The Ancient World Portfolio
The Ancient World Portfolio is a collection of artifacts, artworks, and historical documents that provide insights into various ancient civilizations, their cultures, and significant events. It serves as a valuable resource for historians, archaeologists, and researchers studying the ancient world. Here are some notable items that could be part of such a portfolio:
1. Rosetta Stone (Egypt): This stone slab became the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs when it was discovered in 1799. Its inscriptions are written in three scripts: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek.
2. Hammurabi's Code (Babylon): Dating back to around 1754 BCE, this ancient legal code was created by Babylonian King Hammurabi. It is inscribed on a stele and contains 282 laws that cover various aspects of Babylonian society, including trade, property, and family law.
3. Parthenon Marbles (Greece): Also known as the Elgin Marbles, these ancient Greek sculptures originally adorned the Parthenon temple on the Athenian Acropolis. They were controversially removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and are now housed in the British Museum, sparking ongoing debates about cultural heritage and ownership.
4. Terracotta Army (China): Discovered in 1974 near the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Terracotta Army consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. It was created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife and provides insights into the military and burial practices of Ancient China.
5. Dead Sea Scrolls (Israel): These ancient Jewish religious manuscripts were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in the vicinity of the Dead Sea. They include biblical texts, religious writings, and fragments of various compositions, providing invaluable insights into Jewish culture and the development of biblical texts.
6. Stonehenge (England): As an ancient stone circle monument, Stonehenge is one of the most famous and mysterious archaeological sites in the world. Its construction dates back to approximately 3000 BCE and its purpose remains the subject of debate—ranging from an astronomical observatory to a ceremonial site.
7. Moai (Easter Island): These massive stone statues are located on Easter Island and were created by the indigenous Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. The moai represent the ancestral spirits and demonstrate the advanced carving techniques of the islanders.
8. Mayan Codices (Maya civilization): These ancient books, made on bark paper or deerskin, contain glyphs and hieroglyphic writing of the Mayan civilization. Four are known to have survived, such as the Dresden Codex, providing valuable knowledge about Mayan mathematics, astronomy, and religious ceremonies.
These are just a few examples of the wide range of artifacts and historical documents that would make up an Ancient World Portfolio. Each item offers valuable insights into different aspects of ancient civilizations, their artistic achievements, societal norms, and religious beliefs.