Images

Cybele, the mother goddess, wearing a crown in the form of a towered wall, a symbol of her role as a protectress of cities, Roman sculpture, c. 50 CE. Getty Museum.

Dionysos and Satyr; A Roman copy of 4th century BCE Greek original; 2nd century CE; Palazzo Altemps in Rome, Italy

On the left side the goddess Hecate is depicted while fighting the giant Clytius (she fights in three incarnations with a torch, a sword, and a lance); Detail from the Pergamon Altar's frieze (The frieze depicts...

A Roman copy of a Greek archetype from the 5th century BCE; Restored over time, but the beard and curls are original; 2nd century CE; Palazzo Altemps in Rome, Italy

A Roman copy of Greek sculpture from the 4th or 5th century BCE; The tip of the nose is restored and the diadem had pearls which are now missing; 2nd century CE; Palazzo Altemps in Rome, Italy.

Roman copy of a Greek original by Doidalsas; 2nd century CE; Palazzo Altemps in Rome

Lintel 14, from Yaxchilan. The relief carving depicts Lord and Lady Great Skull and a ritual-induced vision of a snake creature. 8th century CE.

Structure 33 at the Maya site of Yaxchilan, Mexico. The building has the typical ornate roof comb of Petén architecture and was built c. 750 CE.

The temple pyramid known as the Castillo, Tulum, Mexico. 12-15th century CE.

The Temple of the Frescoes, Tulum, Mexico. 12-15th century CE.