Central scene of the east frieze of the Parthenon (-438/-432)British Museum
The Elgin Marbles
Also known as the Parthenon Marbles, the Elgin Marbles are one of the most famous attractions in the British Museum. Originally carved between 447 and 438 BCE, the incredible sculptures adorned the walls of the Parthenon until they were removed by agents of the 7th Earl of Elgin.
Figures of three goddesses from the east pediment of the Parthenon (-438/-432)British Museum
The relocation of the marbles to the UK was controversial even at the time (Elgin claimed he’d received permission from the Ottoman rulers of Greece to remove the marbles). However, they remained in London and, around 1816, were sold to the British Museum where they’ve been on display ever since.
These ancient artefacts are such an important part of the museum’s collection that they’ve been given their very own room. This should make the sculptures easy to find. So, can you locate this famous display?
The Rosetta Stone (-196/-196)British Museum
The Rosetta Stone
Discovered by Napoleon’s Army during its campaign in Egypt in 1799, the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The top and middle texts are hieroglyphic and Demotic scripts, while the bottom is in Ancient Greek. Because scholars could already read Ancient Greek, it allowed them to decipher the hieroglyphs.
When the British defeated the French in 1801, they took ownership of the artefact. It went on display in the British Museum in the early 19th century where it’s been a core piece in their collection ever since.
Can you find it?
Colossal granite head of Amenhotep III (-1370/-1370)British Museum
Colossal Granite Head of Amenhotep III
Dating from around 1370 BCE, the Colossal Granite Head of Amenhotep III is an incredible 2.9 metres high. Part of an enormous statue commissioned by Amenhotep III to be displayed in ancient Thebes, the head was discovered in 1817 close to the temple enclosure of Mut at Karnak.
The statue was discovered by Giovanni Battista Belzoni and Henry William Beechey in the early 19th century. It took 8 whole days to move it just one mile to the River Nile! At almost 3m tall, this piece should be easy to spot.
So, can you find it?
Mummy of Katebet (-1320/-1280)British Museum
The Mummy of Katebet
The Mummy of Katebet dates from around 1320 – 1280 BCE. Katebet was the Chantress of Amun. This means she would have sung and played music during important rituals in the temples of ancient Thebes. The mummy is wrapped in layers of linen and has a scarab beetle on her stomach, this was to provide Katebet with protection when she was judged by the gods.
The mummy mask shows Katebet wearing an elaborate wig and lots of jewellery. She was also buried with a Shabti, a small statue in the form of a mummy that was designed to act as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife.
Can you find her among the many mummies on display?
Egyptian relief (-1292/-1075)Colección AMALITA
Learn more about the Mummy of Katebet here.
