Images

The scene on this terracotta lamp depicts two tragic actors (perhaps Orestes and Pylades) on a couch; a severed head lies below. Roman period, made in Italy, about 175-225 CE. Transferred from the Wellcome Collection. (The British Museum...

This medallion comes from the center of a painted panel. The woman's hairstyle suggests a date in the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. From Pompeii, in modern-day Italy. Roman period, made about 20 BCE - 20 CE. Bequeathed by Sir William...

This rock-crystal cameo depicts a king in an Egyptian style; popular in Italy, where it was probably made. Roman period, 1st century CE. (The British Museum, London).

This panel, once identified as a music lesson, probably depicts a scene of love, set inside a house. A woman playing a kithara (a type of lyre) sits with her lover who gazes adoringly at her. From Pompeii, in modern-day Italy. Roman period...

The bronze drachm of Trajan (r. 98-117 CE) on the left, minted 112-113 CE, represents one of the denominations produced at Alexandria. The half-drachm on the right was minted in 111-112 CE at Alexandria also. (The British Museum, London).

Alex Høgh Andersen as Ivar the Boneless from the TV series Vikings. Photo © The HISTORY Channel

A view of Kaupang in Norway, site of a Viking emporium from c. 780 to c. 950 CE.

An illustration showing the emporium of Viking Kaupang, Norway, in use 780-950 CE.

A silver 50 denari coin of the Vandal king Gelimer (r. 530-534 CE). (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com)

A map showing the final stages of the Battle of Ad Decimum near Carthage, North Africa which took place in September 533 CE. It was the first major battle of the Vandalic War (533 - 534 CE) between the forces of the Byzantine Empire led by...