Syri Ancient History-Modern Conflict

The ongoing conflict in our world that has led to the destruction and theft of ancient artefacts is a reality that the ‘Syria: Ancient History-Modern Conflict’ exhibit, housed in the Ian Potter Museum, endeavours to raise awareness about. This small exhibit, currently located on the museum’s first floor presents rescued artefacts from excavated sites conducted by the University of Melbourne that surrounded the Euphrates River, including Tell Ahmar and Jebel Khalid. These domestic and religious artefacts are displayed alongside excavation equipment to aid the exhibit’s attempt to explore how modern conflict can impact on a nation’s ancient history and reinforce the need for preservation.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted with a collection of large manuscripts and journals, supplies and excavation equipment displayed beside the ancient artefacts they unearthed. Relics of ceramic and ivory dishes and pots, metal tools and weapons and terracotta and clay lamps were presented on stark white backgrounds behind glass. This set up, combined with the digital recreation of the Palmyra Arch of Triumph reinforces the need for preserving artefacts. The Arch impressively spans the height of the room and is an effective …show more content…
A helpful overview of the excavation’s history at these sites provides context, but are hidden on plaques on walls behind display cases and likewise maps of these sites were not present until halfway through the exhibition. Until visitors located these aids they would likely be confused or lost by many of the displays. Additionally, except for the Bust of Hagar and the recreated image of the Palmyra Arch of Triumph, very few of the displays jump out at visitors and by emphasizing preservation, the exhibition fails to draw people back in