Images

A map indicating the location and military positions taken in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE between the Persian invading forces of Xerxes I against a small Greek force led by Spartan king Leonidas. Defending the pass for three days...

An illustration showing Greek scientist Eratosthenes' method for calculating the circumference of the Earth. By measuring the angle of a shadow in one location (Alexandria) and comparing at the same time with a second point (Syene) where...

An Attic astragalos clay vessel depicting possibly Aelous directing the dance of the clouds, 470-450 BCE. These vessels took the form of a knucklebone (hence their name) and were possibly used to also store sheep knucklebones which were used...

A detail from Raphael's 'The School of Athens' (c. 1509 CE) showing Greek astronomer, mathematician and geographer Hipparchus of Nicea (c. 190-120 BCE).

Section of the "Sweet Track" walkway now in the British Museum. From England - 3807/3806 BCE

A Minoan jug in the Barbotine style where decorative excrescenses were added to the vessel, 1850-1800 BCE from Knossos. (British Museum, London).

A Minoan cup in the Kamares style, a polychrome decoration of bold lines in red/orange and white on a black background, prevalent from 2000 to 1700 BCE. (British Museum, London).

Painting by Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825), oil on canvas, 1799. On display at the Louvre Museum, Paris, France. The Abduction (or Rape) of the Sabine Women is an episode in the legendary history of Rome, traditionally said to have taken...

A squat alabastron, c. 1400-1375 BCE from Ialysus, Rhodes. These flat jars first appeared in the Minoan civilization on Crete and were used for storing creams and unctions. This three handled example is typically decorated with stylised rocks...

An Attic lekythos vase, c. 450 BCE. This type of vessel was used for storing fine oils and perfume and often dedicated in burials. Here, Charon is depicted, the boatman who ferried souls across the river Styx to Hades. To the right is Hermes...