Images

A detail of the dolphin fresco, the Minoan palace of Knossos, Crete, (1700-1450 BCE)

The griffin fresco in situ, Minoan palace of Knossos, Crete, (1700-1450 BCE).

A fresco showing bull leaping, Minoan Knossos (Final Palatial period 1450-1400 BCE), Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.

The lawcode from Gortyn, Crete was written in the 5th century BCE and is said to be the largest epigraphic text in ancient Greek (8 m x 1.70 m).

Faience figurine of the Minoan Snake Goddess - her dominion was over nature and fertility. New-Palace period (1600 BCE). Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.

Gold votive double axes, New Palace period (1600-1450 BCE), Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete. The double axe, also known as 'labrys', may be the origin of the labyrinth myth of Knossos.

The Pont Du Gard Roman aqueduct, Southern France, 1st century CE

A detail of the Pont Du Gard Roman aqueduct, 1st century CE, Southern France.

The Roman temple (Maison Carré) of Nimes, France, built 19-16 BCE.

The platform on the Pnyx hill where speakers stood to address the Athenian democratic assembly in the 5th century BCE. The space dedicated for the assembly could hold 6000 people.