Zeus
Yea, verily, thou art Odysseus
But at length the queen dried her tears and called to Eurycleia to come wash the feet of the stranger, who was of the same age as her master. The old woman answered, ‘Gladly will I wash his feet, for many strangers travel-worn have ere now come hither, but I say that I have never seen any so like another as this stranger is like Odysseus, in fashion, in voice, and in feet.’ Then the king feared lest his old nurse should know him, and he turned his face from the hearth. But she, as she tended him, saw a scar on the spot where a boar had wounded him long years before, and she knew her master had come home. Tears well-nigh choked her, yet she touched his chin lightly and said, ‘Yea, verily, thou art Odysseus, my dear child.’
Wounded lion
[A drawing taken from a bas relief of the royal Assyrian lion hunt]
Women’s Head-dress
Women’s Head-dress
With an effort he looked at them as they passed
A rumour that he was dead reached the Macedonians, and they hastened to the palace, begging to be allowed to see their king once more. Alexander was not dead, but he was too weak to speak, as one by one the soldiers were permitted to walk quietly past his bed. With an effort he looked at them as they passed, and feebly raised his hand in farewell. ‘After I am gone will you ever find a king worthy of such heroes as these?’ he murmured as they slowly filed out of the room. Then he drew his signet ring from his finger and gave it to an officer, saying that he left his kingdom ‘to the best man.’ So the great king passed away at the age of thirty-three.
Winged Sun of Thebes
Over the portico of the Theban temple there is usually a ball or sun, ornamented with outstretched wings, representing the all-seeing Providence thus watching over and sheltering the world. From this sun hang two asps wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Winged lion with human head
Winged Bull
Wild-sow and pigs
The wild animals indigenous in Babylonia appear to be chiefly the following:—the lion, the leopard, the hyeena, the lynx, the wild-cat, the wolf, the jackal, the wild-boar, the buffalo, the stag, the gazelle, the jerboa, the fox, the hare, the badger, and the porcupine. The Mesopotamian lion is a noble animal. The wild-boar frequents the river banks and marshes, as depicted in the Assyrian sculptures.
Warriors swimming on inflated skins
Wagon and Boat, from a mummy bandage
A singular instance of the wagon and funeral-boat in combination has been found on the bandage of a mummy, now preserved in the collection of S. d'Athanasi. It is supposed by some modern authors that Herodotus, in speaking of the religious ceremonies in honor of Mars, as performed in the city of Pampremis, refers to this vehicle. Among other things, he tells us that the priests placed an image in a wooden temple, gilded all over, which they carried to a sacred dwelling; "then the few who were left about the image draw a four-wheeled carriage containing the temple and the image."
Vivid scenes of ancient life depicted by contemporary artists
The walls of the tombs in Egypt form a great picture gallery of the vanished life of that country and are invaluable to the historian. This fragment from the British Museum shows how vividly the domestic figures were realised.
Villa of an Egyptian Noble
The Egyptians excelled in architecture, and the greatest of their buildings were the pyramids. As to whether or not there was much invention devoted to those works, it is virtually impossible now to know. The probability seems to be that they could not have been produced without the promptings of the inventor, but that the progress was a slow and gradual march. It seems that there was a long series of many small inventions that made short steps, and not a few basic inventions that proceeded by great leaps.
Venus Pompeiana
An altar stands before the statue of Venus. In pre-Roman times this may have been the only shrine in the city at which worship was offered to Herentas; for by that name the goddess of love was known in the native speech. Venus as goddess of the Roman colony, was represented in an altogether different guise, and had a special place of worship elsewhere
Venus
Vase-painting—Ionic Dress
Vase-painting—Ionic Dress
Vase-painting—Dress with two Overfold
Vase-painting—Dress with two Overfold
Vase-painting in the Polygnotan Style
Vase-painting in the Polygnotan Style
Vase-painting from Lucania
Vase-painting from Lucania
Vase-painting by Hieron
Vase-painting by Hieron
Vase-painting by Falerii
Vase-painting by Falerii
Vase-painting by Euxitheos
Vase-painting by Euxitheos
Vase-painting by Euphronios
Vase-painting by Euphronios
Vase-painting by Brygos
Vase-painting by Brygos
Vase-painting
Vase-painting
Typhon
Typhon is a hippopotamus, usually walking on its hind legs, and with female breasts, sometimes with a sword in his hand, to show his wicked nature. He is th chief author of evil.
Two Cretan Vases
We must realize, of course, that the Greeks were much indebted to the Ægeans; for discoveries about the shores and islands of the Ægean Sea show that long before the advent of the Greeks they used tools and weapons of rough and then of polished stone, and later of copper and tin and bronze; that they lived on farms and in villages and cities, and were governed by monarchs who dwelt in palaces adorned with paintings and fine carvings, and filled with court gentlemen and ladies who wore jewelry and fine clothing. Exquisite pottery was used, decorated with taste and skill; ivory was carved and gems were engraved, and articles were made of silver and bronze and gold. As early as the sixth century B. C., the Greeks made things more beautiful than had ever been made before. One almost feels like saying that the Greeks invented beauty. Such a declaration would be absurd of course: but it seems to be a fact that the Greeks had a conception of beauty that was wholly original with them, and that was not only finer than that which any other people had ever had before, but finer than any other people have had since.
twenty-one string harp
Triumphal Procession from the Arch of Titus
Triangular Musical instrument from Herculaneum
A Sambuca or triangular harp
Transporting a huge stone monument in Ancient Egypt
As depicted on a wall-painting at El Bersheh. Notice the overseer on the knees of the colossus giving the 'time' by clapping his hands, and the man pouring oil in front of the runners to ease the passage of the sledge.
Toga
From Hope's "Costume of the Ancients." The material of the toga was wool, in the earlier time and for the common people; afterwards silk and other materials were used, coloured or bordered according to the `rank` or station of the wearer.
Thuthu
THuthu, wife of Ani
Thothmes IV. slaying Asiatics
When Thothmes IV. ascended the throne he was confronted by a very serious political problem. The Heliopolitan priesthood at this time was chafing against the power of Amon, and was striving to restore the somewhat fallen prestige of its own god Ra, who in the far past had been the supreme deity of Egypt, but had now to play an annoying second to the Theban god. Thothmes IV., as we shall presently be told by Akhnaton himself,[8] did not altogether approve of the political character of the Amon priesthood, and it may have been due to this dissatisfaction that he undertook the repairing of the great Sphinx at Gizeh, which was in the care of the priests of Heliopolis. The sphinx was thought to represent a combination of the Heliopolitan gods Horakhti, Khepera, Ra, and Atum, who have been mentioned above; and, according to a later tradition, Thothmes IV. had obtained the throne over the heads of his elder brothers through the mediation of the Sphinx—that is to say, through that of the Heliopolitan priests. By them he was called “Son of Atum and Protector of Horakhte, ... who purifies Heliopolis and satisfies Ra,” and it seems that they looked to him to restore to them their lost power. The Pharaoh, however, was a physical weakling, whose small amount of energy was entirely expended upon his army, which he greatly loved, and which he led into Syria and into the Sudan. His brief reign of somewhat over eight years, from 1420 to 1411 B.C., marks but the indecisive beginnings of the struggle between Amon and Ra, which culminated in the early years of the reign of his grandson Akhnaton.
Thoth
When the land was divided into separate estates or properties, Thoth, the Pillar or Landmark at the corner of the field, became an important god; and as the owner's name was carved upon it, he was the god of letters and of all learning.
They crashed into the Persian army with tremendous force
From their camp on a hill above the plain of Marathon, the Greeks looked down upon the vast army of the Persians. For several days no battle was fought, the Persians being unable to attack the Athenians without danger as they were on the hill. At length Miltiades, whom the other nine generals were willing to follow, resolved to wait no longer. He ordered his men to advance at a sharp run down the hill and to charge the enemy. When they had started, the soldiers could not stop themselves. Quicker and quicker they ran, until, when they reached the plain, they crashed into the Persian army with tremendous force.
Theseus - Hyppolita - Deinomache
Theatrum at Aspendus
The World as known to its first historian
The world as known to Herodotus is shown by the white part of this map, indicating the limited range of ancient geographical knowledge.
The Wind-god sent a gust from the South
Then an ugly passion, named jealousy, awoke in the heart of the god, for he too loved the little hunter Hyacinthus, and would fain have been in Apollo’s place. Zephyrus tarried a while to watch the friends. Once as Apollo flung his disc high into the air, the Wind-god sent a gust from the south which blew the quoit aside. He meant only to annoy Apollo, but Hyacinthus was standing by, so that the quoit struck him violently on the forehead. The lad fell to the ground, and soon he was faint from loss of blood. In vain Apollo tried to staunch the wound; nothing he could do was of any use. Little by little the boy’s strength ebbed away, and the Sun-god knew that the lad would never hunt or play again on earth. Hyacinthus was dead.
The weighing of the heart of the scribe Ani in the Balance in the presence of the gods
The weighing of the heart of the scribe Ani in the Balance in the presence of the gods.
The Villa Rustica near Boscoreale
A. Court. 1, 5. Cistern curbs. 2. Wash basin of masonry. 3. Lead reservoir from which water was conducted to the reservoir in the kitchen supplying the bath. 4. Steps leading to the reservoir. B. Kitchen. 1. Hearth. 2. Reservoir containing water for the bath. 3. Stairway to rooms over the bath. 4. Entrance to cellar under the inner end of the first wine press, in which were the fastenings of the standard of the press beam. C-F. Bath. C. Furnace room. D. Apodyterium. E. Tepidarium. F. Caldarium. H. Stable. J. Tool Room. K, L. Sleeping Rooms. N. Dining Room. M. Anteroom. O. Bakery. 1. Mill. 2. Oven. P. Room with Two Wine Presses. 1, 1. Foundations of the presses. 2, 2, 2. Receptacles for the grape juice, dolia. 3. Cistern for the product of the second pressing, lacus. 4. Holes for the standards of the press beams. 5, 5. Holes for the posts at the ends of the two windlasses used in raising and lowering the press beams. 6. Pit affording access to the framework by which the windlass posts were tied down. Q. Corridor. 1. Round vats, dolia. R. Court for the Fermentation of Wine. 1. Channel for the fresh grape juice coming from P. 2. Fermentation vats, dolia. 3. Lead kettle over a fireplace. 4. Cistern curb. S. Barn, nubilarium (?). T. Threshing Floor, area. U. Open Cistern for the Water falling on the Threshing Floor. V-V. Sleeping Rooms. W. Entrance to Cellar under the Inner End of the Second Wine Press; see B. 4. X. Room with Hand Mill. Y. Room with Oil Press. 1. Foundation of the press. 2. Hole for the standard of the press beam. 3. Entrance to cellar with appliances for securing the press beam. 4. Holes for the windlass posts. 5. Hole affording access to the fastenings of the windlass posts. 6. Receptacle for the oil, gemellar. Z. Room containing the Olive Crusher.
The Toga Praetexta
The toga was draped on the figure by starting with point A at the left foot; the straight edge was taken over the left shoulder and arm, B. It was then passed across the back, and hung loose under the right arm, D, across the chest, over the left shoulder and arm again, E, with the remaining portion hanging down the back, finishing at point F. Having arranged the toga as described, it will be found that the straight edge at D under the right arm can be made, by turning it over, to form a second piece of curved drapery over the right upper leg. This is called the "sinus." Also, if the straight edge of the first portion (which passes over the left shoulder at B) is pulled out, and pouched over the top part which also crosses the left shoulder, the draped effect is obtained. This part, called the "umbo," was often used to envelop the right hand. The loose portion c at the back of the right shoulder was often drawn up over the shoulder, and attached to the belt at the waist, so as to form a sort of sleeve. It was also the custom to utilise this loose portion c alternatively as a head-covering; and it was in use for this purpose during all religious ceremonies—it also served as a protection from bad weather. The toga praetexta was used by noble youths. It had a straight band of purple or scarlet on the white toga. This toga praetexta, according to tradition, was also worn exclusively by kings at an earlier period. In later Republican times it was the distinctive garment worn by the higher magistrates (curule) and senators. It was awarded as a badge of `rank`.
The Sun-God of Edfu
Another important centre of the worship of the sun god, was Edfu in Upper Egypt, where even now his temple stands complete. Here originated the remarkable figure of the god which represents him as the sun with multicoloured wings as he flies across the heavens triumphant over his enemies. This figure of Horus of Edfu (or, as he was usually styled, he of Edfu) is placed over the gateways of the temples to keep out all evil things.
The suite of Sargon 2
The suite of Sargon
The Street of Tombs
The Street of Tombs 24. Villa of Diomedes. 16-23. Tombs—Group III. 16. Unfinished tomb. 17. Tomb of Umbricius Scaurus. 18. Round tomb. 19. Sepulchral enclosure. 20. Tomb of Calventius Quietus. 21. Sepulchral enclosure of Istacidius Helenus. 22. Tomb of Naevoleia Tyche. 23. Triclinium Funebre. 5-15. So-called Villa of Cicero. 1-4 a. Tombs—Group I. 1. Sepulchral niche of Cerrinius Restitutus. 2. Sepulchral bench of A. Veius. 3. Tomb of M. Porcius. 4. Sepulchral bench of Mamia. 4 a. Tomb of the Istacidii. A. Herculaneum Gate. C. Bay Road. KEY TO THE RIGHT SIDE 33-43. Tombs—Group IV. 33. Unfinished tomb. 34. Tomb with the marble door. 35. Unfinished tomb. 36. Sepulchral enclosure with small pyramids. 37. Tomb of Luccius Libella. 38. Tomb of Ceius Labeo. 39. Tomb without a name. 40. Sepulchral niche of Salvius. 41. Sepulchral niche of Velasius Gratus. 42. Tomb of M. Arrius Diomedes. 43. Tomb of Arria. 31-32. Samnite Graves. 10-30. Villa. 10, 11, 13, 14. Shops. 12. Garden belonging to Tombs 8 and 9. 15. Street entrance of Inn. 16-28. Rooms belonging to the Inn. 29-30. Potter's establishment. 1-9. Tombs—Group II. 1. Tomb without a name. 2. Sepulchral enclosure of Terentius Felix. 3, 4. Tombs without names. 5. Sepulchral enclosure. 6. Garland tomb. 7. Sepulchral enclosure. 8. Tomb of the Blue Glass Vase. 9. Sepulchral niche. A. Herculaneum Gate. B. City Wall. D. Road along City Wall. E-E. Vesuvius Road.
The soul of Rā
The soul of Rā (1) meeting the soul of Osiris (2) in Tattu, The cat (i.e., Rā) by the Persea tree (3) cutting off the head of the serpent which typified night.
The Soul - front view
The Soul - back view
The Sky as a cow
The Sky as a cow, supported by Shu and other gods. Across her body are the stars, and the barks of the sun. (Tomb of Seti I)
The Pyramids of Gizeh
The Peplos
The peplos was the chief garment of the Achaean women of the early Archaic Period (circa 1200-600 B.C.). In shape it was a rectangular piece of material, often heavily embroidered and consequently of a solid texture. It was put on in the manner of the Doric chiton, but being made of more substantial stuff it was wrapped tightly round the figure without folds, girded at the waist and open up one side, the top part falling back over the chest and back. It was fastened on the shoulders, and often down the side,by large pins.
The Paenula
A cloak of cloth copied from the Greek peasants. It was in common use among all classes, both men and women, as a travelling or rain cloak, and was an important garment with the peasantry. In colour it was dark, and in shape a semicircle with the straight edges fastened down the centre-front, converting it into a bell or funnel. Alternatively, the edges were sewn together down the front; but in either case it fitted close round the figure. A hole was left for the head, which was usually encircled with a hood.
The multitude saluted him with loud acclamations
For two years, from 409 b.c. to 407 b.c., Alcibiades stayed at the Hellespont retaking cities which had thrown off their allegiance to Athens and joined Sparta. Then feeling that now he might return with glory, he set sail for Athens. Plutarch tells us that as Alcibiades drew near to the Piræus he was afraid to venture on shore, until he saw friends waiting to welcome him: ‘As soon as he was landed the multitude who came out to meet him scarcely seemed so much as to see any of the other captains, but came in throngs about Alcibiades and saluted him with loud acclamations, and still followed him; those who could press near him crowned him with garlands, and they who could not come up so close, yet stayed to behold him afar off, and the old men pointed him out and showed him to the young ones.’
The Lighthouse of the Harbor of Alexandria in the Hellenistic Age
Alexander died in Babylon when not quite thirty-three years old. In actual and immediate achievement he surpassed perhaps every other man who has ever lived. He founded an empire which he himself had conceived and developed, which covered nearly all the then known world, and which, though it was composed mainly of barbarous and semi-barbarous people, was dominated by Greek thought. It is true that the empire fell apart almost immediately after Alexander died. But it did not fall into anarchy, or revert to its previous state: it was divided into four parts, each of which was distinct, self-governing and well organized. The two larger parts, the kingdom of the Seleucidæ, which occupied approximately the territory of Persia, and the kingdom of the Ptolomies, or Egypt, continued as torch-bearers to civilization for many centuries thereafter. Of the two, the former was the larger and was probably the better, from an administrative point of view; but Egypt represented the finer civilization; for Alexandria, with its library and its wonderful museum, became the seat of learning and the resort of the scholars of the world, and the centre of the Hellenistic civilization that followed that of Greece.
The lady Touî, statuette in wood
The Kolobus, 400-146 B. C.
The figure represents a man of this particular epoch (400-146 B.C.) wearing the kolobus ornamented with bands of embroidery. It is girded at the waist, and a himation of small dimensions is draped over the left shoulder, ready for the other end to be thrown over it. He wears the pilos and his hair has been allowed to grow longer than heretofore, in accordance with the new fashion of this age. If this young man had desired to be in the height of fashion, he would have had long close-fitting sleeves added to his kolobus.
The King Sargon and his Grand Vizier
The Ionic Chiton
The costume of these people consisted practically of only two garments for men and women alike—nothing more than rectangular pieces of material—but the manner of wearing them required care, management and perfect taste. These garments were called by the Greeks: THE CHITON and THE HIMATION, but are commonly known to us as "The Tunic" and "The Mantle." The last six centuries B.C. and the nineteenth and twentieth centuries A.D. share a distinction in the history of costume, as being the only periods in which women have dominated the fashions. The women were compelled by law to change their attire, as it was found that the large pins by which the earlier "peplos"* was fastened proved dangerous weapons in the hands of infuriated women, whereas the Ionic chiton generally required no pins.