An ancient ship.

Ship

An ancient ship.

An ancient bas relief (low relief) sculpture of a war galley.

Sculpture

An ancient bas relief (low relief) sculpture of a war galley.

The catapult, a machine used for throwing heavy darts.

Catapult

The catapult, a machine used for throwing heavy darts.

A coin engraved with images of Minerva and Jupiter. Minerva was the Roman equivalent to the Greek goddess Athena, and Jupiter was similar to the Greek god of thunder, Zeus.

Dieties

A coin engraved with images of Minerva and Jupiter. Minerva was the Roman equivalent to the Greek goddess…

A coin with a female figure of Ceres, holding ears of corn and the torch of Minerva.

Roman Coin

A coin with a female figure of Ceres, holding ears of corn and the torch of Minerva.

A medal engraved with the head of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, with his name in the inscription.  On the other side is the image of a galley with many oars. The prow has a standard with flags flying and a captain standing at the helm, directing the vessel.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

A medal engraved with the head of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, with his name in the inscription. On the…

A representation of Victory, inscribing on a shield the triumph of the Romans; at the same time, she tramples a battered helmet.  The second medal represents a warrior holding a blunt spear, a sheathed sword, and trampling on a helmet.  This denotes peace procured at the expense of the vanquished, represented by the woman weeping under a tree.

Victory

A representation of Victory, inscribing on a shield the triumph of the Romans; at the same time, she…

A medal of Parthia, with a portrait of one of its kings.  On the reverse are instruments of worship, with guards standing on either side of the altar.

Medal of Parthia

A medal of Parthia, with a portrait of one of its kings. On the reverse are instruments of worship,…

The head engraved on one side of the coin is thought to be the portraits of the king of Parthia.  In the globe worn atop his head is a figure meant to represent a departed spirit raised to divine honors.

Parthia

The head engraved on one side of the coin is thought to be the portraits of the king of Parthia. In…

Cut from an ancient stone, the ram and goat with one horn are symbols for Persia and Macedonia, respectively.  This engraving may have been done during the time of Alexander the Great.

Persia and Macedonia

Cut from an ancient stone, the ram and goat with one horn are symbols for Persia and Macedonia, respectively.…

A medal with the portrait of Alexander the Great on one side; the other side shows the inscription <i>ALEXANDROU</i> with the first two Phenician letters of a city, AK or OK, and a date, 26, 16, or 17 years after his death.

Alexander the Great

A medal with the portrait of Alexander the Great on one side; the other side shows the inscription ALEXANDROU…

A medal with the portrait of Claudius on one side and a depiction of a ceremony involving oxen on the other.

Medal of Claudius

A medal with the portrait of Claudius on one side and a depiction of a ceremony involving oxen on the…

The principle vestment worn by clergy of the Greek and Roman churches during celebration of mass.

Chasuble

The principle vestment worn by clergy of the Greek and Roman churches during celebration of mass.

(Archeopteryx macrocrura), an ancient bird fossil showing claws.

Fossil

(Archeopteryx macrocrura), an ancient bird fossil showing claws.

A form of Clepsydra ascribed to the ancient Egyptians.

Clepsydra

A form of Clepsydra ascribed to the ancient Egyptians.

A comparative table of hieroglyphics and ancient alphabet characters.

Hieroglyphics vs Ancient Language

A comparative table of hieroglyphics and ancient alphabet characters.

Leading alphabet of antiquity.  Included is Punic (Western Semitic from Carthage, North Africa - now extinct), Pelasgian (a form of Greek), Phoenician (Northern Semitic language), Ancient Hebraic or Samaritan (an ancient group closely related to Semitics), and Greek.

Alphabet of Antiquity

Leading alphabet of antiquity. Included is Punic (Western Semitic from Carthage, North Africa - now…

An amice was a loose fitting garment worn by Romans over their tunics; it was also worn by priests and pilgrims.  It is a form of vestment used today by Roman Catholic priests during mass.

Amice

An amice was a loose fitting garment worn by Romans over their tunics; it was also worn by priests and…

A Claudian aqueduct, a building constructed in honor of Claudius I, a Roman emperor.

Aqueduct

A Claudian aqueduct, a building constructed in honor of Claudius I, a Roman emperor.

A shovel leans against some ancient pottery, perhaps representing an archaeological dig.

Shovel and Artifacts

A shovel leans against some ancient pottery, perhaps representing an archaeological dig.

Sebastiano del Piombo (c. 1485 –  1547) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance and early Mannerist periods famous for his combination of the colors of the Venetian school and the monumental forms of the Roman school.

Fra Sebastiano

Sebastiano del Piombo (c. 1485 – 1547) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance and early Mannerist…

The Le Puy Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy) facade or west front.  It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and French monument located in Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne.

Le Puy Cathedral

The Le Puy Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy) facade or west front. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral…

View of Ancient Corinth looking North. The Gulf of Corinth is at the left and the isthmus is center right.

The Town and Isthmus of Corinth

View of Ancient Corinth looking North. The Gulf of Corinth is at the left and the isthmus is center…

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men." Matthew 28:2-4 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus emerging from his tomb. He hovers above the ground and appears to glow. He holds a banner in his left hand. An angel (left) holds the stone that once covered the entrance. Two soldiers lie on the ground, one covers his face and turns away. One soldier stands to Christ's left, leaning against a wall with his eyes closed.

The Resurrection of Jesus after the Angel Removed the Stone from the Tomb Entrance

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came…

Illustration of the famous statue <i>Apollo Belvedere</i>. Created circa AD120-140, the statue depicts Apollo standing, having just shot an arrow. His quiver can be seen over his shoulder (left) and his hand clutches the remains of a bow (right). He is nude except for his sandals and robe. This illustration includes a leaf to cover Apollo's genitalia, which is not included on the statue itself.

Apollo of the Belvedere - Front View of Statue

Illustration of the famous statue Apollo Belvedere. Created circa AD120-140, the statue depicts Apollo…

Illustration of a painting of the ancient Greeks returning victorious from the Battle of Salamis against the Persians. Athenian women run out to meet the soldiers as they emerge from their ships. Ships' masts can be seen to the right. One soldier rears up on horseback.

The Victors of Salamis by Fernand Cormon

Illustration of a painting of the ancient Greeks returning victorious from the Battle of Salamis against…

Illustration of the Acropolis restored to what it may have looked like when originally completed. The view is from the front and you can see the propylaea. The hill can be seen sloping steeply downward (left) and the city of Athens can be seen in the background, built around the hill. Two figures climb the steps at the front of the complex.

The Acropolis of Athens - Restoration of the Propylaea

Illustration of the Acropolis restored to what it may have looked like when originally completed. The…

Illustration of a Roman farmer driving his plow, called an <i>aratrum</i>. The man wears a typical brimmed hat and a tunic with no toga or outer gown. He is driving two oxen that are pulling the plow.

A Roman Farmer with a Plow

Illustration of a Roman farmer driving his plow, called an aratrum. The man wears a typical brimmed…

Illustration of an aquilifer carrying the eagle standard for his Roman legion. His left hand sits on the hilt of his short sword. The top of the standard is an eagle sitting on a ring with the portrait of a man inside. The standard-bearer is wearing traditional armor and no helmet.

A Roman Standard-Bearer called an Aquilifer

Illustration of an aquilifer carrying the eagle standard for his Roman legion. His left hand sits on…

A soldier from Gaul carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left. He is wearing a cloak and traditional braccae, trousers made from wool. The trousers are fitted around the ankle. The soldier's helmet has horns and ear-pieces. He has long hair and a long mustache.

Gallic Soldier Wearing Trousers and a Horned Helmet

A soldier from Gaul carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left. He is wearing a cloak…

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…

A small portion of the great, Roman-built Hadrian's Wall in Britain, begun in AD 122. Two men, one sitting and one standing, linger next to a low portion of the wall. Hills and mountains rise in the background.

A Section of Hadrian's Wall in Britain

A small portion of the great, Roman-built Hadrian's Wall in Britain, begun in AD 122. Two men, one sitting…

Illustration of a restored atrium and peristylium of the House of Pansa at Pompeii. The impluvium, pool, sits in the center of the atrium. The peristyle can be seen in the background. Four entrances to cubicula are pictured, as well as the entrances to oecus and andron. Two Ionic columns are visible in the opening between the atrium and peristyle. Four statues line the atrium.

The Interior (Atrium and Peristylium) of Pansa's house at Pompeii, Restored

Illustration of a restored atrium and peristylium of the House of Pansa at Pompeii. The impluvium, pool,…

A tall, thin lamp stand on a round, ornamented base with three claw feet. The top of the stand has a small, round surface on which sits a simple, Roman oil lamp. The lamp is lit and a flame is burning, giving off light.

Pompeiian Stand with Lighted Oil Lamp

A tall, thin lamp stand on a round, ornamented base with three claw feet. The top of the stand has a…

Illustration of a Roman bowl found in Pompeii and made by the Gauls. It is an example of what is referred to as samian ware or terra sigillata. Highly decorated, the bowl includes the profile of a Roman man and the letters "E. O. B. I".

Roman Bowl - Gaulish Samian Ware or Terra Sigillata

Illustration of a Roman bowl found in Pompeii and made by the Gauls. It is an example of what is referred…

An illustration of a Pompeiian wall painting of school materials, including scrolls, books, writing utensils, coins, and purses. The illustration is divided into six sections.

Roman School Materials - Based on a Wall Painting from Pompeii

An illustration of a Pompeiian wall painting of school materials, including scrolls, books, writing…

A view of the back of a Roman toga. The man stands with his right foot slightly behind his left, as if he's taking a step. The toga is wrapped and draped over the left shoulder. Boys would adopt this style of clothing at the age of fifteen.

Roman Toga - View from the Back

A view of the back of a Roman toga. The man stands with his right foot slightly behind his left, as…

Illustration of the Roman Emperor Tiberius wearing a draped toga, which was fashionable in the first century AD and worn by citizens of Rome. He stands looking to his right. The original statue was found in Capri and is made of marble. Tiberius was emperor of Rome from AD 14-37.

Emperor Tiberius Wearing a Toga

Illustration of the Roman Emperor Tiberius wearing a draped toga, which was fashionable in the first…

Illustration of a monk, displaying an open book. His hood is pointed and appears to be unattached from his habit. His habit includes a robe-like undergarment with a short tunic on top. Crosses appear in a vertical line down the center of the front of the tunic.

A Monk with a Pointed Hood and Crosses on His Habit

Illustration of a monk, displaying an open book. His hood is pointed and appears to be unattached from…

A group of Franks, mainly men with a couple of women and children, cross the Rhine River on a wooden raft. Two men strain at the large oars on the front and another can be seen working an oar in the back. Several men have spears and two are pointing into the distance in front of them. Another raft can be seen just behind them (right), while a third is shown far away in the distance. Large cliffs rise in the background. The Romans were resettling the Franks near to their borders so they could be controlled.

Franks Crossing the Rhine to Establish Themselves on the West Bank as Allies of Rome

A group of Franks, mainly men with a couple of women and children, cross the Rhine River on a wooden…

A fleet of three ancient Anglo-Saxon ships, each with wind filling the lone sail. Each ship has a dragon head at the bow. The front ship has a curled, dragon tail at the stern. Several men occupy the decks of the ships. The ship of the right has a head on a pike displayed at its bow. A crow sits on and pecks at the head. Another crow sits on the mast of that ship.

Anglo-Saxon Ships with Wind in the Sails

A fleet of three ancient Anglo-Saxon ships, each with wind filling the lone sail. Each ship has a dragon…

Profile of Pop Leo XIII. He was elected pope on February 20th, 1878 and died July 20th, 1903. He was called the "Rosary Pope" and was known for being an intellectual. This is a very simple side portrait.

Pope Leo XIII - Side Portrait

Profile of Pop Leo XIII. He was elected pope on February 20th, 1878 and died July 20th, 1903. He was…

"And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, Jehovah be with you. And they answered him, Jehovah bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:" Ruth 2:3-6 ASV
<p>Illustration of Ruth gleaning grain in the fields of Boaz. She is on her knees at the feet of Boaz, who walks with a staff and a dog behind him. His servant tells him about Ruth. Four men and women, also gleaning, watch in the background. A small town and some trees are pictured in the background.

Ruth Meets Boaz While Gleaning in the Fields

"And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on the…

"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 there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." Luke 23:27-28 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus carrying his cross. He is turned to the women who are weeping and following the procession. His arm is raised to them as he comforts them. A soldier walks before the cross and a soldier on horseback rides alongside. Simon takes the rope holding the cross and prepares to take the burden from Jesus. The walls of the city can be seen in the distance.

Jesus Carries His Cross and Comforts the Women Following Him

"And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.…

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man in a short tunic and head wrap is raising his sword above Paul's head. A man in a robe stands nearby with his hand over his mouth. Another man stands in the background, holding a scroll and a staff. Two soldiers are standing in the background.

Paul is Beheaded at Rome by the Order of Emperor Nero

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man…

Illustration of Ignatius of Antioch, also called Ignatius Theophorus, tied to a post by his neck and wearing his bishop's robe. There are bones and scraps on the ground. One lion is sitting on the ground and looking up at Ignatius. The other lion is pouncing from behind. The arches and crowds of the Colosseum are visible in the background.

Ignatius of Antioch is Martyred by Being Fed to Lions

Illustration of Ignatius of Antioch, also called Ignatius Theophorus, tied to a post by his neck and…

Illustration of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, during one of several times that he was banished from Alexandria. Roman soldiers on horseback, with spears and shields, chase the bishop away from the city. Christians, including men, women, children, and a crippled man, follow around and in front of the bishop. A man follows just behind Athanasius, carrying the bishop's staff.

Athanasius is Banished from Alexandria

Illustration of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, during one of several times that he was banished from…

The base of the column, torus, displays a concave molding called a scotia. This type of base was not present in the Greek Doric architecture, but are present throughout Ionic and Corinthian columns. The column is fluted. The Erechtheum, or Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. a. sotia.

The Base of an Ionic Column at the Erechtheum

The base of the column, torus, displays a concave molding called a scotia. This type of base was not…

Illustration of the Cathedral at Monreale, near Palermo. It is an example of Sicilian and Norman architecture. Construction was begun in 1174. The interior includes monolithic columns with Corinthian capitals. There are numerous pointed arches. Mosaics cover all of the interior walls and ceilings.

Cathedral of Monreale - Interior View

Illustration of the Cathedral at Monreale, near Palermo. It is an example of Sicilian and Norman architecture.…

"A dagger; specifically, an ancient form of dagger found Ireland, usually of bronze, double-edged, and more or less leaf-shaped, and thus distinguished from the different forms of the seax, or broad-backed knife." &mdash;Whitney, 1889
<p>Illustration of four different skeans of varying shape and size. The examples are from the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.

Skeans - Ancient Irish Daggers

"A dagger; specifically, an ancient form of dagger found Ireland, usually of bronze, double-edged, and…

Drawing of the Diana of Versailles, a 2nd-century Roman version in the Greek tradition of iconography. In Roman mythology, Diana ([djana]) was the goddess of the hunt, the moon and childbirth, being associated with wild animals and woodland, and having the power to talk to and control animals.

Diana of Versailles

Drawing of the Diana of Versailles, a 2nd-century Roman version in the Greek tradition of iconography.…

"An instrument for throwing stones or bullets, consisting of a strap and two strings attached to it. The stone or bullet is lodged to the strap, and, the ends of the strings being held in the hand, the sling is whirled rapidly round in a circle, and the missile thrown by letting go one of the strings. The velocity with which the projectile is discharged is the same as that with which it is whirled round in a circle having the string for its radius. The sling was a very general instrument of war among ancients." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Sling

"An instrument for throwing stones or bullets, consisting of a strap and two strings attached to it.…

<i>Helix pomatia</i>. "A large-shelled, edible" snail, also called the Burgundy snail or escargot when used in cooking. —Whitney, 1889.
<p>This illustration shows only the shell and not the animal. It is an air-breathing, land snail.

Roman Snail Shell

Helix pomatia. "A large-shelled, edible" snail, also called the Burgundy snail or escargot when used…

A Graeco-Roman marble table support in the shape of a sphinx. It was found in the ruins of the Villa of Antoninus Pius at Lanuvium. The sculpture is half woman, half bird, with wings stretching out behind the body.
<p>"In Greek mythology, a female monster, said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans who passed her as she sat on a rock by the roadside, and to have killed all who were not able to guess it." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Sphinx of Lanuvium

A Graeco-Roman marble table support in the shape of a sphinx. It was found in the ruins of the Villa…

Illustration of a spire of the Senlis Cathedral in France, early 13th century. It is "one of the earliest of fully developed spires, and is admired for the purity and elegance of its design." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Spire from the Senlis Cathedral

Illustration of a spire of the Senlis Cathedral in France, early 13th century. It is "one of the earliest…

"They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha..." John 19:17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus on his hands and knees with the cross on his back. A soldier is standing over him with a whip raised over his head. Simon of Cyrene is in the process of taking the cross from Jesus. Women have fallen on their knees in front of Jesus.

Jesus Falls While Carrying His Cross

"They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The…

"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…

"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius." Acts 10:1-3 ASV
<p>Illustration of Cornelius kneeling with hands clasped in prayer in front of an angel. The angel is kneeling on a rock. A small tree stands behind Cornelius.

Cornelius the Centurion is Visited by an Angel

"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian…