Bronze Age Exhibition

In Bronze Age you will see spectacular offerings, powerful ritual swords and precious objects of the elite, such as the 'golden hat of Schifferstadt' from Germany. But also the most everyday objects are on display, including a wooden ladle and a ladder from thirty-five centuries ago. These objects provide an intimate glimpse into daily life four thousand years ago.

The Bronze Age was a key period in our history. The introduction of the new metal bronze (a combination of copper and tin) led to radical social, economic and religious innovations. Trade, migration and intensive networks laid an important foundation for today's Europe.

The quest for bronze led to radical developments, resulting in powerful leaders, war and conflict, new role patterns, primitive money and knowledge of astronomy. Warrior elites and extensive trade networks emerged. These not only connected the European regions with each other, but also with the Middle East and Egypt. A recognisable world, but also alienating: precious weapons, tools and jewellery ended up as sacrifices in the water, mysterious burial mounds formed a final resting place and archaeologists discovered temples and human remains from the Bronze Age in former swamps. There are still many questions about the how and why of all this.