Saint Mark sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. Scrolls rest on the table. Beside him rests a lion, the Evangelist's traditional symbol.

Saint Mark Writing

Saint Mark sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. Scrolls rest on the table. Beside him…

"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…

"And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple. And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers." Mark 11:15-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus casting money-changers and merchants out of the temple.

Cleansing of the Temple

"And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and…

"And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple. And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers." Mark 11:15-17
<p>Illustration of Jesus chasing away those that sold animals in the temple.

Jesus Casts Money-Changers and Merchants out of the Temple

"And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and…

Recumbent lion in front of a large rock is used as a tailpiece at the end of Mark's gospel in an old German Bible.

Recumbent Lion

Recumbent lion in front of a large rock is used as a tailpiece at the end of Mark's gospel in an old…

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." Luke 1:26-27 ASV
<p>Detail of New Testament illustration showing the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary. Gabriel holds a lily, a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

The Annunciation, Detail View

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…

"And Jehovah God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them. And Jehovah God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever—therefore Jehovah God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis 3:21-24 ASV
<p>Illustration of Adam and Eve being driven out of the Garden of Eden by a cherub with a sword. Adam and Eve are wearing animal skins.

Expulsion from the Garden of Eden

"And Jehovah God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them. And Jehovah God said,…

"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law. And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from following after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me." Ruth 1:14-17 ASV
<p>Ruth (right) holds on to Naomi, her mother-in-law, and asks to stay with her.

Ruth and Naomi

"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave…

"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…

Head of a roaring lion from an engraving of an angel shutting the mouths of the lions when Daniel was thrown into the lions' den.

Head of Roaring Lion

Head of a roaring lion from an engraving of an angel shutting the mouths of the lions when Daniel was…

View of Bethlehem as seen from the surrounding countryside.

Panoramic View of Bethlehem

View of Bethlehem as seen from the surrounding countryside.

View of Bethlehem from outside the town.

View of Bethlehem

View of Bethlehem from outside the town.

The town of Nazareth against a backdrop of mountains in the distance. Groups of men rest in the foreground

View of Nazareth

The town of Nazareth against a backdrop of mountains in the distance. Groups of men rest in the foreground

Artist's conception of what first-century Jerusalem may have looked like from the surrounding countryside.

View of Jerusalem from the Countryside

Artist's conception of what first-century Jerusalem may have looked like from the surrounding countryside.

View of first-century Jerusalem. Detail from a larger engraving of the city.

City of Jerusalem

View of first-century Jerusalem. Detail from a larger engraving of the city.

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…

View of the Piazza del Popolo looking west from the Pincian Hill. On the left are the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. In the center of the plaza is an Egyptian obelisk of Sety I from Heliopolis. The twin churches were completed in 1681 and the engraving was published in 1872 and so must represent a time between those two dates.

The Piazza del Popolo in Rome

View of the Piazza del Popolo looking west from the Pincian Hill. On the left are the twin churches…

View of the Skala harbor on Patmos. It is on this island that John received his visions recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Port of Skala on the Island of Patmos

View of the Skala harbor on Patmos. It is on this island that John received his visions recorded in…

"Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb. And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God." Exodus 3 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses hiding his face as God appears to him from a burning bush. Moses has removed his shoes as directed.

Moses and the Burning Bush

"Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock…

"And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it upon a staff between two; they brought also of the pomegranates, and of the figs. That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from thence. And they returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us; and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." Numbers 13:23-27
<p>Illustration of two spies returning with a bunch of grapes so large it is carried by two men.

Return of the Spies Sent to Canaan

"And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes,…

"And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it upon the standard: and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived." Numbers 21:8-9 ASV
<p>Moses holds up the brass serpent and all those who were bitten by serpents and who looked upon the brass serpent lived.

Moses and the Serpent of Brass

"And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come…

"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,…

"Then his father answered him, and said: I have a note of his hand with me, which when thou shalt shew him, he will presently pay it. But go now, and seek thee out some faithful man, to go with thee for his hire: that thou mayst receive it, while I yet live. Then Tobias going forth, found a beautiful young man, standing girded, and as it were ready to walk." Tobit 5:3-5 DRA
<p>Tobias encounters the angel Raphael who appears as one of his kinsmen.

Tobias Meets the Angel

"Then his father answered him, and said: I have a note of his hand with me, which when thou shalt shew…

"And the angel said to them: Peace be to you, fear not. For when I was with you, I was there by the will of God: bless ye him, and sing praises to him. I seemed indeed to eat and to drink with you: but I use an invisible meat and drink, which cannot be seen by men. It is time therefore that I return to him that sent me: but bless ye God, and publish all his wonderful works. And when he had said these things, he was taken from their sight, and they could see him no more." Tobit 12:17-21 DRA
<p>After Raphael reveals himself as an angel, he departs back into heaven, leaving Tobit, Tobias, Anna, and Sarah.

Raphael Departs from Tobit and His Family

"And the angel said to them: Peace be to you, fear not. For when I was with you, I was there by the…

"And Mathathias said: Woe is me, wherefore was I born to see the ruin of my people, and the ruin of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it is given into the hands of the enemies? The holy places are come into the hands of strangers: her temple is become as a man without honour. The vessels of her glory are carried away captive: her old men are murdered in the streets, and her young men are fallen by the sword of the enemies. What nation hath not inherited her kingdom, and gotten of her spoils? All her ornaments are taken away. She that was free is made a slave. And behold our sanctuary, and our beauty, and our glory is laid waste, and the Gentiles have defiled them. To what end then should we live any longer? And Mathathias and his sons rent their garments, and they covered themselves with haircloth, and made great lamentation." 1 Maccabees 2:7-14 DRA
<p>Mathathias and his family lament the destruction of Jerusalem.

Mathathias Laments the Defilement of Jerusalem

"And Mathathias said: Woe is me, wherefore was I born to see the ruin of my people, and the ruin of…

"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 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…

The puma, also known as the cougar, panther, or mountain lion <i> (Felis concolor) </i> , is a large American cat, formerly to be met anywhere from the St. Lawrence River and southern British Columbia to Patagonia, but now practically exterminated east of the Rocky Mountains. It is remarkable among the larger cats for its uniformity of coloration, whence it is popularly known as 'lion' throughout all the countries south of the United States. The fur is thick and close, and in adults is plain tawny above, except for a dark streak along the middle of the back, and a dark tip to the tail, while the under surface is of a paler tint. The presence in the young, however, of a ringed tail and of spots on the body shows that the puma's ancestors possessed the characteristically feline type of coloration. There is much variation in size: the largest authenticated measurement is eight feet two inches from the snout to the tip of the tail, the tail being three feet eight inches; but the usual length of the body, exclusive of the tail, appears to be under four feet.

The puma is able to live in low-lying plains and on mountain slopes, among dense forests and on the treeless pampas. Its natural prey is such animals as deer in North and in Central America, while of the pampas it feeds largely on huanacos; but everywhere it preys as hunger suggests or occasion requires on any smaller and more agile creature it is able to pick up. Like the leopard, it is especially destructive to sheep, a single puma when it gains access to a fold sometimes slaughtering 100 in a night, seemingly in a blind revel of killing. It rarely attacks man unprovoked, and has the reputation, especially in the Plains regions, of being absolutely cowardly. When hunted with dogs (the usual method), it tries first to flee, and when overtaken climbs a tree, where it remains, snarling at the pack of dogs until the hunter comes up and dispatches it. Nevertheless, when cornered it fights to the death, showing that its real disposition is that of timidity and caution rather than of poltroonery.

The two sexes live apart, but pair in winter and summer. Two or three young are born at once.

Puma

The puma, also known as the cougar, panther, or mountain lion (Felis concolor) , is a large American…

"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…

“When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him.

<p>After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, <i>’Talitha koum!’</i> (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old).” —Mark 5:38-42, NIV</p> 

<p>Illustration of Jesus bringing Jairus' recently deceased, 12-year-old daughter back to life. Jesus is holding the hand of the girl as she raises her upper body from the bed. She wears a laurel crown and Jairus stands behind her bed. A woman kneels next to Jesus. Incense is burning. Two onlookers stand in the background.

The Raising of Jairus' Daughter - Jesus Brings a Young Girl Back to Life

“When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and…

"Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." John 13:5 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus kneeling, washing the foot of one of his disciples. The other disciples sit and stand around the table, watching Jesus. The disciple's foot is on a raised stool and a basin sits nearby. One disciple, perhaps Judas, is depicted in shadows in the back left of the illustration.

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Twelve Disciples after the Last Supper

"Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with…

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…

"When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher. Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God." John 20:14-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene outside of his tomb as an angel sits nearby, watching. Jesus holds the cross-banner in his left hand and Mary kneels on his right. A jar sits on the ground. A fence is in the background.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Outside the Tomb

"When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it…

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 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…

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 a bishop sitting on an ornately decorated cathedra. A crosier, pastoral staff, rests against his left shoulder. The view is of the left side of the bishop and throne. There are columns in the background, to the right of the throne. A cathedral is a church that is the cathedra, or seat, of a bishop.

A Bishop Sitting on a Bishop's Throne Called a Cathedra

Illustration of a bishop sitting on an ornately decorated cathedra. A crosier, pastoral staff, rests…

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,…

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…

The ship is pictured as it looked shortly after being unearthed. The tent-like structure at the back that is in most depictions, is not included in this illustration. Four of the 32 shields that were found can be seen attached to the side of the hull. The ship is raised up on a wooden frame. The ship was found in a burial mound in Sweden.

The Remains of the Prow of the Viking Ship Gokstad

The ship is pictured as it looked shortly after being unearthed. The tent-like structure at the back…

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…

Illustration of the Norman-built Rochester castle. The architect of the castle was Gundulf, a Norman monk, and the castle protected England's southeast coast. It is a view of the castle from the northwest and two of its towers are visible. There is a road leading away from the castle. A woman and a child holding hands, walk down the road. Trees line the road.

Rochester Castle as Seen from the Northwest

Illustration of the Norman-built Rochester castle. The architect of the castle was Gundulf, a Norman…

Illustration of an aerial view of an 11th century Norman castle in Europe. From this view, it is possible to see the outer wall, moat, outer and inner courts, the keep, turrets, stables and other interior buildings. There is a palisade of stakes around the moat.

An 11th Century Norman Castle, Aerial View

Illustration of an aerial view of an 11th century Norman castle in Europe. From this view, it is possible…

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…

Two young men prepare the field using a simple harrow pulled by a horse. One man follows behind the harrow. He is wearing a short tunic and his hood is pushed back. The other man goes in front of the horse, guiding it, and using a whip to drive it forward. Two birds fly overhead.

Harrowing a Field for Farming in the Middle Ages

Two young men prepare the field using a simple harrow pulled by a horse. One man follows behind 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…

An aerial view of a German Benedictine Monastery compound. A small town is nestled at the foot of a hill in the background. The monastery includes a ditch surrounding the outer wall, stables, gardens, graveyard, workshops, church, cloister, living quarters, and various other buildings. It is pictured as it would have looked at the end of the Middle Ages.

A German Benedictine Monastery with a Small Town in the Background - Aerial View

An aerial view of a German Benedictine Monastery compound. A small town is nestled at the foot of a…

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 ASV
<p>Illustration of God sitting on a cloud with his arms outstretched as he creates the earth. He has a triangular halo behind his head. Adam and Eve (left) stand partially hidden by plants and Adam reaches out to the animals, including an elephant, turtle, snake, rooster, lion, rabbit, horse, peacock, tropical bird, sheep, duck, elk, and goat.

The Creation of the World - Adam and Eve, Animals, Plants,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 ASV Illustration of God sitting…

"Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." Genesis 19:24-26 ASV
<p>Illustration of Lot holding hands with his two daughters as they are led from the burning city of Sodom by two angels walking on either side of them. One daughter carries a pot on her head. Lot's wife is behind them, facing Sodom. Fire covers the sky over the city in the background.

Lot and His Daughters are Led Away from Sodom by Two Angels

"Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven; and…

"And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink. And she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also. Let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac. And thereby shall I know that thou hast showed kindness unto my master." Genesis 24:14
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Illustration of Rebecca pouring water into Eliezer's mouth from a pitcher. Three women stand nearby. One is leaning on the well and the other two are standing. One holds a pitcher on her shoulder. Two more of Abraham's servants stand nearby with three camels. One of the servants is holding a spear. A town is pictured in the background (left).

Rebecca Offers Water to Eliezer at the Well and is Chosen to be Isaac's Wife

"And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that…

"Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother, our flesh. And his brethren hearkened unto him. And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt." Genesis 37:27-28 ASV
Illustration of Joseph being pulled away by the Ishmaelites as his brothers collect the silver they are owed. The cistern can be seen in the foreground, with a rope coming up out of the opening. A man is in the distant background (left), possibly Reuben. Three of the brothers take part in the money exchange. Two brothers sit nearby, one holds a cloak. Several goats, including a kid, sit and stand nearby. Camels wait in the background.

Joseph's Brother Sell Him into Slavery after Pulling Him Out of the Cistern

"Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother,…

"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…

"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the furniture thereof, even so shall ye make it." Exodus 25:8-9 ASV
<p>Illustration of an aerial view of the Tabernacle. It was built using specifications given to Moses directly by God. Several elements are clearly pictured, including the curtain enclosure, the temple, the brazen altar, and the brazen laver. Pillars of smoke rise from the brazen altar and from the altar of incense inside the temple. The tents of the Israelite camp surround the tabernacle. A few people and animals are pictured. There are palm trees in the foreground.

The Tabernacle - Aerial View with the Israelite Camp in the Background

"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, the…

Illustration of the High Priest, most likely Aaron, in the Holy of Holies, holding the Ten Commandments. The Ark of the Covenant sits in the back.The Table of Showbread sits on the right with twelve loaves of bread on top. The Golden Candlestick is on the left with its seven lit flames. The Altar of Perfumes is in the center and incense is burning on it.

Inside the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle

Illustration of the High Priest, most likely Aaron, in the Holy of Holies, holding the Ten Commandments.…

"And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah, and against thee; pray unto Jehovah, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live." Numbers 21:6-8 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses holding up the bronze serpent on the staff and all of the Israelites looking upon it to be healed. Numerous people lie in various states of disease. Snakes are on the ground, coiled around arms, and biting people. Moses is pictured with horns made of rays of light. Tents and mountains can be seen in the background.

The Brazen Serpent and the Healing of the Israelites

"And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel…