Asia Minor, major influence

A finger ring-shaped seal [Photo provided to China Daily]

Anatolia is a peninsula between Asia and Europe, known as "Asia Minor" by ancient geographers. The location provides a natural bridge between two continents and man first arrived here 1 million years ago, says Zeynep Kiziltan, director of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.

The first part of the show features the ancient history of the Neolithic to the classical periods.

A decorative pot from this period, dating back to 5600 BC, is among the more than 60 pieces on exhibition in Shanghai from the museum.

This part also presents items that reflect influences from Persia, Greece, the Roman Empire, and the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire. A marble head of Emperor Arcadius tells of the Roman influence in the fourth century.