Collections

This gallery of 30 maps traces the history of cartography, with examples of maps made by cultures from the Paleolithic to the early modern period. The maps cover cities, states, continents, sometimes the entire world as it was known at the...

Art in the ancient world was initially associated with ceremonial ritual but, in time, began featuring subjects related to everyday life and the common people. The Chinese were among the first civilizations to create a narrative of their...

This collection explores the evolution of arms and armour around the world, from ancient times to the early modern period. Although it is by no means a complete list of the varied gear carried into warfare throughout history, it takes a look...

In this gallery, we look at how humans have made their private homes through history. From Denisova caves to Kikuyu huts, we see through archaeological remains, reconstruction images and pottery models what is often frequently lost to the...

In this gallery, we present reconstructions of seven famous palaces through history. The palaces, presented here in the chronological order of their construction, are: Palace of Knossos, Crete Qal'eh Dokhtar Palace, Fizurabad Dungur...

In this gallery, we showcase 25 pieces of art produced by the Etruscan civilization which flourished in central Italy between the 8th and 3rd century BCE. Etruscan art is celebrated for its vitality, colour and capturing of everyday life...

In this gallery, we look at some of the most famous pagodas in Japan, many of which are classified as National Treasures. Pagodas are tall, multi-storied structures which traditionally featured as part of Buddhist temple complexes. The tallest...

In this gallery, we showcase 12 amphitheatres, a structure built throughout the Roman empire where ordinary people could watch such spectacles as gladiator games, mock naval battles, wild animal hunts, and public executions. Usually oval...

The tradition of giving miniature Easter eggs was not a new one but when Tsar Alexander III (r. 1881-1894) commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé (1846-1920) to make one for Easter in 1885, a legend was born. Over 50 eggs were made by the masters...

In this gallery, we look at striking examples of art from across the African continent. In gold, stone and metals, ancient and medieval African artists have not only given us unique pieces of art to admire but their works are also an insight...