Images

An illustration showing the markings of an ostracon (pottery sherd) from Khirbet Qeiyafa, Israel. The sherd is cited as evidence that the Hebrew language was in use from the 10th century BCE. The text has been interpreted as a social statement...

The Gezer Calendar stone. The stone, possibly dating to the 10th century BCE, carries an inscription in Phoenician or Hebrew outlining a series of dates and accompanying agricultural tasks. It was discovered and deciphered by R.A.S.Macalister...

The stag and the snake mosaic: In some ancient texts, the stag is seen as a rival to the snake. It can also draw a snake out of its hole with its breath. The deer was a symbol of fertility and the animal of Artemis. The stag is illustrated...

Leopards hunting a deer, Byzantine Mosaic, Period: Early Byzantine, circa: 6th century CE. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul, Turkey). Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. The Great Palace Mosaic Museum was inaugurated in...

Hunting Rabbits: The dogs are attacking the rabbit on its neck and abdomen. The hunter is depicted having just released the dogs, Byzantine Mosaic, Period: Early Byzantine, circa: 6th. century CE. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul...

A man is feeding his mule, Byzantine Mosaic, Period: Early Byzantine, circa: 6th century CE. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul, Turkey). Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. The Great Palace Mosaic Museum was inaugurated...

A philosopher sitting on a rock. Byzantine Mosaic, Period: Early Byzantine, circa: 6th century CE. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul, Turkey). Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. The Great Palace Mosaic Museum was inaugurated...

Details from the pastoral compositions in the Great Palace mosaics, Istanbul, Turkey. Period: Early Byzantine, circa: 6th century CE. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul, Turkey). The Great Palace Mosaic Museum was inaugurated in...

A gold solidus (nomisma) coin of Byzantine emperor Leo V the Armenian (r. 813-820 CE). The reverse side shows his son Constantine. (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com)

Remains of the woolly mammoth calf nicknamed 'Lyuba' (Russian for 'love') discovered in the Yamal peninsula in Russia in 2007. Lyuba - a female - was only about a month old at the time of her death, c. 42,000 years ago. She is the most complete...