Ancient Mayan Artifacts in the United States Today

If you paid any sort of attention in your World History classes in school, you would remember that the Ancient Mayans were a

civilization in modern day Mexico. Well, you might not have even had to have paid attention in your classes to remember that

bit of history.

However, you may find it ironic that many Mayan artifacts that have been recovered from the ancient civilization’s land is

now for display in the United States. Say what? Yes, many are here in the United States with others on display throughout

the world in places you would never have imagined.

Why? Well, the answer is simple really: educational purposes. Many people learn about the Ancient Mayan civilization in

school but cannot go to Mexico to visit the ruins for themselves. Therefore, the powers that be decided that sending ancient

artifacts on a tour of the United States was a great idea.

It can be, as long as the artifacts are handled nicely and are not damaged. It does gives children and others a chance to

see the artifacts from the land they have only read about and gives them a true visual to go along with their course studies.

Mayan artifacts have been on display in different locations throughout the United States for several years now and some are

even on permanent display in some prominent museums. Opponents of these actions wonder why it makes sense to put something

on display that did not even happen in America, but in Mexico. They do not understand the idealism behind it.

However, there is no idealism behind it. Exhibits of all types have traveled throughout the world for years without trouble

and it brings history to the people. We want to educate others and let the children become global citizens. If they do not

have the money to travel, this gives them they way they can see it for themselves, up close and personal.

As long as the education exhibits are being cared for properly, the touring exhibits are a great educational piece that

should continue to travel around for years to come. The United States should also look in to make traveling exhibits of

some of our finest documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. That way people throughout the

country and world can see it without having to take a trip to Washington D.C. Many people, even people in the United States,

would love to see these things up close but cannot afford a trip to do so. Who knows, it may even inspire some children to

pursue political careers. That would definitely make it worth it.

The educational benefit of these artifacts far outweigh any sort of problems that they bring along with them. It is a great

way for kids to learn, for adults to share and for researchers to show off their work. It is a win-win situation for all

where people learn more than the thought they could.

Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

Many famous archeological excavations have happened in Egypt, and the artifacts recovered from these digs are some of the

best known in the world. Egypt had a thriving civilization long before many countries even existed. This civilization

produced some of the best-known buildings, sculptures, and art found in the world.

Three of the most recognized artifacts from Ancient Egypt are the Great Pyramids. The Great Pyramids are located in Giza.

Three successive rulers during the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt had these impressive structures created. The rulers, Khufu,

Chefron, and Mycerinus wanted magnificent tombs built to hold their remains when they died.

These pyramids contained amazing artifacts that reflected the very best that the Egyptian society produced at the time.

Not only were precious works of art included in the tombs, other artifacts such as furniture and jewelry were sealed within

the pyramids. In fact, sadly servants were also often sealed within the pyramids, supposedly to aid the rulers in the

afterlife.

No discussion of Ancient Egyptian artifacts would be complete without mentioning the famous King Tut. King Tutankhamen was

only a child when he came to power in 1361 B.C. One theory is that he was assassinated as a teen since he died from a head

wound, although no one knows for certain what happened. In 1922, the tomb of King "Tut" was discovered by Howard Carter, a

British archeologist. The tomb of King Tutankhamen contained many priceless artifacts, including jewelry, furniture, and a

famous gold mask.

Another Ancient Egyptian artifact still standing today is the Great Sphinx. Connected to King Chephren's pyramid, the Great

Sphinx depicts the face of the Pharaoh on the body of a lion. Scholars believe the Great Sphinx was created to guard the

burial grounds. This massive structure is 65 feet tall and 200 feet long. Although time has worn at the features, the Great

Sphinx is still an amazing artifact from long ago.

The Rosetta Stone is a famous and historically significant artifact. This artifact was found in 1799. The writing on this

stone made it possible to translate the meaning of hieroglyphics. Believed to have been created in 196 B.C., the stone

contains a royal decree written in three languages. The languages included on the stone are hieroglyphics, Greek, and an

ancient Egyptian alphabet language called demotic. In 1822, the text on the Rosetta Stone was translated. Thanks to this

translation, scholars then had a way to decipher hieroglyphics.

Queen Nefertiti is remembered because of an artifact found in a sculptor's house. The bust of Queen Nefertiti is considered

to be unique because it depicts her in realistic detail. The sculptor, Thutmose, probably created the bust for others to

copy. Many other busts and artifacts also were found in the sculptor's house when it was uncovered in 1912. The bust of

Queen Nefertiti, one of the most famous artifacts from Ancient Egypt, currently resides in the Altes Museum in Berlin.

When it comes to amazing artifacts detailing past civilizations, Ancient Egypt produced countless treasures. Many museums

throughout the world display artifacts from this civilization, making it possible for people worldwide to see for themselves

the beauty that was Ancient Egypt.