Images

The obelisk was ordered to be constructed by Emperor Domitian (r. 81 - 96 CE). It was sculpted in Egypt and transported to Rome where it originally adorned the temple of Isis and Serapis. It now stands in Piazza Navona and is part of Gian...

The obelisk standing in the Piazza della Minerva is the smallest of Rome’s obelisks and it is positioned on the back of an elephant sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 – 1680 CE). The origins of this obelisk are unknown, but as it was...

The origin of the Vatican Obelisk is unknown except that is was erected in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis. After reaching Rome, the obelisk was placed by Emperor Caligula (r. 37–41 CE) in the circus he had constructed close to where the...

The Pyramid of Cestius was constructed c. 18 - 12 BCE as a tomb for the wealthy Roman Galus Cestius. The pyramid was built in only 330 days and was for a long time believed to be the pyramid of Remus. The well-preserved monument became a...

The Sallustiano Obelisk in front of the Church of Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome. The obelisk is ancient but not a Pharaonic obelisk. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurelian (r. 270 - 275 CE) and...

The Flaminio Obelisk is believed to originate from the time of Seti I (1290 – 1279 BCE), and his son Ramesses II (1279 - 1213 BCE). It was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus (r. 27 BCE – 14 CE) for the Circus Maximus, and today it stands...

The Flaminio Obelisk is believed to originate from the time of Seti I (1290–1279 BCE), and his son Ramses II (1279-1213 BCE). It was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus (r. 27 BCE –14 CE) for the Circus Maximus, and today it stands in the...

"The Somerset House Conference, 1604", depicts the eponymous conference, which saw the conclusion of the Anglo-Spanish War in 1604 CE. Oil on canvas. 2057 mm x 2680 mm (81 in x 105 1/2 in). (National Portrait Gallery)

This object is an ivory furniture inlay depicting a crouching lion. It was excavated from Samaria and dates to the Iron Age II (9th–8th century BCE). It has a height of 3.7 cm and a length of 6.4 cm. (The Israel Museum, Jerusalem) ©The...

Coin portraits in particular show how Cleopatra wanted to be presented. Though varied in their facial features, her portraits emphasize her position of power as Ptolemaic queen. Sculptural portrait attributed to Cleopatra (Gregorian Profane...