Images

An idealised bust attributed to Athenian statesman and general Alcibiades (c. 451-403 BCE). Roman copy of a 4th century BCE original (Palazzo dei Conservatori, Rome).

The Propylaea, monumental gateway to the acropolis of Athens. Constructed between c. 437 and 431 BCE in the age of Pericles under the supervision of architect Mnesicles.

The plan of the Propylaea, the monumental gate of the Athens acropolis, c. 437-431 BCE.

The Propylaea, the monumental gate entrance to the Athens acropolis. Architect: Mnesicles, c. 437–431 BCE.

The death mask of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. The mask is made of gold, precious stones, and glass inlay, 14th century BCE. Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Cairo.

A bust of Alexander the Great, 2nd-1st century BCE. Said to be from Alexandria, Egypt. (The British Museum, London).

The Minaret of the Friday Mosque, Saveh, Iran (1110 CE).

The minaret of the Ali Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. Erected during the reign of Seljuk sultan Sanjar (118-1157 CE). Decorated by two balconies. The shaft below the balconies embellished with interlocking stars in recess, altering to a diamond pattern...

The Sarban ('Camel-driver') minaret at Isfahan (Jubareh area), Iran (1130-1155 CE). The shafts are decorated with alternate bands of decorative brick and blue tile work in geometric patterns, and two girdles of stalactite ornament. The...

The Gar Minaret, Gar (east of Isfahan), Iran. An inscription reveals its date as 1121 CE. Decorated with square Kufic inscriptions that are carved into the brick shaft.