A medal of Tyre, depicting the Tyrians presenting a plan of their city to Dido, the Queen of Carthage.  It is, however, unlikely that Dido would wear the sacred measure on her head, as it was restricted by divinity.  It is probable that the figure is Astarte, to whom the Tyrians were devoted to.

Medal of Tyre

A medal of Tyre, depicting the Tyrians presenting a plan of their city to Dido, the Queen of Carthage.…

A boar's head is carried into a banquet hall accompanied by musicians. The boar's head festival we know today originated at Queen's College, Oxford, England. Legend has it that a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle while walking through the forest on his way to Midnight Mass. Suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the resourceful Oxonian rammed his metal-bound philosophy book down the throat of the charging animal, whereupon the brute choked to death. That night the boar's head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers singing "in honor of the King of bliss."

Boar's Head Festival Procession

A boar's head is carried into a banquet hall accompanied by musicians. The boar's head festival we know…

A king or nobleman sits on a modest throne with a footstool and comforts a weeping young man kneeling at his feet. Perhaps a medieval rendering of the return of the prodigal son.

King Comforting a Young Man

A king or nobleman sits on a modest throne with a footstool and comforts a weeping young man kneeling…

Portrait of Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, FRS (6 August 1809 – 6 October 1892), Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign. He remains one of the most popular British poets.

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Portrait of Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, FRS (6 August 1809 – 6 October 1892), Poet Laureate…

"But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few chosen." Matthew 22:11-14 ASV
<p>Illustration of a king casting out improperly-dressed guest from the wedding feast for his son. Other guests sit in the background. The king holds a scepter.

Parable of the Marriage Feast

"But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:…

"And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee; and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her. And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother." Mark 6:21-28 ASV
<p>Illustration of John the Baptist about to be beheaded. The daughter of Herodias stands in the background with a platter.

Beheading of John the Baptist

"And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the…

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God." Daniel 6:19-23 ASV
<p>Illustration of Daniel standing in the lions' den. An angel protects him from the lions.

Daniel in the Lions' Den

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he…

"In the thirteenth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, the two and twentieth day of the first month, the word was given out in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, that he would revenge himself. And he called all the ancients, and all the governors, and his officers of war, and communicated to them the secret of his counsel: And he said that his thoughts were to bring all the earth under his empire. And when this saying pleased them all, Nabuchodonosor, the king, called Holofernes the general of his armies, And said to him: Go out against all the kingdoms of the west, and against them especially that despised my commandment. Thy eye shall not spare any kingdom, and all the strong cities thou shalt bring under my yoke. Then Holofernes called the captains and officers of the power of the Assyrians: and he mustered men for the expedition, as the king commanded him, a hundred and twenty thousand fighting men on foot, and twelve thousand archers, horsemen." Judith 2:2-7 DRA
<p>Illustration of the vast armies of Nebuchadnezzar.

Army of King Nebuchadnezzar

"In the thirteenth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, the two and twentieth day of the first month,…

"Now as he left off speaking these words, there came a certain Jew in the sight of all to sacrifice to the idols upon the altar in the city of Modin, according to the king's commandment. And Mathathias saw and was grieved, and his reins trembled, and his wrath was kindled according to the judgment of the law, and running upon him he slew him upon the altar: Moreover the man whom king Antiochus had sent, who compelled them to sacrifice, he slew at the same time, and pulled down the altar." 1 Maccabees 2:23-25 DRA
<p>Mathathias holds sword after slaying the Jew who had sacrificed to the idols in the city of Modin.

Mathathias Slays the Man Who Sacrificed to Idols

"Now as he left off speaking these words, there came a certain Jew in the sight of all to sacrifice…

"And Eleazar the son of Saura saw one of the beasts harnessed with the king's harness: and it was higher than the other beasts: and it seemed to him that the king was on it: And he exposed himself to deliver his people and to get himself an everlasting name. And he ran up to it boldly in the midst of the legion, killing on the right hand, and on the left, and they fell by him on this side and that side. And he went between the feet of the elephant, and put himself under it: and slew it, and it fell to the ground upon him, and he died there. Then they seeing the strength of the king and the fierceness of his army, turned away from them." 1 Maccabees 6:43-47 DRA
<p>Eleazar attacks an elephant he assumes to be carrying the king. The elephant falls and kills Eleazar.

Eleazar Attacks the Elephant

"And Eleazar the son of Saura saw one of the beasts harnessed with the king's harness: and it was higher…

The Church of the Val-de-Grâce is the church of a former royal abbey in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, in what is now the Val-de-Grâce Hospital. The dome of the church is a principal landmark of the skyline of Paris. The church was initially designed by François Mansart, succeeded by Jacques Lemercier, who designed the dome.

Church of the Val-de-Grâce

The Church of the Val-de-Grâce is the church of a former royal abbey in the 5th arrondissement of Paris,…

The Chateau of Chambord is located in the commune of Chambord in the Loire Valley, France. The castle is famous for its French Renaissance architecture that blends French Medieval with classical Italian styles. It was constructed by King Francois I, and is the largest castle in Loire Valley.

Chateau of Chambord

The Chateau of Chambord is located in the commune of Chambord in the Loire Valley, France. The castle…

Located about 55 kilometers from Paris, it is one of the largest French royal chateaus.  Pictured is the Porte Doree, its southern entrance. The Chateau Fontainebleau is the largest royal castle in France. The palace was designed by numerous French monarchs, one of them being King Francis I during the 16th century. The palace is designed in an Italian Mannerist style which later became known as the "Fontainebleau style" during the 16th century.

Chateau of Fontainebleau

Located about 55 kilometers from Paris, it is one of the largest French royal chateaus. Pictured is…

The Richelieu Pavilion (a pavilion located on the inside "court") of the Louvre Palace. The Richelieu Pavilion of the Louvre was named after King Louis XIII first chief minister, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu. It is part of the Louvre Palace which is located along the Seine river in Paris, France. The Richelieu pavilion is located at the northern limb of the New Louvre.

The Richelieu Pavilion of the Louvre

The Richelieu Pavilion (a pavilion located on the inside "court") of the Louvre Palace. The Richelieu…

"Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt." Matthew 2:13-14 ASV
<p>Illustration of Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary and the baby Jesus into Egypt. The family is fleeing from King Herod. Joseph holds a staff in his hand and palm trees are depicted on the left.

The Flight into Egypt - Mary, Joseph, and Jesus Flee from King Herod

"Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise…

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year." John 18:12-13 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus with his hands bound behind his back, being led before Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest. The surrounding text confirms it is Annas and not Caiaphas. Annas sits on an elevated platform. Other robed men sit on benches to his right and left. A servant holds the ropes binding Jesus.

The Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus - He is Taken Before Annas, the Former High Priest

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,and led…

"And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" Matthew 27:29 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus as a solider places a crown of thorns on his head. A robe is around his shoulders and a reed is in his hand. A soldier plays a small horn and tambourine on Christ's left side. Another soldier kneels mockingly in front of him, as if to worship him. A fourth soldier leans behind them to Christ's right. Two holy men watch from behind a wall in the background.

The Crowning of Thorns - Jesus is Made a Mock King

"And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they…

Illustration of the various layers of a Roman road. This is a section of the Appian Way, built across marsh-land. Pictured are the large flat stones topped with gradually smaller stones and capped with large, hard, stone blocks. A milestone is visible on the road, as well as archways beneath the road.

Construction Layers of a Section of the Appian Way

Illustration of the various layers of a Roman road. This is a section of the Appian Way, built across…

Illustration of a great multitude of Visigoth warriors, along with the booty they had taken from Rome, including slaves, cattle, on the march into the south of Italy. Some goths ride horses, their spears raised in triumph, while other drive carts pulled by oxen, carrying their bounty. Alaric was the first King of the Visigoths from AD 395–410.

Visigoths, Under the Rule of Alaric, on the March after Sacking Rome

Illustration of a great multitude of Visigoth warriors, along with the booty they had taken from Rome,…

Illustration of an English king between AD 800 and 1000. The king is very likely King Alfred who reigned from 871-899. The king is wearing a tunic and fur-trimmed cloak, along with striped tights and no shoes. He is looking up in an awkward position. His crown has three prongs. Both hands are raised in the air.

An English King from the 9th or 10th Century, Possibly King Alfred

Illustration of an English king between AD 800 and 1000. The king is very likely King Alfred who reigned…

A close-up, side view of the gold Alfred Jewel, which was made in the late 9th century. The inscription reads "aelfred mec heht gewyrcan", which means "Alfred had me wrought". You can clearly see the animal head at the base and the snout, which would have been hollow so that a rod could be fitted onto the jewel.

The Gold Alfred Jewel, Side View

A close-up, side view of the gold Alfred Jewel, which was made in the late 9th century. The inscription…

An aerial view of the siege of Château Gaillard, also called the Saucy Castle. Construction of the castle was begun by Richard the Lionheart in 1196. The castle was besieged by the French who are pictured encamped  to the south of the castle with a siege tower and two catapults. The fortified town of Petit-Andely is pictured to the north in the background. The River Seine runs to the west.

The Siege of Château Gaillard, the Saucy Castle of Richard the Lionheart - Aerial View

An aerial view of the siege of Château Gaillard, also called the Saucy Castle. Construction of the…

Detail from a larger engraving of the siege of Boulogne in 1544 during the campaigns of Henry VIII in France. The detail has a banner in the upper left corner that reads "Highe Bovilloigne" and another that labels one encampment, "The Duke of Al Berkinnys Campe". The detail is from the center of the larger image. Boulogne is at the top of the illustration and their are plumes of smoke and evidence of explosions. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogneis damaged. Canons are set up as trenches are dug outside the city. There are archers and men with rifles attacking. Several soldiers with spears breach one area of the city. A man is being hung. In the foreground, troops on horseback with spears and flags cluster near an encampment of tents.

Siege of Boulogne by King Henry VIII, Detail of Cowdray Engraving

Detail from a larger engraving of the siege of Boulogne in 1544 during the campaigns of Henry VIII in…

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent." Exodus 7:10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh and his advisers. Aaron holds the tale of a serpent that used to be his rod. Moses stands next to him and gestures toward the serpent. Pharaoh, wearing a crown, holding a sceptre, and sitting on a throne, stares at the snake. His arm is outstretched. One of Pharaoh's servants gapes at the scene. Others stand behind him, befuddled. A doorway displays a pyramid and palm trees in the background.

Aaron's Rod Turning into a Serpent Before Pharaoh and His Magicians

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast…

"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah." I Samuel 16:13 ASV
<p>lllustration of Samuel pouring oil on David's head, anointing him king instead of Saul. David's head is bowed and he holds a small staff. His mother and his father, Jesse, kneel behind Samuel. David's brothers and other townspeople stand around. A goat is pictured roasting just outside the door.

David is Anointed King by Samuel

"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day…

"And an evil spirit from Jehovah was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing with his hand. And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night." I Samuel 19:9-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Saul, javelin raised and pointed at David, in a rage as David plays his harp. David's left hand is raised to shield himself. An adviser sits to the right of Saul. A young boy, perhaps Jonathan, stands against a column to Saul's left. A dog stands at the boy's feet. The room has arched windows that open up on to the town.

Saul Tries to Kill David with His Javelin

"And an evil spirit from Jehovah was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and…

"And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah's anointed. So David checked his men with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. And Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." I Samuel 24:6-7
<p>Illustration of David standing over the sleeping body of Saul. David holds his hand out to stop his soldier from hurting Saul. The soldier has his sword drawn. Saul is reclining on a mat. Two spears, a sword, shield, and some dishes lay around the tree behind Saul. A soldier is asleep in the entrance of the cave.

David Spares Saul's Life as He Sleeps in a Cave

"And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed,…

"So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet." 2 Samuel 6:15 ASV
<p>Illustration of King David marching before the ark, playing his harp. The priests and people march behind him, carrying the ark and playing trumpets and tambourines. A young boy marches and plays a triangle.

King David Takes the Ark of the Covenant to Mount Zion

"So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound…

"Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that bare Joab's armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him." 2 Samuel 18:14-15 ASV
<p>Illustration of Absalom hanging by his hair from an oak tree. His horse is rearing on its hind legs, preparing to run away. Joab, the general, holds two spears in one hand and prepares to stab Absalom with the third. Other members of Joab's troops have their swords raised, poised to strike.

Absalom is Killed by Joab While Hanging in a Tree

"Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them…

"And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor thine; divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof." I Kings 3:25-27 ASV
<p>Illustration of Solomon sitting in judgement. He wears a crown and is holding a scepter. A soldier holds one baby by the foot and raises his sword to strike. One woman is holding the baby up, the other is kneeling and pleading for its life. The baby that passed away is lying on the ground. Two men, advisers, stand nearby. Several people watch the scene from behind a low wall.

The Judgement of Solomon - the Real Mother is Revealed

"And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.…

"Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God." Daniel 3:28 ASV
<p>Illustration of an angel with a halo leading Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego out of a smoking furnace. The angel holds the hand of one of the men. Another one of the three has his hands raised to the sky. Nebuchadnezzar stands and watches the men in awe (right).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are Led Out of the Furnace by an Angel

"Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent…

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever." Daniel 6:19-21 ASV
<p>Illustration of Daniel sitting in the midst of three male lions and one female lion. Daniel is looking up to the edge of the pit, his right hand raised and his left hand over his heart. The king can be seen looking down on him. The lions are completely at peace. An arch and a stone wall are pictured in the background.

Daniel Sits Safely among the Lions in the Den

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he…

"Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." Esther 5:1-2 ASV
<p>Illustration of Esther, dressed in the finest robes, approaching the throne of the king. The king reaches out for her. A handmaid holds the train of Esther's robes. A small boy stands next to the king, with a crown on a pillow. The room is richly decorated with curtains and columns.

Esther Approaches the King and is Welcomed

"Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner…

Illustration of the youngest brother of the Holy Maccabees, one of seven Jewish brother who were martyred by the king. The boy stands with his mother, her right hand on his shoulder, his left arm raised. A soldier stands behind them in full armor, holding a spear. Antiochus sits on his throne, right arm propped on the armrest and holding his scepter. A low table holds a plate with a roasted pig head. A fork is stuck into the pork. A man in the background leans on a fasces.

The Holy Maccabean Martyrs - the Youngest Brother and His Mother Stand before Antiochus

Illustration of the youngest brother of the Holy Maccabees, one of seven Jewish brother who were martyred…

Illustration of the Maccabee warriors fighting alongside angelic warriors in a swirl of battle. The angels are pictured wielding swords of fire and riding horses. The horses of the angels and Maccabees trample the king's soldiers. One warrior wears a winged helmet and wields a spear. The king's army is fleeing into the background.

Five Angelic Warriors Fight for the Maccabees

Illustration of the Maccabee warriors fighting alongside angelic warriors in a swirl of battle. The…

"...and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." Luke 2:9-12 KJV

<p>Illustration of three kings, or maji, worshiping Jesus and bringing him gifts. Jesus is sitting on Mary's lap. Two kings wearing crowns stand in front of Mary while a third, without a crown, kneels. Two sheep are asleep in the corner. Joseph and a donkey stand behind a low fence. Servants and a camel stand off to the side.The star in the east shines on to the scene.

Kings from the East Worship the Baby Jesus

"...and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where…

"...behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son." Matthew 2:13-15
<p>Illustration of Joseph leading a donkey that is carrying Mary as she holds baby Jesus in her arms. They are travelling on a road made of stone and Joseph is carrying a staff. The donkey is laden with a basket and small container. The city of Bethlehem is in the background. An angel came to Joseph while he was sleeping and told him to flee from Herod who had ordered all of the infants in the area be killed.

Joseph Leads Mary and Jesus on the Road to Egypt as They Flee from King Herod

"...behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young…

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men." Matthew 2:16 ASV
<p>Illustration of Herod's soldiers murdering baby boys as their mothers weep. One soldier wrenches a boy away from his mother as a young girl tries to stop him. Mothers cry over and hold their murdered babies. The city walls and stairways are visible in the background.

The Slaughter of the Innocents - Herod Has All of the Baby Boys Killed

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and…

"And she, being put forward by her mother, saith, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given; and he sent and beheaded John in the prison." Matthew 14:8-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of John the Baptist, having just been unshackled, kneeling in prayer while a soldier waits to behead him with an axe. . A shaft of light beams down on John. Salome can be seen just outside the archway with a platter in her hands.

John the Baptist Prays in Prison Just Before His Beheading

"And she, being put forward by her mother, saith, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.…

"And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him.

11 And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate." Luke 23:10-11 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus standing before Herod and being clothed in a beautiful robe. Herod is sitting on a throne and wearing a crown. Priests and scribes sit and stand around the throne, making their cases to Herod. Soldiers stand behind Jesus with spears. There are arches and drapery in the background.

Jesus is Mocked by Herod Before Being Sent Back to Pontius Pilate

"And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers…

"And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head." Matthew 27:28-30 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus being scourged and beaten by the soldiers. They are placing a crown of thorns on his head. They have put a robe on him and a reed in his hands. One soldier is knelt mockingly at Jesus' feet, another soldier holds a multi-strap, leather whip. A group of people and soldiers can be seen in the background.

Jesus Scourged, Mocked, and Crowned with Thorns

"And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And they platted a crown of thorns and put it…

"Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him be crucified. And he said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, saying, Let him be crucified." Matthew 27:22-23 ASV
<p>Illustration of Pontius Pilate asking the people what he should do with Jesus. Jesus' hands are bound by rope, he's holding a reed, and he's wearing a crown of thorns. Pilate is dressed in a typical Roman short tunic and is wearing a laurel crown. They are standing on a high balcony and the people can be seen yelling and waving their hands down below. Two soldiers and three men are standing behind Jesus. A woman, perhaps Mary, his mother, is standing on a distant balcony.

Pilate Brings Jesus Before the People and They Ask for His Crucifixion

"Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him…

"And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left." Mark 15:27 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus on the cross with a robber on his left and right. Mary Magdalene is at Jesus' feet. Jesus' mother, Mary, stands at the foot of the cross with another woman. Soldiers cast lots for Jesus' clothing (left). A soldier with a spear stands beside the cross.

The Crucifixion of Jesus with Two Robbers

"And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left." Mark 15:27 ASV…

"And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship; and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah." Acts 8:27-28 ASV
<p>Illustration of the apostle Philip, sitting in a chariot with an Ethiopian treasurer, teaching him about the gospel. Philip's head has a halo behind it. The Ethiopian holds a book in his lap. The chariot is being drawn by two horses and led by a young man, standing in a river.

Philip Speaks with an Ethiopian Eunuch in His Chariot

"And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen…

Illustration of Pope Leo, dressed in full papal costume and holding the primatial cross, approaches Attila the Hun. Several clergy follow behind Leo, one carrying the cross of Christ. Attila bows slightly. He is wearing a crown and carrying a sword. His army follows behind. The face of a horse is visible. God, carrying a sword, floats in a cloud over the scene.

Pope Leo the Great Approaches Attila, King of the Huns, on the Battlefield

Illustration of Pope Leo, dressed in full papal costume and holding the primatial cross, approaches…

Illustration of King Clovis kneeling before Saint Remigius. Clovis' wife, Clotilde, kneels next to him. Remigius, dressed in robes, is baptizing Clovis. Several members of Clovis' court stand behind him. Monks and other clergy as well as two altar boys with incense stand around and behind Remigius.

Clovis, King of the Franks, is Baptized by Saint Remigius

Illustration of King Clovis kneeling before Saint Remigius. Clovis' wife, Clotilde, kneels next to him.…

Illustration of a King cobra, <i>Ophiophagus elaps</i>, also called a Shiva snake or Siva snake because it is worn by the Hindu Lord Shiva.
<p>"A book name of <i>Ophiophagus elaps</i>, a very large and deadly cobriform serpent of India; so called from its powers of destruction." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

King Cobra

Illustration of a King cobra, Ophiophagus elaps, also called a Shiva snake or Siva snake because it…

"A pair of runners connected by a framework, used (sometimes with another pair) to carry loads or support the body of a vehicle, or, when of lighter build and supporting a light platform or seat, in the sport of coasting and for drawing light loads by hand. A, bob-sled, composed of two short sleds a, a1 connected by a perch b, which is attached to the sled a1 by a king bolt c, on which the sled a1 turns freely, thereby enabling it to be turned around in a space a little wider than its own length: the box or body of the sled, when one is used, is supported on the bolsters d, d1." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Bobsled - Side View

"A pair of runners connected by a framework, used (sometimes with another pair) to carry loads or support…

A British gold coin from the time of George III. The obverse of the coin bears his profile.

British Sovereign of George III, 1817, Obverse

A British gold coin from the time of George III. The obverse of the coin bears his profile.

"On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel. And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt." John 12:12-15 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus riding up to the walls of Jerusalem on a donkey. A multitude of people are gathered around him, some falling to their knees and bowing, while others wave palm fronds. The twelve disciples, signified by halos over their heads, follow behind him. The walls and arched gate are visible.

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

"On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to…

"Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? They cried out therefore again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.)" John 18:38-40 ASV
<p>Illustration of Pontius Pilate standing next to Jesus, presenting him to the crowd. They are standing on a platform and Jesus is wearing the crown of thorns. The people are yelling and pointing. A Roman soldier is standing nearby.

Pilate Brings Jesus Before the People

"Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and…

A close-up, front view of the gold Alfred Jewel, which was made in the late 9th century. The inscription reads "aelfred mec heht gewyrcan", which means "Alfred had me wrought". You can clearly see the animal head at the base and the snout, which would have been hollow so that a rod could be fitted onto the jewel.

The Gold Alfred Jewel, Front View

A close-up, front view of the gold Alfred Jewel, which was made in the late 9th century. The inscription…