Ancient history

One of the earlist known museum labels, from Ennigaldi-Nanna's museum in Ur, c. 530 BC.

One of the oldest museums known is Ennigaldi-Nanna's museum, built by Princess Ennigaldi
in modern Iraq at the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The site dates from c. 530 BCE, and
contained artifacts from earlier Mesopotamian civilizations. Notably, a clay drum label—
written in three languages—was found at the site, referencing the history and discovery of a
museum item.[16][17]

Ancient Greeks and Romans collected and displayed art and objects but perceived museums
differently from modern day views. In the classical period the museums were the temples
and their precincts which housed collections of votive offerings. Paintings and sculptures
were displayed in gardens, forums, theaters, and bathhouses.[18] In the ancient past there
was little differentiation between libraries and museums with both occupying the building
and were frequently connected to a temple or royal palace. The Museum of Alexandria is
believed to be one of the earliest museums in the world. While it connected to the Library of
Alexandria it is not clear if the museum was in a different building from the library or was
part of the library complex. While little was known about the museum it was an inspiration
for museums during the early Renaissance period.[19] The royal palaces also functioned as a
kind of museum outfitted with art and objects from conquered territories and gifts from
ambassadors from other kingdoms allowing the ruler to display the amassed collections to
guests and to visiting dignitaries.[20]

Also in Alexandria from the time of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (r. 285-246 BCE), was the first
zoological park. At first used by Philadelphus in an attempt to domesticate African elephants
for use in war, the elephants were also used for show along with a menagerie of other
animals specimens including hartebeests, ostriches, zebras, leopards, giraffes, rhinoceros,
and pythons.[19][21]