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Europe and Middle East 10,000–800 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.
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Painted bowl, about 4000 BC
More informationPainted bowl, about 4000 BC
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Red deer antler head-dress, about 7,500 BC
More informationRed deer antler head-dress, about 7,500 BC
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The Folkton Drums, Late Neolithic period, 2600-2000 BC
More informationThe Folkton Drums, Late Neolithic period, 2600-2000 BC
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Ceremonial bronze dirk, Bronze Age, 1450-1300 BC
More informationCeremonial bronze dirk, Bronze Age, 1450-1300 BC
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.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Ancient Iran (Room 52) tells the story of the birth of farming in the Middle East.
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Roman occupation of Britain, £8.99