Key information for ancient Egypt
Ages 7–11 (KS2)
Curriculum links
KS2 History: the achievements of the earliest civilisations – ancient Egypt.
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The collection of Egyptian objects at the British Museum tells the story of life and death in the ancient Nile Valley.
Find out about the Rosetta Stone, mummification, gods and goddesses and the Egyptian afterlife. Students can engage with and experience the unique collection through online resources, Museum sessions or Virtual Visits.
Our ancient Egypt learning programme includes:
- School sessions at the Museum such as presentations, handling workshops or digital sessions in the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre – you can also connect your class to the Museum in a Virtual Visit.
- Visit resources to use before, during and after your trip to the Museum.
- Student resources to use in the classroom or at home, with adult supervision.
- Teacher resources to use in the classroom, or at home if you are a home educator.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a profound understanding of ancient Egypt, let's delve into the fascinating world of the British Museum's collection of Egyptian objects. The content you provided seems to be a snippet from an educational resource designed for children aged 7-11, aligning with the Key Stage 2 (KS2) History curriculum focusing on the achievements of the earliest civilizations, specifically ancient Egypt.
The British Museum, renowned for its rich and diverse collection, plays a pivotal role in narrating the tales of life and death in the ancient Nile Valley. Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Rosetta Stone:
- The Rosetta Stone holds monumental importance in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Discovered in 1799, it became the key to unlocking the mysteries of this intricate script. The stone features a decree issued at Memphis in 196 BC in three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphic.
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Mummification:
- Mummification, a distinctive practice in ancient Egypt, involved preserving bodies for the afterlife. The process included removing internal organs, drying the body with natron, and wrapping it in linen bandages. This ensured the preservation of the deceased for their journey to the afterlife.
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Gods and Goddesses:
- The ancient Egyptian pantheon is vast and diverse, with gods and goddesses representing various aspects of life and nature. From Ra, the sun god, to Osiris, associated with the afterlife, each deity played a crucial role in the Egyptian belief system.
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Egyptian Afterlife:
- Central to ancient Egyptian beliefs was the concept of an afterlife. They believed in a journey to the underworld and the judgment of the soul. The deceased had to navigate challenges and present their heart to Osiris for judgment, determining their fate in the afterlife.
The British Museum offers a comprehensive learning program, providing students with opportunities to engage with the collection through on-site sessions, handling workshops, and digital sessions in the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre. Additionally, the option of Virtual Visits allows classes to connect with the museum remotely.
For educators, the museum offers a plethora of resources, both digital and physical, to enhance the learning experience. These resources cater to various learning environments, including in-class sessions and home education, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of ancient Egyptian history for students at the KS2 level.
