Qasr Bshir – Revealing the Secrets of 13th century Roman fort
Qasr Bshir: A Roman Legacy in the Jordanian Desert Introduction Deep in the Jordanian desert, Qasr Bshir stands as an extraordinary relic of Roman imperial power. Recognized as one of…
This frieze is from a tomb known as the Nereid Monument, which dates to 390-380 BC and was found in Turkey. The tomb is linked to a man called Erbinna, who was a local ruler. Although the tomb features many Greek influences, Erbinna was keen to be seen as a prince in the Persian tradition. Here, he is shown reclining on a couch, holding aloft a rhyton with his right hand, and balancing a bowl on his left hand. [IMAGE: © The Trustees of the British Museum]
The Age of Decadence
The Age of Decadence: Luxury and Power: The Role of Opulence in the Achaemenid Empire, Athens, and Alexander the Great Luxury has always been a symbol of wealth and status,…
Hans Kopp fishing for antiquities at La Tène. An engraving after a drawing by Louis Favre, 1865. [IMAGE: Laténium archive]
La Tène was discovered more than 150 years ago, the site gave its name to the second half of the Iron Age across much of Europe
Discovered over 150 years ago, La Tène lent its name to the second half of the Iron Age across much of Europe, with its distinctive artifacts often linked to the…
The terracotta warriors are among the most renowned finds associated with a Chinese tomb, in this case the one belonging to the First Emperor. Further tomb finds, stretching back over thousands of years, offer a fresh glimpse of the development of ancient China. [Image: © Marco Clarizia | Dreamstime.com]
Terracotta Warriors – A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China
Deep beneath the earth, the ancient people of what is now China constructed extraordinary houses and palaces—not for the living, but for the dead. These elaborate tombs were designed to…
This huge bronze mask measures 71cm high by 131cm wide, and dates back to c.1300-1100 BC. It was excavated in pit 3 at Sanxingdui in 2021, and is the largest bronze mask ever found at the site. The face, eyes, and ears were cast separately and then soldered together. The openings in the centre of the forehead and on both sides of the face were intended to attach the mask to something. Residues of silk have been observed near the right eye – clues for further research into the use and function of the mask. [Image: © Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]
The lost world of Sanxingdui (China)
Sanxingdui has yielded an astonishing array of Bronze Age artifacts, many of which were intentionally smashed or burned before being buried. This enigmatic treatment raises intriguing questions about their purpose…
Japan’s royal tombs
Japan’s royal tombs
Burial Mounds and Korean Connections (3rd-8th Centuries AD) The Legacy of Japan’s Kofun Period Between the 3rd and 8th centuries AD, an estimated 160,000 burial mounds, known as kofun, were…
Warriors of Rome
From Soldiers to Citizens: Duty and Service in the Empire The Reality of Military Service Rome’s military is renowned as one of the finest fighting forces of the ancient world.…
The largest excavation at Pompeii in a generation is uncovering nearly an entire city block, revealing remarkable discoveries that offer fresh insights into life and death beneath the looming presence of Vesuvius
The largest excavation at Pompeii in a generation is uncovering nearly an entire city block, revealing remarkable discoveries that offer fresh insights into life and death beneath the looming presence…
Buddha figurine is about 8.4cm tall and was probably made in the Swat Valley, Pakistan, in the late 500s to mid 600s AD. It was discovered during excavations at Helgö, Sweden
Beyond the Silk Road: Unraveling the Complex Web of Ancient Trade and Cultural Exchange The Silk Road has long been recognized as a conduit for the exchange of exotic goods…
Woman’s Bathhouse Clogs
Woman’s Bathhouse Clogs (Nalin) with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays: A Glimpse into 19th Century Ottoman Elegance
Woman’s Bathhouse Clogs (Nalin) with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays: A Glimpse into 19th Century Ottoman Elegance Introduction In the opulent world of the Ottoman Empire, where artistry and craftsmanship flourished, even the…