Images

Remains of the Ma'rib Dam, in modern-day Yemen. The oldest known dam in the world, blocking the ravine of Dhana (the Wadi Adanah), it was built under the reign of the Sabean mukarrib Yatha’ Amar Watta I (c. 760-740 BCE). It failed in c. 575...

The ruins of Shivta, ancient Nabatean trade center along the Incense Routes, in modern-day Israel.

This offering stand has a hollow trunk with two long vertical slots at the sides. There is an incised decoration around the stem, typical of Sumerian art; plants indicative of fertility and doorposts found on temple facades and in religious...

This plaque of Sumerian decoration was probably used for wooden items, such as furniture or fine musical instrument. From Tell al-Ubaid, Southern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Early Dynastic Period, 2600-2500 BCE. (The British Museum, London...

Calcite figure of a man, with a cuneiform inscription on the right shoulder/upper arm. The text hasn't been deciphered yet, but probably it bears the dedicator's name. The nose might well have been attached separately. There is a cuneiform...

This small fragment came from a large upright stone jar. The jar was inscribed with the name of the Akkadian king Rimush, son of Sargon. Akkadian Period, reign of Rimush, 2278-2270 BCE. From Ur, Southern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. (The...

This is the face of the demon Humbaba (Huwawa), who was a monster featured and slaughtered in the Epic of Gilgamesh. This example of his features was used in the interpretation of omens. The convolutions of the mask represent the intestines...

A mosaic fragment depicting two boxers with oddly shaped boxing gloves, 300-350 CE. The gloves have sometimes been interpreted as having metal spikes attached to them but they are more likely gloves with separate slots for fingers. (Rheinisches...

This lapis lazuli cylinder seal shows a libation scene. A robed king stands before the ascending Sun God Shamash and pours an offering. The suppliant goddess (with necklace counterweight) stands behind the king. The God holds a wedge and...

The cuneiform text of this clay tablet orders men to go to Babylon for a court hearing. This letter from Hammurabi is addressed to an official named Sin-iddinam. Old Babylonian Period, reign of Hammurabi, 1792-1750 BCE. From Larsa, Southern...