Images

This is an ancient Chinese brick from a tomb doorway, which was created during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and made from clay. This brick shows trees, tomb doorways, and tethered horses. (Victoria & Albert Museum, London)

The interest in ancient Roman religions continued for several decades after Christianity became the official religion of the empire. At the end of the 4th century CE, it was actively revived by senatorial families like the Symmachi, whose...

A 12th century CE depiction of the Byzantine emperor Basil II (r. 976-1025 CE) riding in triumph through Constantinople. From the Madrid Skylitzes. (National Library of Spain, Madrid)

An early 11th century CE depiction of Byzantine emperor Basil II (r. 976-1025 CE) being crowned and armed by archangels. He is being blessed by God from above and worshipped by military saints on both sides. Below, courtiers and defeated...

This funerary bust of a Palmyrene lady dates from c. 175-200 CE and is made of limestone. It is originally from Palmyra, Syria. (Inscribed in Aramaic: ‘Aqmat, daughter of Hagagu, descendant of Zebida, descendant of Ma'an. Alas!") The inhabitants...

A gold coin of Basil II, emperor of the Byzantine empire (r. 976-1025 CE). Showing Basil and his brother and successor Emperor Constantine VIII. (Musee Saint-Denis, Paris)

Relief at Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran, depicting Emperor Valerian's capture by Shapur I in 260 CE.

A map of the Byzantine empire in 1025 CE at the death of Basil II (r. 976-1025 CE).

Portrait bust of Emperor Gallienus, 3rd century CE, Romisch-Germanisches Museum, Cologne

This medieval monastery, which is accessible by the world's longest non-stop double-track cable car and is located in Armenia’s southeastern province of Syunik Province, was the locus of Armenian culture from the 13th-15th centuries CE. Once...