Images

Scene from the Temple of Hathor (Abu Simbel, Egypt), built during the reign of Ramesses II, c. 1264-1224 BCE. Set and Horus blessing Ramesses II.

A relief slab from the tomb of Tang Dynasty emperor Taizong showing one of his horses. c. 650 CE, Zhaoling, China. (University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia)

A map illustrating the campaigns of Tang Dynasty emperor Taizong (r. 626-649 CE) against the Xiyu states in China.

The provinces of the Tang Dynasty c. 742 CE. The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) is regularly cited as the greatest imperial dynasty in ancient Chinese history. It was a golden age of reform and cultural advancement, which lay the groundwork for...

A painted silk scroll depicting Taizong, second emperor during the Tang Dynasty of China, r. 626-649. The emperor's robe shows a dragon, a traditional symbol of rulership as the creature represents wisdom, justice, and benevolence. National...

A Roman glass kantharos. 1st-2nd century CE. Provenance unknown. (Archaeological Museum of Pavia, Italy).

The Great Wall of China, begun during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World but was not one of the ancient seven wonders, even though many people think so. Further, the Great Wall cannot be seen from...

The Gate of the Great Wall of China, begun during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE).

The Great Wall of China was begun during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) but little of that original wall is left. The wall that people recognize today is largely from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1662 CE) which built the distinctive watchtowers...

Stone representation of the awakening of Osiris, A 26th Dynasty, Egypt. Egyptian Museum, Cairo.