A 2000 year-old sapphire ring, once belonged to the Roman Emperor Caligula (37-41 AD), has an incredibly detailed portrait of Caligula’s fourth and last wife, Caesonia, carved into it. It is a testament to the opulence of the time. [1080×780]February 14, 2025
Comb. French, 15th c. Carved from single piece of boxwood. It reads, “mon ♥️ aves” and on reverse (see museum link in comments), “pour bien.” Translation: “you have my heart in your possession.” Cleveland Museum of Art collection [5303×3867]February 14, 2025
Ross. 884, a copy of Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura at the vatican library. It bears the signature and notes by N.Machiavelli suggesting he once studied the copy. At some point, someone tried to scrub the signature, and did a good job, as nobody discovered the connection to M. before 1960 [2948×2267]February 14, 2025
Roman coins found in one place in Llanvaches (Wales). The treasury consisted of 599 silver denarii, which were hidden in the middle of the 2nd century CE. [1200×900]February 14, 2025
The Houmuwu ding(sacrificial vessel). The heaviest piece of bronzeware to survive from anywhere in the ancient world, weighing 1,836lbs (832.84kg). Shang Dynasty, c.1300–1046 BCE.[3380×4400]February 14, 2025
Carved ivory sculpture of a fox disguised as a priest, Japanese, c. 1700-1800. [1112×2100]February 14, 2025
The Tao Te Ching(traditional Chinese: 道德經; simplified Chinese: 道德经) or Laozi is a Chinese classic text and foundational work of Taoism. 2nd century BCE, Han Dynasty, unearthed from Mawangdui tomb, Chansha, Hunan Province, China. [453×1000]February 14, 2025
This is an Elamite Ibex statue dating back to the 2nd Millennium BC of ancient Iran, a significant artifact because of its materials and intricate design. Made of gold and silver, the statue represents wealth in Elamite culture, and its kept at the National Museum of Iran. [900×720]February 13, 2025
