Weapons and War in the Iron Age exhibition at the Western Science Center

When ancient Near Eastern civilizations fought their adversaries, they used swords, spears and arrows. But how did they make these weapons, how much damage did they do, and how did kings supply their far-flung troops?

**Ancient Persian warriors on display at Western Science Center in Hemet**

A new, multidimensional exhibit at the Western Science Center in Hemet, in partnership with La Sierra University in Riverside, will help answer these and other questions through a display of ancient weapons and cultural artifacts, audio-visual media and a hands-on weapons replica table.

“Weapons & War in the Iron Age” will have an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the museum, 2345 Searl Parkway, on the west side of Hemet. The reception will include an illustrated presentation on what archaeology reveals about war and peace.

“Weapons & War in the Iron Age” includes artifacts from La Sierra University’s extensive collection, some excavated by La Sierra archaeologists from ancient sites in Jordan, and some from sites in Israel and Palestine.

Most of the artifacts, including arrows, spears and swords, date from 1200 to 600 BC, during the Iron Age of the Near East when iron became the prevalent material in making tools and weapons.

The exhibit is meant to provide a window into the storied past of the Levant, a historically rich area comprising modern Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian territories. Viewers will experience the sights and sounds of ancient war and preparations for battle. They also can learn about the rituals performed before going to war, and ways in which ancient wars affected history.

The exhibit will run through the fall; no specific closing date has been set.

For more information call 951-791-0033, or visit www.WesternScienceCenter.org.

Source: The Press-Enterprise [June 20, 2012]