More than 20 million items were at risk in a fire at the National Museum of Brazil, a staggering cultural toll that includes prehistoric fossils and rare pieces dating back several millenniums.

It was not immediately known how many artifacts, if any, were salvaged from the fire, which engulfed the museum on Sunday night, to the despair of Brazilians and history lovers worldwide. The museum, which opened in 1818, held an extensive collection of Brazilian artifacts, but also featured items from around the globe.

Here is a small selection of some of its more notable items:

• One of the world’s largest meteorites, which was found in 1784 and had been on display since 1888.

• Fossils from the oldest human remains found in the region, known as Luzia, and from dinosaurs and other creatures.

• An Egyptian collection that included a coffin from the 11th century B.C., a mummified cat and a collection of masks, vases, amulets and statues, like one of a young Egyptian woman from about 1500 B.C.