A global, interconnected world is not as recent as we think.
These works of art all demonstrate cross-cultural relationships.
All content | across cultures
The Abduction of Helen Tapestry
An ancient Greek story on a tapestry made in China, for export back to Portugal.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan
Used for Friday prayer, this mosque stood at the center of Kairouan’s commercial, educational, and religious life.
Multilingualism along the Nile
When we think of the language of ancient Egypt, the first thing that springs to mind is hieroglyphs carved on temple and tomb walls, yet this could not be further from the truth.
A Still Life of Global Dimensions: Antonio de Pereda’s Still Life with Ebony Chest
In this still life, objects and customs from around the world converge around one delicious food: chocolate.
Musical imagery in the Global Middle Ages
Texts and images produced throughout the medieval world reveal that harp music could elicit powerful responses.
The Staff God at Chavín de Huántar and beyond
The image of a divine figure holding staffs or similar objects in its hands would persist in Andean art long past the time of Chavín.
Introduction to Chaco Canyon
Located in a high desert, Chaco’s residents dedicated much of their energy to controlling water for crops.
Gold and jade crown, Silla Kingdom
With its gold branches, this crown evokes a sacred tree. Jade ornaments represent fertility and abundance.
Temple of Baalshamin, Palmyra
A hybrid of eastern and western design, this temple showcased the cultural diversity and great wealth of Palmyra.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
