Images

Detail from an altar dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene in the crypt of the Abbey of Saint Victor in Marseille, France. It was carved in the 8th century CE by Pierre Puget, a well-known Marseillais sculptor, to cover the sarcophagus of St...

A 5th-century CE paleochristian sarcophagus said to have contained the relics of Saint Ursula during the Middle Ages. It depicts Jesus giving the Holy Law to St. Peter, who stands on his left. (Crypt of the Abbey of St. Victor, Marseille...

Door to the Abbey of Saint Victor in Marseille. Above the door is medieval rock carving possibly executed during the rebuilding of the abbey in the 11th and 12th centuries CE.

Detail of the secondary dome of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Major in Marseille , France (built 1852 - 1893 CE), showing the names of three saints central to the history of Catholicism in the region: Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Lazarus...

The alcove holding an altar to Saint Lazarus, the man whom Jesus raised from the dead. The saint's relics, including his skull, are in the box at the statue's feet.

Neo-Romano-Byzantine Cathedral built from 1852-1896 CE, next to Marseille's passenger port.

The tower of the Church of Saint Laurent in Marseille, France, first built in the 12th century CE in the Romano-Provençal style. Later additions were made in the early 16th century CE.

Detail of cherubs from a paleochristian sarcophagus (c. 4th to 6th century CE), showing a crest with the wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus (left) and cherubs forging Mars' helmet (right). In the crypt of the Abbey of St. Victor, Marseille...

Map of Francia from 481 to 814 CE.

Three head sculptures from Ife, capital of the kingdom of Ife (11-15th century CE) in what is today southern Nigeria. The left and right examples are painted plaster casts of brass originals. The centre head is a brass original. Height: approx...