A film commissioned by the National Museum of Antiquities (Leiden) as an introduction to the exhibition. The Middle East is often defined by its conflicts. That’s unfortunate. “The Fertile Crescent” has so much more to offer. A closer look at what the legacy of ancient life in Byzantium and Babylon has to offer us today.
Locations: The Netherlands, Israel 2009
Themes: Ancient civilisation, Mesopotamia, Early writings, Clay Tablets, Codified system of law, Cultural heritage, War, Tigris and the Euphrates, Sumerians, Ziggurat at Ur
Pupils learn that the Middle East offers more than war only. Historic urban settlements are a unique reflection of the capacity of humankind to socially structure and organize space. “Creation draws on the roots of cultural tradition, but flourishes in contact with other cultures. For this reason, heritage in all its forms must be preserved, enhanced and handed on to future generations as a record of human experience and aspirations, so as to foster creativity in all its diversity and to inspire genuine dialogue among cultures.
They get a change to hold a number particular copies of museum objects with the question “What object would you safe in case of war?” As they learn about the value of cultural heritage and the vulnerability of cultural artifacts in time of war.
Museum Lessons Middle East
Script & director: Alexandra Jansse
Camera: Paul Cohen / Bernd Wouthuysen
Sound: Martijn van Haalen / Bouwe Mulder
Editor: Marc Schaaps
Actor childeren: Maral Noshad Sharifi & Hans (Hassan) Katib
Presentation: Femke Mostert
Scientific advise: Prof. Dr. P.J.M. Akkermans en Dr. M. van Berkel
Producer: Alexandra Jansse, Xela Films 2009
This film is used by teachers and students before seeing the exhibition. It is combined with educational work tasks (tasks leaf, evaluation, presentations with replicas)
