Images

A map showing the territory of the Unified Silla Kingdom (668- 935 CE) and Balhae (Parhae) Kingdom (698-926 CE), which controlled parts of Manchuria.

The large cast-bronze bell known as the Emille Bell at Bongdeoksa, Unified Silla Kingdom, Korea. It was cast in 771 CE to honour King Seongdeok. 3.3 metres tall and over 2.2 metres in diameter, it is decorated with lotus flowers and heavenly...

The White Chapel, a structure significant to archaeologists and scholars for listing all the nomes of the time on it, built by Senusret I, 1971-1926 BCE, Middle Kingdom of Egypt. The White Chapel was destroyed and recycled for use in the...

Portrait of the Greek poet Hesiod (ESIODVS) on the Monnus mosaic from Augusta Treverorum (Trier), end of the 3rd century CE. It is the only known authenticated portrait of Hesiod. (Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, Germany)

Spearheads and angons from the ship-burial mound 1 at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England, early 600s. The burial chamber at Sutton Hoo contained 6 spearheads of different shapes and 3 angons (barbed lances), all of iron. Spears are the most...

This glass disc came from the base of a drinking vessel, which may have been made as a wedding gift. Many such discs have been found in the catacombs of Rome, suggesting that when one of a married couple died, the vessel's decorative base...

This is the most elaborate shield to survive from Anglo-Saxon England. The metal rim and gilded copper alloy, gold and garnet fittings are unusual. The central iron boss protected the user's hand, while mounts depicting a bird of prey and...

During the 600s CE, supplies of oriental garnets failed and gold and silver grew scarcer. As a result, Frankish jewelers turned to a decorative technique of inlaying designs and silver wire. These often imitated patterns used earlier in garnet...

The potter, squatting on the ground, operates a primitive wheel with his feet while forming the sides of the pot with his hands. Cypriot, made about 500 BCE. Excavated at Amathus, Cyprus. (The British Museum, London).

The relief on the side of the throne shows a prize-table with a Panathenaic amphora and three wreaths on it. Under the table are two palm branches and in the background an olive tree. Two owls form the front legs. Marble chair from the Panathenaic...