Images

This marble icon depicts an unidentified image of an apostle. 6th century CE. From the Saraçhane excavations, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

This marble altar is decorated with a garland. 2nd to 1st century BCE. From Kuruçeşme, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

This effigy of Gilbert Marshal (1194-1241 CE) is one of the best-preserved effigies at Temple Church, London. Air raids during the Second World War severely damaged others.

Silver coin minted between 915-920 CE by Wulfgar, depicting Edward the Elder, king of the Anglo-Saxons (r. 899-924 CE). (British Museum, London)

Viking weight comprised of lead and topped with a penny of Aethelred I (r. 865-871 CE). Acquired in 1991 near Wareham (Dorset). (British Museum, London)

This basket-shaped marble capital is decorated with a distinctive split-palmette. It dates to 524-527 CE and came from the Saraçhane excavations, Fatih, Istanbul, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).

Fayum funerary portrait of a man. Encaustic painting on wood (painting technique employing a heated or cold mixture of beewax with resin). 2nd century CE. (National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece)

A venatio scene with a hunter attacking a lioness. The painting once adorned the balustrade of the podium of the Roman amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita in the late 1st century CE. It was found reused in a tomb outside the amphitheatre, which...

A modern reconstruction of a medieval ballista or mounted crossbow. Château de Castelnaud, France.

A modern reconstruction of a medieval trebuchet catapult. Château des Baux, France.