Perhaps the oldest “world map”: This small Sumerian clay tablet depicts four streams representing the Two Rivers and Upper+Lower Seas (Mediterranean + Persian Gulf) w/ plowed fields, in center the sign 𒆳 (Kur) for Enlil’s Temple at Nippur. Shuruppak (Tell Fara), ED IIIa, c. 26th cen. BCE. [769×769]April 6, 2025
Terracotta Gorgo head from the 6th century BCE – Istanbul Archaeological Museum [2768×2741]April 6, 2025
This is a Mughal Cup dating back to 1600s, made of pure Emerald. Coming from northern India, it contains a Persian Inscription: “I pray to Allah for your good fortunes; That your rule is successful, may your flower of luck always bloom, and may the eyes of your enemies be blinded.” [875×980]April 6, 2025
Drinking vessel – “Gluttony being conveyed by Drunkenness” in Burg Eltz, Germany, cast silver, gold-plated, made by Christoph Lindenberger in Nuremberg in 1557. [1475×1012]April 6, 2025
Large gold necklace from the Treasure of Douch. It weighs 363 grams and is comprised of 77 individual golden pendants bearing the image of the Greek-Egyptian god Serapis. 2nd century AD. Egyptian Museum, Cairo [1520×854]April 6, 2025
This cased Trephination set was manufactured by Guest, a surgical instrument maker based in London during the late 1700s. London, England, 1771-1800 Wellcome [2560×1896]April 6, 2025
Sculpture depicting the birth of Helen of Troy. Helen’s mother was impregnated by Zeus in the form of a Swan; so Helen herself was hatched from an egg. Limestone, 5th century BCE. Archaeological Museum of Metapontum, Italy [750×567]April 6, 2025
The Eye of Princess Charlotte of Wales, 1796 – 1817 by Charlotte Jones – detail of inside of gold locket now in the UK National Gallery. Made of gold, hair, ivory, and watercolor [336×361]April 6, 2025
Bronze Man with a horned helmet. Found in the 18th century in Grevensvænge, southern Zealand. Circa 800BC. National Museum of Denmark [1367×2048]April 6, 2025
Love spell on papyrus written in Greek, commissioned by Hermeias, addressed to Anubis, and designed to attract Tigerous, daughter of Sophia. 4th century. Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire in Strasbourg, France. Translation in comments [1200×1078]April 6, 2025
