumix GX85 and 12-32mm kit lens
Lumix GX85 and 12-32mm kit lens
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Seeing these remants from old civilizations,I am just in awe. Ancient Egypt is really interesting and so rich, one couldn't help but admire the wonders they did.
I want to go to Egypt but this is the next best thing to be close to Egyptian artifacts. If you love ancient Egypt you will love the next part of this tour.
Had no clue London shelters such pieces in its museum! But knowledge is worldwide and that's a pretty good excuse to have a bit of the whole world stored in a single place, lol
I was overwhelmed seeing all those pieces and some are very controversial. Had me thinking first how they acquired all of these. But still as you mentioned good to have them in one place and taken care of.
When I'm lucky enough to be in London , I'm always enthralled with the amount of museums one is privy to. I love the V & A as well and the portrait museum and there is a great Toy museum the museum of childhood I think it is? With old toys and doll's houses, so much beauty and joy in one city...I miss it. Thanks for this.
I am glad to have shared. Are you still in London? Still so many museums to visit and I barely scratched the surface. A wonderful place which I will see more of eventually. The toy museum sounds fascinating I will look into it.