Images

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of good fortune. Here she is typically depicted standing on a pink lotus flower with an elephant in the background, a traditional symbol of good luck. (Alma Karlin Exhibition, Ljubljana Castle, Slovenia)

Lakshmi, Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura, Karnataka, India. 12th century CE.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens. Completed 131 CE.

A Corinthian capital from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens. Completed 131 CE.

The title of the Didache in the manuscript discovered in 1873 CE.

Nandi and lion sculptures on the the early 8th century CE Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, southern India.

The early 8th century CE Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, southern India, is one of the most impressive structures surviving from ancient India.

The early 8th century CE Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, southern India, is one of the most impressive structures surviving from ancient India.

Google Earth view of Bhir Mound archaeological site excavations at Taxila, 6th-2nd Cent BCE. Image © 2015 Digital Globe

Google Earth image of the ruins of Sirkap, the 2nd city of Taxila, dated 2nd cent BCE - 1st cent CE. Image © 2015 Digital Globe