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Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II
Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II

Winged, human-headed bulls served as guardians of the city and its palace—walking by, they almost seem to move.

Temple of Portunus, Rome
Temple of Portunus, Rome

This small temple is a rare surviving example from the Roman Republic. It is both innovative and traditional.

Warka Vase
Warka Vase

One of the most precious artifacts from Sumer, the Warka Vase was looted and almost lost forever.

Nasca Geoglyphs
Nasca Geoglyphs

These images carved into the desert floor cannot be truly appreciated from the ground—so who were they made for?

Cuneiform Tablets
Cuneiform Tablets

These records tell us a great deal about the ancient world, with topics ranging from receipts to school assignments.

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (Libya)
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (Libya)

Images on rocks in the Sahara provide a glimpse into the development of humans in this now barren land.

Benin plaque: <em>Equestrian Oba and Attendants</em>
Benin plaque: Equestrian Oba and Attendants

This plaque depicting the Oba (king) and his imperial retinue hung outside the palace, detailing dynastic history.

<em>Capitoline Brutus</em>
Capitoline Brutus

Once identified as the founder of the Roman Republic, debate over this figure’s true identity rages on.

Thutmose, <em>Model Bust of Queen Nefertiti</em>
Thutmose, Model Bust of Queen Nefertiti

Found in an artist’s studio, this stunning bust exemplifies a change in style, and may have been an early prototype.

Otto Wagner, Postal Savings Bank
Otto Wagner, Postal Savings Bank

Wagner was no fan of the superfluous, and believed that every aspect of a building should be functional.

Bamiyan Buddhas
Bamiyan Buddhas

These colossal figures presided over the Bamiyan Valley for over 1000 years; the Taliban demolished them in 2001.

Aztec feathered headdress
Aztec feathered headdress

The Mexica were long-distance traders, and Tenochtitlan received luxury goods from distant conquered cities.

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