The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures of the University of Chicago is a leading research center for ancient West Asia and North Africa. The museum houses some 350,000 artifacts—around 5,000 of which are on display—excavated mainly by ISAC archaeologists. Founded in 1919, ISAC has pioneered innovative excavations and comprehensive dictionary projects that chronicle ancient civilizations. The ISAC Museum aims to understand, reveal, and protect ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa.