Images

These plank-shaped terracotta female statuettes are possible representations of fertility goddesses. Early Bronze Age, 2300-1900 BCE. From modern-day Cyprus. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turkey).

This marble capital is decorated with masks. Late 5th to early 6th century CE. From structures within the walls of the Topkapi Palace, Sarayburnu, Istanbul, Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

This marble capital is decorated with heads of rams. Second half of the 5th to the first half of the 6th century CE. From structures within the walls of the Topkapi Palace, Mangana Region, Gulhane, Istanbul, Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology...

This marble head of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (reigned 14-37 CE) was reused in the Forum during the reign of Constantine I (reigned 272-337 CE). From Çemberlitaş, Fatih, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley...

This marble bust depicts either a philosopher or a monk. Late 4th to early 5th century CE. From Gedikpaşa, Fatih, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

This marble fragment came from the memorial column of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I (reigned (379-395 CE). Circa 386-393 CE. From Beyazit, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

The inscription on this marble capital reads "May the God of Saints aid Master Heraklius". 6th to 7th century CE. From Beyazit, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

The White Tower of the Tower of London castle, first built c. 1077-1110 CE by William the Conqueror.

A c. 1500 CE oil painting of a medieval jester. (The Laughing Fool by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen (?), Davis Museum in Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA)

A medieval chess game, popular across Europe in the Middle Ages, illustration from the Codex Manesse, produced in Zürich, Switzerland, 14th century. University Library of Heidelberg, Germany.