Ancient Levant (Room 57–59)
The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Galleries
8th millennium BC – 539 BC
The Ancient Levant corresponds to the modern states of Syria (western part), Lebanon, Israel, Palestine and Jordan. Rooms 57-59 present the material culture of the region from the Neolithic farmers of the eighth millennium BC to the fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC, within the context of major historical events.
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Statue of Idrimi, 16th century BC
More informationStatue of Idrimi, 16th century BC
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Ivory cosmetic box in the shape of a fish, 9th-8th century BC
More informationIvory cosmetic box in the shape of a fish, 9th-8th century BC
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Ivory plaque of a lioness devouring a boy, 9th-8th century BC
More informationIvory plaque of a lioness devouring a boy, 9th-8th century BC
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Lime Plaster Statues, about 7200 BC
More informationLime Plaster Statues, about 7200 BC
Objects on display illustrate the continuity of the Canaanite culture of the southern Levant throughout this period. They highlight the indigenous origins of both the Israelites and the Phoenicians.
The display compares this culture with that of the peoples of central inland Syria, the Amorites and the Aramaeans.