Images

This bituminous stone plaque was found in fragments. It was excavated by the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago in the early 1930s; the different fragments were collected during the 1st and 3rd seasons. It depicts processions...

This limestone plaque depicts two figures in relief. Cuneiform inscriptions appear at the upper part. It was excavated by the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago in the early 1930s, 3rd season. The plaque dates back to the Early...

The cuneiform inscription on this brick stamp mentions the name of the Akkadian king Shar-Kali-Sharri (reigned 2217 - 2193 BCE) and his building work of the temple of Enlil. From Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. On display at the Iraq Museum...

This bronze statuette was found at the foundation deposits of the temple of Eanna at Nippur. The statue depicts Ur-Nammu, king of Ur, holding a basket on his head as the builder of the temple. Ur III (Neo-Sumerian) period, reign of Ur-Nammu...

A variety of pebbles, clay tablets, and plaques were found at the ancient city of Lagash and girsu. The cuneiform inscriptions mention on them the name of Eannatum, prince and ruler of Lagash. The narration usually states that he was given...

The stele was found at Tell Abu Sheeja, north of modern-day Amarah city, Maysan Governorate, Iraq. The Old Akkadian cuneiform inscription on the left side of the viewer mentions the name of the city of Pašime. Pašime lies western to the ancient...

This scene is part of a long one depicting Sumerians milking cows and preparing dairy products. The scene once decorated a frieze on the facade of the Temple of Ninhursag at Tell al-'Ubaid, in modern-day Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Early Dynastic...

The Zen rock garden of Ryoanji temple, Kyoto, Japan. The garden dates to c. 1500 CE but the exact significance of its 15 stones is unknown except that they are designed to promote meditation.

A water basin in the form of a Chinese coin, Ryoanji temple, Kyoto, Japan. The Zen Buddhist temple was first built in the 15th century CE. The basin's inscription translates as ‘Learn only satisfaction’, meaning learning should have its own...

A map of the Kingdom of Mauretania, circa late 1st Century BCE.