Images

A sarcophagus of a Roman general depicting scenes of combat between Romans and German tribes, 180-190 CE. From Portonaccio, Rome. (Palazzo Massimo, Rome).

A fragment of a limestone relief from an Egyptian tomb in Memphis. 18th Dynasty, 1550-1307 BCE. Vatican Museums, Rome.

A detail of a 3rd century CE Roman statue of Hecate (or Hekate), goddess of the Moon. As here, she is often depicted having three heads and bodies. (Vatican Museums, Rome).

This is an artistic 3D impression of how a Roman naval landing may have looked in ancient times.

The triumphal arch of Septimius Severus in the Forum Romanum of Rome, erected in 203 CE to commemorate victory over the Parthians.

The triumphal arch of Septimius Severus in Rome, erected in 203 CE to commemorate victory over the Parthians.

The possible positions taken in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE between Sparta and Thebes. The Thebans, led by the brilliant general Epaminondas, won the battle and established Thebes as the most powerful polis in Greece.

A marble relief depicting theatre masks as worn by actors in both Greek and Roman tragedies and comedies. 2nd century CE (Vatican Museums, Rome).

Archimedes is considered one of the most important mathematicians. He was extremely well known for his involvement in the defense of Syracuse against the Roman siege in the Second Punic War.

The Shichifukujin or Seven Gods of Luck from Japanese folklore. From left to right: Daikoku, Bishamonten, Ebisu, Fukurokuju, Benzaiten, Hotei, Jurojin.