Images

A map of the Roman Empire, circa 350 CE, showing its Dioceses, the administrative divisions of the late Roman Empire. The diocese was introduced by emperor Diocletian to supplant the province as administrative unit of the empire.

Gladiator's dagger and pair of bronze greaves (leg guards) from Pompeii, decorated with reliefs of Jupiter (left) and Neptune (right), 1st century BCE. Archaeological Museum, Naples.

Terracotta oil lamp depicting a gladiatorial scene of saluting or requesting missio (raising two fingers in surrender), first half of 1st century CE. (on display in the Colosseum, Rome)

Fragment of a commemorative relief depicting a gladiator's victories, a contraretiarius against a retiarius called Improbus, 3rd century CE. National Museum of Rome, Baths of Diocletian, Rome.

An Olmec colossal stone head in basalt from La Venta, c. 1200-400 BCE. Although all wear the hat or headdress worn during war and the Mesoamerican ballgame, each of these massive heads has unique features which suggests they depict specific...

The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius is an ancient Roman statue in gilded bronze. The statue was erected in 175 CE. Its original location is debated: the Roman Forum and Piazza Colonna have been proposed. (Capitoline Museums, Palazzo...

Marble statue of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (reign 161–180 CE). (Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen)

The monumental stepped entrance to the sacred Kalasasaya precinct at Tiwanaku, Bolivia, c. 300 CE. Framed by the sandstone portal is one of the huge stone statues found at the site.

One of the sandstone interior walls from the Semi-Subterranean Temple court at Tiwanaku, Bolivia, c. 300 CE. The sunken court was reserved for more select religious ceremonies and the stone heads suggest those involving human sacrifice. The...

The Kalasasaya sacred precinct at Tiwanaku, Bolivia, c. 300 CE. The walled compound of sandstone blocks created a sacred space measuring 130 by 120 metres used for public and religious ceremonies.