Images

Tauroctony fresco (depicting Mithras killing a bull) in the mithraeum (temple of Mithras) of Capua (Italy), 2nd century CE.

This plaque was used for protection against Lamashtu, a female demon or goddess who would imperil women during childbirth and even kidnap babies while breastfeeding. Neo-Assyrian, 10th-7th century BCE. Musee du Louvre, Paris

A typical double-spouted pot with handle of the Nazca civilization of ancient Peru (200 BCE-500 CE). The design is also typical of Nazca art: Bold lines and colours, often depicting mythical transformational creatures. (Los Angeles County...

A Nazca poncho (200 BCE-500 CE) which illustrates the vibrant colours and bold linear patterns typical of Nazca textiles. (Lombards Museum)

A beaten gold mask from the Nazca civilization of Peru, 200 BCE-500 CE. 18.4 x 20.5 cm. The mask may represent a shaman in transformational pose, a common motif in Nazca art. An alternative interpretation is that it represents the weeping...

An Arab folio on which is depicted a pharmacist preparing an elixir. From the manuscript of the De Materia Medica by Dioscorides, 1st century CE. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

A map indicating the location of the Nazca civilization, 200 BCE - 500 CE, on the southern coast of Peru.

The Alexander Sarcophagus is a late 4th century BCE stone sarcophagus adorned with bas-relief carvings of Alexander the Great. The Alexander Sarcophagus is one of four massive carved sarcophagi, forming two pairs, that were discovered during...

This military face mask is one of the most exceptional finds at the Kalkriese battle grounds. As 'The Kalkriese Type' it stands as the prime example for masks with a small face, the eyes are not particularly even, but give good sight. It...

Golden Cavalry Face-Mask Helmet (Type Ribchester), found on the bed of the Corbulo Canal (Fossa Corbulonis) near the Roman fort of Matilo (modern Leiden, Netherlands), dating from 80-125 CE. (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden)