Museo Civico Archeologico - Prospero Lambertini - Anthropoid sarcophagus of Mes-Iset

Benedict XIV's patronage of the Institute of Sciences included enriching its archaeological collection with Egyptian artifacts. This impressive donation included the painted anthropoid sarcophagus of Mes Iset, now on display at the Archaeological Museum. The Pope also ensured the preservation of another significant collection: Responding to Father Giambattista Martini's concerns about the safety of his musical collection, Benedict XIV issued a papal bull of excommunication (now on display at the Museo della Musica) against anyone who would dare to harm it.