Ancient Europe 4000 - 800 BC (Room 51)
Farming began in the Middle East around 12,000 years ago, making
possible the social, cultural and economic changes which shaped the
modern world. It arrived in Britain around 6000 years ago bringing
a new way of life. This change in lifestyle meant people competed
for wealth, power and status, displaying these through jewellery,
weapons and feasting.
The objects on display in Room 51 show how the
people of prehistoric Europe celebrated life and death and
expressed their relationship with the natural world, the spirit
world and each other.
Image captions (clockwise from top
left):
Painted bowl about
4000 BC
Red deer antler head-dress about 7,500
BC
Ceremonial bronze dirk Bronze Age, 1450-1300
BC
The Folkton Drums Late Neolithic period,
2600-2000 BC