Brass: Did you mean...?

It is said that Chester is the richest city in Britain in terms of archaeological and architectural treasures. One of the finest strategic outposts of the Roman Empire, it is one of the few walled cities left in Britain today. Rachael Lindsay...

According to UNESCO, an estimated three million shipwrecks are scattered in the oceans’ deep canyons, trenches, and coral reefs and remain undiscovered. These shipwrecks preserve historical information and provide clues about how people lived...

European colonising powers sought to exploit Africa's resources from the 15th century onwards. Arab traders had been doing the same in North Africa and East Africa through the Middle Ages, but it was from the 17th century that European traders...

In this gallery, we look at striking examples of art from across the African continent. In gold, stone and metals, ancient and medieval African artists have not only given us unique pieces of art to admire but their works are also an insight...

Ancient peoples were as curious as ourselves about the wider world and even if the transport at their disposal meant travel could be long, arduous and dangerous, they still managed to get about and visit different cities, sacred sites and...

A brass planispheric astrolabe engraved with Arabic script. Probably Persian and dating to c. 1650. The astrolabe was a device used to measure the position of stars, time, and as a surveying tool. (Science Museum, London)

Some of the most common Roman coins, including the gold aureus, silver denarius and brass sestertius.

A European brass planispheric astrolabe, made in Italy c. 1500. The astrolabe was a device used to measure the position of stars, time, and as a surveying tool. (Science Museum, London)

A replica of the calculating machine made in 1642 by the French mathematician, scientist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal (1623-1662). Made of brass and 28 cm in length. (Science Museum, London)

A cast brass plaque depicting warriors of the kingdom of Benin (13-19th century CE) in West Africa (modern southern Nigeria). The central figure is likely a king (Oba). From Benin City, 16th-17th century CE. Height: 47.6 cms (Metropolitan...