Introducing the exhibition

Nearly lost during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving treasures reveal Afghanistan’s ancient culture, its immense fragility and its remarkable place in world history. Discover the remarkable story of the survival, discovery and display of these
ancient treasures.

This exhibition was at the British Museum from 3 March to 17 July 2011.

Film clips courtesy National Geographic, AFGHANISTAN: Hidden Treasures © 2008 NGHT, Inc. See full credits 

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Introduction to the exhibition, Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World

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All Afghanistan exhibition video and audio

 

Introduction to the exhibition

Aghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World.

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Hidden treasures

The extraordinary story of how Afghanistan's treasures were hidden from danger.

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The Greek legacy

The lasting influence of Alexander the Great in Afghanistan.

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Returning ivories

The remarkable story of conservation and repatriation of the Begram Ivories.

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Installing the crown

A gold crown found in the tomb of a nomadic woman is put on display.

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Opening ceremony

Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, is joined by Foreign Secretary William Hague.

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Glass blowing

Watch the creation of a fish-shaped vessel – the first time anyone has tried to make it.
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Music of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is home to a variety of regional music characteristic of the ethnic groups inhabiting the different parts of the country. Professor John Baily and Veronica Doubleday lived in Herat during the 1970s in order to research and record the music of the city and surrounding rural areas.

Recorded events