Images

A steel falchion sword, popular across Europe from the 13th century. One side of the guard protected the hand while the other permitted the user to lever the sword of one's opponent out of their hand. Venetian, c. 1490. The light weight and...

Swiss Anabaptist, engraving by Gatine after Lante, c. 1820.

Anabaptists in Münster, watercolour by Hanuš Schwaiger, 1886. National Gallery, Prague.

A typical steel morion helmet, a type worn across Europe in the 16th century and worn by conquistadors in the New World. Italian, c. 1570. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

An illustration of the deformed Thersites that was made in 1886 for Shakespeare's play "Troilus & Cressida".

A representation of Achilles riding his chariot and holding the head of Hector, the Trojan prince, after emerging victorious from the combat between the two epic heroes.

Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johann Gutenberg, Mainz, c. 1455. Rare Books Division, Lenox Library.

Printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg (l. c. 1398-1468). Gutenberg Museum, Mainz.

A visualization of Scythian noblewomen in traditional festive garb. Special thanks to Patrick Scott Smith for his research and input.

Portrait of Michael Kutuzov (Golenishchev-Kutuzov, Prince of Smolensk) (1745-1813), oil on canvas by Józef Oleszkiewicz, 1810s. Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.