'Afghanistan: Crossroads Of The Ancient World' On View At British Museum (PHOTOS) | HuffPost

PHOTOS: 'Afghanistan: Crossroads Of The Ancient World' On View At British Museum

|

The Afghani art and artifacts on view now at the British Museum showcase not only the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan but, because these antiquities were nearly lost as a result of war and Taliban rule, it highlights the dangers that artifacts in Egypt and now Libya face.

"Afghanistan: Crossroads Of The Ancient World," which opens March 3rd in London, will display over 200 pieces found in important archaeological excavations and works on loan from the Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul, which is currently undergoing renovations. Most of the objects that make up the exhibition were hidden on purpose beneath the Presidential Palace in order that they might survive years of turmoil.

Among the prized objects in the exhibit is a gold crown from Tillya Tepe, which was carefully dismantled and reassembled in order to travel to the British Museum. Check out a preview of the exhibit below.
(All images via Getty Images)

Afghanistan: Crossroads Of The Ancient World

(01 of09)

A banner advertising the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition hangs at the entrance to The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(02 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A 1st century BC gold crown is displayed at the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(03 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: 1st century gold clothing ornaments are displayed at the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(04 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A statue, thought to be of Strato, from 200-150 BC is displayed in the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(05 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A visitor to the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum looks at moulded 3rd century BC clay roof decorations on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(06 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A painted glass goblet depicting figures harvesting dates from the 1st - 2nd centuries AD is displayed at the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(07 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: An ivory furniture inlay from a first century sofa is displayed at the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(08 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Indian ivory furniture legs in the shape of a goddess from the first century AD are displayed in the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

(09 of09)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A pair of 1st century gold anklets are displayed at the 'Afghanistan Crossroads of the Ancient World' exhibition at The British Museum on March 1, 2011 in London, England. Displaying treasures that were in great danger during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving artifacts reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its fragility and its remarkable place in world history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 3 and runs until July 3, 2011. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

Suggest a correction

|

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping's
Best Finds

Gen Z Has Officially Canceled Ankle Socks: 'They're For Old People'

REI's Hiking Apparel Was Already Kind Of A Steal — And It's On Ultra-Sale Right Now

Reviewers All Over The Internet Say This $10 Crepe-Reducing Moisturizer Is Legitimately Effective

The 1 Shoe That Has Helped Eliminate My Dad’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain

This Classic '90s Shoe Brand Is Having A Major Moment