Images

An example of a blind arcade, false arches used to decorate medieval walls.

A tower with a sloping base (batter) for extra defence, part of the castle of Bari, Italy. Originally built in the 12-13th century CE.

The enceinte or circuit wall of Aigues-Mortes, France. Originally 13th century CE.

A vaulted chamber at Aigues-Mortes, France. Originally 13th century CE.

The wall walk (alure) and battlements at Aigues-Mortes, France. Originally 13th century CE.

A 13th century CE gatehouse at Aigues-Mortes, France. At the top centre there is a machicolation or murder hole - a hole in the projecting overhang of a wall or tower through which missiles may be dropped on the enemy.

Painted double-handed terracotta jar. 8th century BCE. From Bogazkoy (Boğazkale) or Carchemish, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turkey).

Painted terracotta Pot. 7th century BCE. From Bogazkoy (Boğazkale) or Carchemish, in modern-day Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turkey).

These plank-shaped terracotta female statuettes are possible representations of fertility goddesses. Early Bronze Age, 2300-1900 BCE. From modern-day Cyprus. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turkey).

This marble capital is decorated with masks. Late 5th to early 6th century CE. From structures within the walls of the Topkapi Palace, Sarayburnu, Istanbul, Turkey. (Museum of Archaeology, Istanbul, Turley).