Top 100 British Museum Artifacts

"A journey through time and culture."

The British Museum houses an incredible collection of artifacts that span centuries and cultures. This list explores the top 100 most fascinating artifacts, highlighting their historical significance and cultural impact.

Topics

• Top 100 British Museum Artifacts
  • Topics
  • Overview
  • Cheat
  • Ancient Egypt
  • Ancient Greece and Rome
  • Asia
  • The Middle East
  • Africa
  • Top 100 List
  • Top 100 Table
  • Conclusion

Overview

• Title: "Top 100 British Museum Artifacts"
• Subtitle: "Exploring the Riches of History"
• Tagline: "A journey through time and culture."
• Description: "A detailed look at the top 100 artifacts housed in the British Museum, offering insights into their history and significance."
• Keywords: British Museum, artifacts, history, culture, ancient civilizations, art, exhibits, heritage, archaeology, treasures.

Cheat

# Top 100 British Museum Artifacts
- Exploring the Riches of History
- A journey through time and culture.
- A detailed look at the top 100 artifacts housed in the British Museum, offering insights into their history and significance.
- 5 Topics

## Topics
- Ancient Egypt: mummies, pharaohs, pyramids, gods, hieroglyphics...
- Ancient Greece and Rome: sculptures, pottery, mythology, emperors, democracy...
- Asia: ceramics, scrolls, samurai, dynasties, Buddha...
- The Middle East: cuneiform, ziggurats, Persian empire, Islam, trade routes...
- Africa: tribal art, masks, trade beads, colonial history, kingdoms...

Ancient Egypt

"Unveiling the Mysteries of the Pharaohs"

The British Museum's Ancient Egypt collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, offering a window into the lives of the ancient Egyptians, their beliefs, and their incredible achievements.

1. Rosetta Stone: Key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
2. Bust of Nefertiti: Iconic representation of Egyptian beauty.
3. Mummy of Hornedjitef: A high priest from the Ptolemaic period.
4. Book of the Dead: Ancient Egyptian funerary text.
5. Colossal statue of Ramesses II: Impressive statue of the great pharaoh.
6. Canopic Jars: Used in the mummification process to store organs.
7. Shabti Figures: Funerary figurines placed in tombs.
8. Tutankhamun's Funerary Mask: Symbol of the young pharaoh's reign.
9. Amarna Letters: Diplomatic correspondence from the Bronze Age.
10. Papyrus of Ani: Illustrated funerary papyrus.
11. Temple of Dendur: An ancient Egyptian temple reconstructed in the museum.
12. Statue of Anubis: God of mummification and the afterlife.
13. Scarab Amulets: Symbolic beetle-shaped amulets.
14. Pharaoh's Throne: Ornate throne of an Egyptian ruler.
15. Ankhs: Symbol of life.
16. Obelisks: Tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument.
17. Golden Mask of Psusennes I: Another iconic funerary mask.
18. Sandstone Stela: Carved stone slab with inscriptions.
19. Headrest: Used in burial ceremonies.
20. Ushabti Figures: Small figurines placed in tombs to serve the deceased.

Ancient Greece and Rome

"Legends and Legacies of Classical Civilizations"

Explore the timeless elegance and enduring legacy of the classical civilizations through the British Museum's remarkable Greek and Roman collections.

1. Elgin Marbles: Parthenon sculptures.
2. Discobolus: The Discus Thrower statue.
3. Portland Vase: Famous Roman glass vase.
4. Bronze Head of Hypnos: Statue of the Greek god of sleep.
5. Warren Cup: Roman silver drinking cup.
6. Statue of Augustus: First Roman emperor.
7. Greek Pottery: Intricately decorated vases and amphorae.
8. Roman Mosaics: Detailed floor mosaics.
9. Statue of Athena: Goddess of wisdom and war.
10. Gold Coin of Alexander the Great: Ancient currency.
11. Etruscan Sarcophagus: Burial artifact from ancient Italy.
12. Roman Frescoes: Wall paintings from Pompeii.
13. Cycladic Figurines: Prehistoric Greek marble figures.
14. Roman Glass: Delicate glass artifacts.
15. Bronze Helmet: Ancient warrior's helmet.
16. Greek Theatre Masks: Masks used in theatrical performances.
17. Roman Busts: Portraits of emperors and citizens.
18. Delphi Charioteer: Bronze statue from ancient Greece.
19. Roman Jewelry: Adornments from ancient times.
20. Gladiator Armor: Protective gear worn by Roman gladiators.

Asia

"Treasures from the East"

The British Museum's Asian collection showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the continent, from ancient ceramics to intricate scrolls.

1. Terracotta Army: Clay soldiers from China's Qin dynasty.
2. Samurai Armor: Protective gear of Japanese warriors.
3. Japanese Netsuke: Miniature carvings.
4. Chinese Porcelain: Fine ceramic wares.
5. Hindu Deities: Statues and carvings of Hindu gods.
6. Tibetan Thangka: Buddhist religious paintings.
7. Korean Celadon: Green-glazed pottery.
8. Indian Textiles: Intricately woven fabrics.
9. Jade Dragon: Symbol of power and luck in China.
10. Buddhist Sutras: Sacred texts.
11. Indonesian Wayang Puppets: Traditional shadow puppets.
12. Thai Bronze Statues: Sculptures of Buddha and other figures.
13. Mughal Miniatures: Detailed paintings from India.
14. Burmese Lacquerware: Decorative household items.
15. Chinese Scroll Paintings: Calligraphy and landscapes.
16. Vietnamese Dong Son Drums: Bronze age artifacts.
17. Cambodian Apsara Statues: Dancing female figures.
18. Japanese Katana: Samurai sword.
19. Sri Lankan Masks: Traditional ceremonial masks.
20. Persian Carpets: Hand-woven textiles.

The Middle East

"Cradle of Civilization"

Delve into the ancient and diverse cultures of the Middle East with the British Museum's vast collection of artifacts.

1. Cylinder of Cyrus: Ancient Persian artifact.
2. Assyrian Reliefs: Carvings depicting royal hunts and battles.
3. Royal Game of Ur: One of the oldest known board games.
4. Ishtar Gate: Part of the ancient city of Babylon.
5. Cuneiform Tablets: Earliest form of writing.
6. Statue of Gudea: Ruler of the Sumerian city-state of Lagash.
7. Phoenician Glass: Early examples of glassmaking.
8. Ziggurat Model: Representation of ancient Mesopotamian temples.
9. Oxus Treasure: Collection of Achaemenid Persian artifacts.
10. Sumerian Seals: Cylinder seals used for imprinting.
11. Nimrud Ivories: Carved decorations from ancient Assyria.
12. Persian Reliefs: Carved scenes from ancient Persia.
13. Hittite Sun Disk: Symbol of the ancient Hittite civilization.
14. Statue of Lamassu: Protective deity from Assyria.
15. Ubaid Pottery: Early Mesopotamian ceramics.
16. Babylonian Star Map: Ancient astronomical chart.
17. Uruk Vase: Carved stone vessel from ancient Mesopotamia.
18. Elamite Figurines: Small statues from ancient Iran.
19. Palmyrene Funerary Portraits: Sculptures from ancient Palmyra.
20. Islamic Calligraphy: Decorative writing from the Islamic world.

Africa

"Art and History from the African Continent"

Discover the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Africa through the British Museum's impressive collection of artifacts.

1. Benin Bronzes: Metal plaques and sculptures from the Kingdom of Benin.
2. Ashanti Goldweights: Small weights used to measure gold dust.
3. Nok Terracottas: Ancient sculptures from Nigeria.
4. Ethiopian Crosses: Ornate religious artifacts.
5. Congolese Masks: Traditional ceremonial masks.
6. Great Zimbabwe Birds: Stone carvings from Great Zimbabwe.
7. Ife Heads: Bronze and terracotta sculptures from Nigeria.
8. Maasai Jewelry: Beaded adornments from Kenya and Tanzania.
9. Dogon Statues: Carvings from Mali.
10. Akan Gold Jewelry: Gold artifacts from Ghana.
11. Luba Stools: Carved wooden stools from the Congo.
12. Egyptian Nubian Artifacts: Items from the Nubian region of Egypt.
13. Yoruba Beadwork: Intricate bead designs from Nigeria.
14. Shona Sculptures: Stone carvings from Zimbabwe.
15. Swahili Doors: Carved wooden doors from East Africa.
16. Tuareg Silver: Jewelry from the Tuareg people.
17. Bamileke Headdresses: Decorative headpieces from Cameroon.
18. Bantu Pottery: Ceramic wares from various Bantu-speaking cultures.
19. Zulu Shields: Traditional warrior shields from South Africa.
20. Kuba Textiles: Decorative cloths from the Congo.

Top 100 List

1. Rosetta Stone (Ancient Egypt)
2. Elgin Marbles (Ancient Greece and Rome)
3. Terracotta Army (Asia)
4. Cylinder of Cyrus (The Middle East)
5. Benin Bronzes (Africa)
6. Bust of Nefertiti (Ancient Egypt)
7. Discobolus (Ancient Greece and Rome)
8. Samurai Armor (Asia)
9. Assyrian Reliefs (The Middle East)
10. Ashanti Goldweights (Africa)
11. Mummy of Hornedjitef (Ancient Egypt)
12. Portland Vase (Ancient Greece and Rome)
13. Japanese Nets13. Japanese Netsuke (Asia)
14. Royal Game of Ur (The Middle East)
15. Nok Terracottas (Africa)
16. Book of the Dead (Ancient Egypt)
17. Bronze Head of Hypnos (Ancient Greece and Rome)
18. Chinese Porcelain (Asia)
19. Ishtar Gate (The Middle East)
20. Ethiopian Crosses (Africa)
21. Colossal Statue of Ramesses II (Ancient Egypt)
22. Warren Cup (Ancient Greece and Rome)
23. Hindu Deities (Asia)
24. Cuneiform Tablets (The Middle East)
25. Congolese Masks (Africa)
26. Canopic Jars (Ancient Egypt)
27. Greek Pottery (Ancient Greece and Rome)
28. Tibetan Thangka (Asia)
29. Statue of Gudea (The Middle East)
30. Great Zimbabwe Birds (Africa)
31. Shabti Figures (Ancient Egypt)
32. Roman Mosaics (Ancient Greece and Rome)
33. Korean Celadon (Asia)
34. Phoenician Glass (The Middle East)
35. Ife Heads (Africa)
36. Tutankhamun's Funerary Mask (Ancient Egypt)
37. Statue of Athena (Ancient Greece and Rome)
38. Indian Textiles (Asia)
39. Ziggurat Model (The Middle East)
40. Maasai Jewelry (Africa)
41. Amarna Letters (Ancient Egypt)
42. Gold Coin of Alexander the Great (Ancient Greece and Rome)
43. Jade Dragon (Asia)
44. Oxus Treasure (The Middle East)
45. Dogon Statues (Africa)
46. Papyrus of Ani (Ancient Egypt)
47. Etruscan Sarcophagus (Ancient Greece and Rome)
48. Buddhist Sutras (Asia)
49. Sumerian Seals (The Middle East)
50. Akan Gold Jewelry (Africa)
51. Temple of Dendur (Ancient Egypt)
52. Roman Frescoes (Ancient Greece and Rome)
53. Indonesian Wayang Puppets (Asia)
54. Nimrud Ivories (The Middle East)
55. Luba Stools (Africa)
56. Statue of Anubis (Ancient Egypt)
57. Cycladic Figurines (Ancient Greece and Rome)
58. Thai Bronze Statues (Asia)
59. Persian Reliefs (The Middle East)
60. Egyptian Nubian Artifacts (Africa)
61. Scarab Amulets (Ancient Egypt)
62. Roman Glass (Ancient Greece and Rome)
63. Mughal Miniatures (Asia)
64. Hittite Sun Disk (The Middle East)
65. Yoruba Beadwork (Africa)
66. Pharaoh's Throne (Ancient Egypt)
67. Bronze Helmet (Ancient Greece and Rome)
68. Burmese Lacquerware (Asia)
69. Statue of Lamassu (The Middle East)
70. Shona Sculptures (Africa)
71. Ankhs (Ancient Egypt)
72. Greek Theatre Masks (Ancient Greece and Rome)
73. Chinese Scroll Paintings (Asia)
74. Ubaid Pottery (The Middle East)
75. Swahili Doors (Africa)
76. Obelisks (Ancient Egypt)
77. Roman Busts (Ancient Greece and Rome)
78. Vietnamese Dong Son Drums (Asia)
79. Babylonian Star Map (The Middle East)
80. Tuareg Silver (Africa)
81. Golden Mask of Psusennes I (Ancient Egypt)
82. Delphi Charioteer (Ancient Greece and Rome)
83. Cambodian Apsara Statues (Asia)
84. Uruk Vase (The Middle East)
85. Bamileke Headdresses (Africa)
86. Sandstone Stela (Ancient Egypt)
87. Roman Jewelry (Ancient Greece and Rome)
88. Japanese Katana (Asia)
89. Elamite Figurines (The Middle East)
90. Bantu Pottery (Africa)
91. Headrest (Ancient Egypt)
92. Gladiator Armor (Ancient Greece and Rome)
93. Sri Lankan Masks (Asia)
94. Palmyrene Funerary Portraits (The Middle East)
95. Zulu Shields (Africa)
96. Ushabti Figures (Ancient Egypt)
97. Roman Theatre Masks (Ancient Greece and Rome)
98. Persian Carpets (Asia)
99. Islamic Calligraphy (The Middle East)
100. Kuba Textiles (Africa)

Top 100 Table

Rank	Name	Topic	Tagline
1	Rosetta Stone	Ancient Egypt	"Key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs."
2	Elgin Marbles	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Parthenon sculptures."
3	Terracotta Army	Asia	"Clay soldiers from China's Qin dynasty."
4	Cylinder of Cyrus	The Middle East	"Ancient Persian artifact."
5	Benin Bronzes	Africa	"Metal plaques and sculptures from Benin."
6	Bust of Nefertiti	Ancient Egypt	"Iconic representation of Egyptian beauty."
7	Discobolus	Ancient Greece and Rome	"The Discus Thrower statue."
8	Samurai Armor	Asia	"Protective gear of Japanese warriors."
9	Assyrian Reliefs	The Middle East	"Carvings depicting royal hunts and battles."
10	Ashanti Goldweights	Africa	"Small weights used to measure gold dust."
11	Mummy of Hornedjitef	Ancient Egypt	"A high priest from the Ptolemaic period."
12	Portland Vase	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Famous Roman glass vase."
13	Japanese Netsuke	Asia	"Miniature carvings."
14	Royal Game of Ur	The Middle East	"One of the oldest known board games."
15	Nok Terracottas	Africa	"Ancient sculptures from Nigeria."
16	Book of the Dead	Ancient Egypt	"Ancient Egyptian funerary text."
17	Bronze Head of Hypnos	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Statue of the Greek god of sleep."
18	Chinese Porcelain	Asia	"Fine ceramic wares."
19	Ishtar Gate	The Middle East	"Part of the ancient city of Babylon."
20	Ethiopian Crosses	Africa	"Ornate religious artifacts."
21	Colossal Statue of Ramesses II	Ancient Egypt	"Impressive statue of the great pharaoh."
22	Warren Cup	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Roman silver drinking cup."
23	Hindu Deities	Asia	"Statues and carvings of Hindu gods."
24	Cuneiform Tablets	The Middle East	"Earliest form of writing."
25	Congolese Masks	Africa	"Traditional ceremonial masks."
26	Canopic Jars	Ancient Egypt	"Used in the mummification process to store organs."
27	Greek Pottery	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Intricately decorated vases and amphorae."
28	Tibetan Thangka	Asia	"Buddhist religious paintings."
29	Statue of Gudea	The Middle East	"Ruler of the Sumerian city-state of Lagash."
30	Great Zimbabwe Birds	Africa	"Stone carvings from Great Zimbabwe."
31	Shabti Figures	Ancient Egypt	"Funerary figurines placed in tombs."
32	Roman Mosaics	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Detailed floor mosaics."
33	Korean Celadon	Asia	"Green-glazed pottery."
34	Phoenician Glass	The Middle East	"Early examples of glassmaking."
35	Ife Heads	Africa	"Bronze and terracotta sculptures from Nigeria."
36	Tutankhamun's Funerary Mask	Ancient Egypt	"Symbol of the young pharaoh's reign."
37	Statue of Athena	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Goddess of wisdom and war."
38	Indian Textiles	Asia	"Intricately woven fabrics."
39	Ziggurat Model	The Middle East	"Representation of ancient Mesopotamian temples."
40	Maasai Jewelry	Africa	"Beaded adornments from Kenya and Tanzania."
41	Amarna Letters	Ancient Egypt	"Diplomatic correspondence from the Bronze Age."
42	Gold Coin of Alexander the Great	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Ancient currency."
43	Jade Dragon	Asia	"Symbol of power and luck in China."
44	Oxus Treasure	The Middle East	"Collection of Achaemenid Persian artifacts."
45	Dogon Statues	Africa	"Carvings from Mali."
46	Papyrus of Ani	Ancient Egypt	"Illustrated funerary papyrus."
47	Etruscan Sarcophagus	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Burial artifact from ancient Italy."
48	Buddhist Sutras	Asia	"Sacred texts."
49	Sumerian Seals	The Middle East	"Cylinder seals used for imprinting."
50	Akan Gold Jewelry	Africa	"Gold artifacts from Ghana."
51	Temple of Dendur	Ancient Egypt	"An ancient Egyptian temple reconstructed in the museum."
52	Roman Frescoes	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Wall paintings from Pompeii."
53	Indonesian Wayang Puppets	Asia	"Traditional shadow puppets."
54	Nimrud Ivories	The Middle East	"Carved decorations from ancient Assyria."
55	Luba Stools	Africa	"Carved wooden stools from the Congo."
56	Statue of Anubis	Ancient Egypt	"God of mummification and the afterlife."
57	Cycladic Figurines	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Prehistoric Greek marble figures."
58	Thai Bronze Statues	Asia	"Sculptures of Buddha and other figures."
59	Persian Reliefs	The Middle East	"Carved scenes from ancient Persia."
60	Egyptian Nubian Artifacts	Africa	"Items from the Nubian region of Egypt."
61	Scarab Amulets	Ancient Egypt	"Symbolic beetle-shaped amulets."
62	Roman Glass	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Delicate glass artifacts."
63	Mughal Miniatures	Asia	"Detailed paintings from India."
64	Hittite Sun Disk	The Middle East	"Symbol of the ancient Hittite civilization."
65	Yoruba Beadwork	Africa	"Intricate bead designs from Nigeria."
66	Pharaoh's Throne	Ancient Egypt	"Ornate throne of an Egyptian ruler."
67	Bronze Helmet	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Ancient warrior's helmet."
68	Burmese Lacquerware	Asia	"Decorative household items."
69	Statue of Lamassu	The Middle East	"Protective deity from Assyria."
70	Shona Sculptures	Africa	"Stone carvings from Zimbabwe."
71	Ankhs	Ancient Egypt	"Symbol of life."
72	Greek Theatre Masks	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Masks used in theatrical performances."
73	Chinese Scroll Paintings	Asia	"Calligraphy and landscapes."
74	Ubaid Pottery	The Middle East	"Early Mesopotamian ceramics."
75	Swahili Doors	Africa	"Carved wooden doors from East Africa."
76	Obelisks	Ancient Egypt	"Tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument."
77	Roman Busts	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Portraits of emperors and citizens."
78	Vietnamese Dong Son Drums	Asia	"Bronze age artifacts."
79	Babylonian Star Map	The Middle East	"Ancient astronomical chart."
80	Tuareg Silver	Africa	"Jewelry from the Tuareg people."
81	Golden Mask of Psusennes I	Ancient Egypt	"Another iconic funerary mask."
82	Delphi Charioteer	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Bronze statue from ancient Greece."
83	Cambodian Apsara Statues	Asia	"Dancing female figures."
84	Uruk Vase	The Middle East	"Carved stone vessel from ancient Mesopotamia."
85	Bamileke Headdresses	Africa	"Decorative headpieces from Cameroon."
86	Sandstone Stela	Ancient Egypt	"Carved stone slab with inscriptions."
87	Roman Jewelry	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Adornments from ancient times."
88	Japanese Katana	Asia	"Samurai sword."
89	Elamite Figurines	The Middle East	"Small statues from ancient Iran."
90	Bantu Pottery	Africa	"Ceramic wares from various Bantu-speaking cultures."
91	Headrest	Ancient Egypt	"Used in burial ceremonies."
92	Gladiator Armor	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Protective gear worn by Roman gladiators."
93	Sri Lankan Masks	Asia	"Traditional ceremonial masks."
94	Palmyrene Funerary Portraits	The Middle East	"Sculptures from ancient Palmyra."
95	Zulu Shields	Africa	"Traditional warrior shields from South Africa."
96	Ushabti Figures	Ancient Egypt	"Small figurines placed in tombs to serve the deceased."
97	Roman Theatre Masks	Ancient Greece and Rome	"Masks used in Roman theatrical performances."
98	Persian Carpets	Asia	"Hand-woven textiles."
99	Islamic Calligraphy	The Middle East	"Decorative writing from the Islamic world."
100	Kuba Textiles	Africa	"Decorative cloths from the Congo."

Conclusion

The British Museum's vast collection offers an unparalleled glimpse into the history and culture of civilizations from around the world. Each artifact tells a unique story, reflecting the artistic, technological, and social achievements of humanity. Exploring these treasures provides not only a deep appreciation for the past but also inspiration for the present and future.