Images

This is a fragment of a votive marble stele showing the goddess Isis. Her right arm is raised and holds a sistrum. Roman Period, 2nd century CE. From Kanlıca, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

The Christogram at the center of the gravestone depicts the letters alpha and omega. Above the letters, two dolphins appear. A pair of doves flanks the Christogram. The overlying Greek inscription reads: " A servant efficient and skilfull...

A 13th century CE illustration showing a medieval siege in France. From the Maciejowski Bible, c. 1240 CE. (Pierpont Morgan Library)

A painting of the siege of Lisbon in 1147 CE.

A 13th century CE illustration showing a medieval trebuchet catapult being used during a French siege. From the Maciejowski Bible, c. 1240 CE. (Pierpont Morgan Library)

The Castle of Angers, France. Built in the 13th century CE, it is one of the finest examples of the evolution in medieval castle design where keeps were replaced by large round towers in the curtain wall.

Painted terracotta tankard. End of 8th century BCE. From Bogazkoy (Boğazkale) or Carchemish, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turkey).

The star of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, a chivalric order created by Edward III c, 1348 CE and still in existence today. It is the most senior order of knighthood in Britain. (Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood, Estonia)

The badge of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, a chivalric order created by Edward III c, 1348 CE and still in existence today. It is the most senior order of knighthood in Britain.

The coats of arms of the knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the order's religious headquarters, the mid-14th century CE Saint George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, England.