Images

The oasis state of Khotan with its capital at Yotkan, south of the Taklamakan desert, was a prosperous and powerful kingdom. Excavations have yielded many terracotta figures and ceramics of a Hellenistic style adopted from Iran. There are...

This is a bronze figure of a standing bearded deity. He wears a pointed and horned helmet. His elbows are flexed with fisted hands. From Toprakkale, Eastern Anatolia, in modern-day Turkey. Urartian, 8th to 7th century BCE. (The British Museum...

This is a stone gable-shaped seal. It is carved with a procession of three horned animals, probably gazelles. From Central Turkey or Northern Syria. Late Chalcolithic (Copper) Age, 4000-3000 BCE. (The British Museum, London).

This painted jar was shaped like a woman. Female figurines were important in Anatolia. Often, the breasts and thighs were emphasized, suggesting that they represent fertility goddesses. Possibly from Hacilar, South-Western Turkey. Early...

This handmade pottery from Hacilar was painted with bold geometric designs. The lower part is still covered by incrustation. Buff ware. Possibly from Hacilar, South-Western Turkey. Early Chalcolithic (Copper) Age, 6000-5500 BCE. (The British...

The gold inlay can be seen on the shoulders, sides, and haunch. The animal stands on a copper stand. Perhaps, it was part of a canopy pole of a rich burial. Probably from Alaca Huyuk, Central Turkey. Early Bronze Age, about 2300 BCE. (The...

This silver two-handled cup was found near Troy, Western Turkey. It is of a Depas amphikypellon type. Troy III period, 2250 BCE. (The British Museum, London).

A gold necklace with flying eagles and pendant discs. From modern-day Turkey. Hittite, 1400-1200 BCE. (The British Museum, London).

This bronze figurine was shaped like Mesopotamian foundation figurines. The figure wears the tall headdress of a Hittite god. From South-Eastern Anatolia, in modern-day Turkey. Old Hittite period, c. 1600 BCE. (The British Museum, London).

The storm-god Teshub wears a tall headdress and stands on the back of a bull. From modern-day Turkey. Bronze figurine. Hittite period, 1600-1200 BCE. (The British Museum, London).