Images

The Column of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina in Piazza Colonna, Rome. The column was erected in c. 180 CE and depicts in relief sculpture the emperor's campaigns across the Danube between 172 and 175 CE.

This artistic 3D scene shows how fighting between the Roman and the Gauls may have looked during Julius Caesar's campaigns in Gaul (58 to 50 BCE).

This is an artistic 3D model of how the Battle of Alesia may have looked. In this decisive Roman victory (September 52 BCE), Julius Caesar defeated the Arverni leader Vercingetorix, completing the Roman conquest of Gaul.

A turquoise mosaic mask representing Xiuhtecuhtli, the Aztec god of fire, 1400-1521 CE. The mask is of cedar wood with mother-of-pearl eyes, conch shell teeth and once with gold leaf on the eyelids. (The British Museum, London).

The map shows the territory controlled by the Qin dynasty in China in 210 BCE.

Terracotta oil lamp depicting Mars riding a chariot. It dates from the 2nd century CE. (Staatliche Antikensammlungen, Munich)

Life-size statue of the Roman god of war - Mars - wearing full amour and carrying a shield. It was found in Blossom Street in York and dates from the early 4th century CE. (Yorkshire Museum, York)

Mars, the Roman god of war, is painted standing on a plinth in this fresco from Pompeii. In a typical pose, he has a spear, shield and crested helmet. (House of Venus, Pompeii)

The Temple of Apollo at Claros (also called Klaros) was a very important center of prophecy as in Delphi and Didyma. The building of the temple started at the beginning of the 3rd century BCE.

Lucius Aelius was Hadrian’s first intended successor. Aelius was the son of a powerful senatorial family. He served as consul in 136 CE and was officially adopted by Hadrian as his heir in 137 CE. However Aelius died before Hadrian on January...