In the Old Kingdom, acting as an interface between the worlds of the living and of the dead, (about 2613-2160 BC) false doors were a standard feature of tombs in the Memphite region. This is a particularly large and impressive example.
Download this video to watch in your favourite media player, or to view this video online please enable javascript.
The chess pieces consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory and whales' teeth in the forms of seated kings and queens, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts, standing warders and pawns in the shape of obelisks.
Play video
One of the largest pieces of Egyptian sculpture in the British Museum, this statue shows Ramesses II, who succeeded his father Sethos I in around 1279 BC and ruled Egypt for 67 years.
Play video
A valuable key to the decipherment of hieroglyphs, the inscription on the Rosetta Stone is a decree passed by a council of priests.
Play video
Created for the British Museum's Multimedia Guide
sponsored by Korean Air
Frank Barnes Primary School students describe some of the key objects in the Museum.
