Images

Gold dinar of Khosrow II (r. 590-628), minted in the Sassanian Empire, c. 611. Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com

An illustration of an early steam-powered passenger train in Britain during the Industrial Revolution. The first such line ran in 1825 from Stockton to Darlington in the northeast of England.

The back view of the so-called Golden Wig, the Meskalamdug Helmet from Sumer, c. 2500 BCE. The oldest helmet found thus far in the world. British Museum, London.

Stele of the Vultures fragments, dated to the Early Dynastic III Period (2600-2334 BCE), commemorating the victory of the city of Lagash over Umma. Louvre, Paris.

The Battle Scene from the Stele of the Vultures, created to commemorate the victory of Lagash over Umma c. 2600 BCE. Louvre, Paris.

The Rocket, a pioneering steam-powered locomotive invented by Robert Stephenson (1803-59) in 1829. This photograph was taken in the Science Museum, London but the Rocket is now on long-term display in the National Railway Museum, York.

A working replica of the Rocket, a pioneering steam-powered locomotive invented by Robert Stephenson (1803-59) in 1829.

An 1869 etching showing the Scottish instrument worker James Watt (1736-1819) developing a new design of steam engine in the 1760s and 1770s during the Industrial Revolution.

An illustration showing the increasing industrialisation and urbanisation of Britain during the Industrial Revolution. (From Griffith's Guide to the Iron Trade of Great Britain, 1873)

Showman engines were steam-powered machines that could be used anywhere. Many were used to power rides at fairgrounds. This example comes from England.