Images

A map of the principal monuments of Tikal, Guatemala. The Maya city flourished between 300 and 850 CE.

The central plaza of Tikal, Guatemala. The Maya city flourished between 300 and 850 CE. On the left is the North Acropolis whilst on the right is Temple I, the tomb of Jasaw Chan K'awiil (r. 682-734 CE).

Limestone head of a statue, probably Gudea, ruler of Lagash. The rest of the body is missing. Probably from Tell Telloh (ancient Girsu), southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. 2144-2124 BCE. (The Pergamon Museum, Berlin). 

A fragment of a vase with a depiction of the goddess Nisaba (also Ninibgal or Nidaba), goddess of writing, learning, and the harvest. The cuneiform inscription on the vase mentions the name of Entemena, ruler of Lagash. Chlorite. From Mesopotamia...

A soapstone sculpture depicting a cup fixed on the back of standing animals. From Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq); location and date of excavation are unknown. Circa 3000 BCE. (The Pergamon Museum, Berlin).

The jade death mask of Maya king Kinich Janaab Pakal, c. 683 CE, Palenque. (National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City)

The cuneiform inscriptions on this door socket mention the name of Shalmaneser III, King of Assyria (858-824 BCE). The king dedicated the stone to the gods Anu and Adad for his life and the well-being of his people. From Anu-Adad temple at...

The Temple of the Sun at the Maya city of Palenque, Mexico. The temple was built in the late 7th century CE as part of the complex known as the Group of the Cross by King K'an Bahlam.

This incense burner was found at the so-called Archaic Ishtar Temple at Assur (Ashur). Incineration of various substances was an important event during sacrificial ceremonies. From Assur, northern Mesopotamia, Iraq. 2400 BCE. (The Pergamon...

This rock relief lies on the cliff of Hareer Mountain, which looks over the modern village of Patas and Hareer, Erbil Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan. The relief depicts a standing man who wears a hat, raises his right arm, and holds a long...