Ancient Mesopotamia in London, UK
Sumerian Writing, Royal Game of Ur, Hammurabi’s Law, Cyrus The Great
The history of Cunieform Script, Babylonian Rulers, the Persian Empire, the world's first board games and charter of human rights on the British Museum's free guided tour
The British Museum in London would have to be one of the most fantastic places in the world, even though it has a tendency to show how shockingly ignorant the unsuspecting visitor can be about the world. It’s one of those places that would be absolutely impossible to cover in a day, so for those living in London, it’s worth popping back in every now and then to tackle a different section.
Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, Karl Marx and the Reading Room
To cover the whole collection of the British Museum in one article would be a virtual impossibility, as there is so much to it. After all, this is the building that hosts the Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone and the Reading Room in which Karl Marx did much of his writing. It absolutely drips with history, and given the highly applaudable free entry policy, it should be an essential must-see for any visitors to the UK capital city with even the vaguest interest in the past.
Ancient Mesopotamia in the British Museum
To take a micro example of what’s so great about the British Museum, head there just before noon on a Saturday. 11.45am is the start time for the free guided tour of the Ancient Mesopotamia section. Many in the tour group will know absolutely nothing about the area, even if they are vaguely aware that it was an area of modern day Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Free Guided Tours
The free guided tours are taken by highly enthusiastic (and knowledgeable) volunteers and last from 30 to 45 minutes. And this one is a particularly good eye-opener. In a short space of time, the small group are led through the origins of everything from writing to human rights.
Sumerian writing – Cunieform Script
Writing, it transpires, was a Sumerian invention, starting with picture-based etchings then moving on to Cunieform Script, more based on sounds. The skill was passed on as the Sumerians were conquered.
The Royal Game of Ur
Then there is one of the world’s first board games, the Royal Game of Ur. A set is on display at the British Museum, whilst the guide also talks about how the grid is often found etched by guard posts in major ancient palaces.
Hammurabi’s laws and Cyrus The Great’s charter of human rights
The group is also informed about the genesis of many of our modern laws, many having been created by Babylonian ruler Hammurabi, with a first charter of human rights drawn up by the leader of the Persian Empire, Cyrus the Great.
History Lesson
For 40 minutes, it is one astonishing history lesson and it, as with the rest of the British Museum’s incredible collection, comes heartily recommended.
