Room 55
Mesopotamia 1500–539 BC
Visiting the gallery
Opening times
Daily: 10.00–17.00 (Fridays: 20.30)
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Gallery audio guides
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The civilisations of Babylonia and Assyria flourished during the first millennium BC.
Political developments resulted in the incorporation of the entire Near East into a single empire, while increased international contact and trade influenced the material culture of the region.
Room 55 traces the history of Babylonia under the Kassites and the growth of the Babylonian state and empire until it was taken over by the Persian King Cyrus in 539 BC.
'Boundary Stones' carved with images of kings and symbols of the gods record royal land grants. The development of the Assyrian state and empire, until its fall in 612 BC, is illustrated by objects excavated in its palaces. Mesopotamia's highly developed literature and learning are shown by clay tablets from the library of King Assurbanipal (668–631 BC) at Nineveh, written in cuneiform script.
Take a virtual tour
Use Google Street View to take a closer look at the roaring lion from King Nebuchadnezzar II's throne room in his palace in the ancient city of Babylon, Iraq.
Accessibility
- Some objects in this collection feature on the British Sign Language multimedia guide. This resource is temporarily unavailable. You can access a selection of BSL films on your own device.
- Some objects in this collection feature on the audio description guide, available on Soundcloud.
- Seating is available.
- Step-free access.
- View sensory map.
Visit Accessibility at the Museum for more information.
