Interactives
Examine artifacts in-depth and learn more about ancient Mesopotamia and archaeology with these interactives and video clips from Oriental Institute scholars and archaeologists. Recreated from 22 interactives that are offered on Oriental Institute Museum computer kiosks, you will need Shockwave, Flash, and Quicktime plug-ins to view these on your computer.
Download QuicktimeFeature Interactive
Go on a virtual archaeological dig in Iraq where you will collect and catalog Mesopotamian artifacts, then curate a museum exhibition with the artifacts you find.
Videos
Dr. Gil Stein, Director of the Oriental Institute, talks about archaeology and provides the background story on one of the museum's most significant artifacts, the Lamassu. Dr. Stein also provides some history behind the ancient Assyrian capitol at Khorsabad.
Oriental Institute Museum conservator Laura D'Alessandro tells us about her job and how ancient artifacts are cared for. As an example, she gives some background of how a striding lion from the ancient city of Babylon made it's way to Chicago.
What was life like in ancient Mesopotamia? Find out watching videos featuring Oriental Institute Assyriologist Dr. Martha Roth. By discussing the Laws of Hammurabi, Dr. Roth sheds light on issues of great importance to the ancient people of Iraq. Additional commentary from Dr. Roth draws comparisons of the ancient laws of Hammurabi to the laws of today.
Artifact Interactives
A House from Jarmo
Learn more about daily life over 8,000 years ago after examining this model of a house from the ancient Neolithic settlement of Jarmo.
An Early Clay Tablet
See how this early clay tablet used pictures to communicate.
Cylinder Seals
What are cylinder seals and how were they used by the ancient Mesopotamians?
An Ancient Pull-Toy
Did you know that ancient Mesopotamian children played with toys? Here's one you might find interesting.
A Worshipper Statue
What is a worshipper statue and why did the ancient Mesopotamians use them? Learn the answer to this question and more with this interactive.
The Demon Pazuzu
Who was Pazuzu and why was he called "King of the Evil Wind Demons"? Find answers to these questions and more in this interactive.
An Incantation Bowl
See how magic played a role in the daily lives of the ancient Mesopotamians.
A Kudurru
What is a kudurru and why were they so important in ancient Mesopotamia?
The Laws of Hammurabi
This stela upon which the Laws of Hammurabi are inscribed ranks as one of the most important historical documents ever discovered.
A Relief from Khorsabad
This monumental relief from Khorsabad was an important part of the entrance to King Sargon's throne room.
The Lamassu
Learn more about the human-headed winged bull sculpture that weighs forty tons!
Facts About the Striding Lion
Learn more about the Striding Lion from the ancient city of Babylon.
The Striding Lion Puzzle
Solve the puzzle by piecing the lion together!
Further Exploration
Interactives on the Oriental Institure website let you explore other ancient cultures. Learn about Egypt by preparing a mummy for burial. 
