Ancient Civilizations

TERRACOTTA ARMY located near Xi’an, in Shaanxi Province, central China 🇨🇳
It was built over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. The army includes over 8000 of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, each uniquely crafted, originally painted, and arranged in battle formations within large underground pits, which has not yet been fully excavated.
Crafted from terracotta (baked clay) in parts (head, torso, arms, legs) and assembled. Faces were likely modeled on real people or made with molds and later individualized.
Reflects the emperor’s desire for immortality and protection in the afterlife.

These figures were originally sheltered under wooden beam roofs, which collapsed over time due to decay and the weight of the soil above, leaving many of the warriors broken and buried. When the site was rediscovered in 1974, by local farmers digging a well. Archeologists began careful excavation and restoration work. Today, the warriors are protected under modern museum buildings that preserve and display this extraordinary archaeological wonder.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(All photos and video by Sally Jo)

Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, is indeed one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, boasting a history spanning over 6,000 years. The Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to this long history, situated at the heart of the city and considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements globally.

The jade death mask of Maya king Kinich Janaab Pakal,
c. 683 CE, Palenque.
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

The Great Sphinx of Giza conceals an enigmatic shaft atop its head, fueling speculation about hidden chambers or secret passages. Despite ongoing investigation, the true purpose of this mystery remains uncertain. This enigmatic feature captivates historians, archaeologists, and explorers, contributing to the allure of the Sphinx as one of history's most fascinating monuments. Its secrets continue to intrigue and inspire, sustaining a legacy of exploration and curiosity

Bateshwar group of temples, near Morena, Madhya Pradesh, India

The Bateshwar temples (or Batesara, Bateśvar) are a group of nearly 200 sandstone temples and their ruins in north Madhya Pradesh in post-Gupta, early Gurjara-Pratihara style of North Indian temple architecture. It is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Gwalior and about 30 kilometres (19 mi) east of Morena town. The temples are mostly small and spread over about 25 acres (10 ha) site. They are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti - representing the three major traditions within Hinduism. The site is within the Chambal River valley ravines, on the north-western slope of a hill near Padavali known for its major medieval era Vishnu temple. The Bateshwar temples were built between the 8th and the 10th-century. The site is likely named after the Bhuteshvar Temple, the largest Shiva temple at the site. It is also referred to as Batesvar temples site or Batesara temples site.

The temples as they now appear are in many cases reconstructed from the fallen stones in a project begun by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2005.

Soul of Africa Museum
SOUL OF AFRICA MUSEUM COLLECTION
Copyright SOAM
African masks in the VOODOO RAINBOW exhibition
www.soul-of-africa.com

This immense mosaic dates back to the late Roman period, specifically the 4th century CE, showcasing the empire’s artistic and architectural grandeur.

The mosaic was discovered during excavations beneath a hotel construction site, revealing a remarkably well-preserved relic beneath modern Antakya.

Its intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors reflect the refined aesthetic sensibilities of Roman artisans of the era.

Experts believe the mosaic once adorned a grand public building or a ceremonial hall, serving both decorative and symbolic purposes.

Unlike typical Roman mosaics, this masterpiece appears to have remained largely intact despite centuries of earthquakes and urban development.

The sheer scale and craftsmanship of the piece suggest Antakya’s importance as a cultural and economic hub in the eastern Roman Empire.

Portions of the mosaic seem to exhibit Hellenistic influences, revealing a fusion of Greek and Roman artistic traditions.

Its discovery has transformed our understanding of urban design and luxury in Roman provincial cities.

Today, the mosaic is preserved in place and showcased inside the Antakya Museum Hotel, where visitors can walk above it on glass platforms, witnessing history beneath their feet.
Image credit to respective owner.

2,000 years old tree.El Árbol del Tule is a massive Ahuehuete cypress tree in Santa María del Tule, Mexico, known for its immense size and age. It's considered one of the widest trees on Earth, with a trunk diameter of 10 meters and a circumference of 54 meters. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, it has witnessed centuries of history.
The tree is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to marvel at its size and the stories etched into its bark. Locals also value it as a symbol of endurance and a natural beauty.

A Roman clay oil lamp found in a grave. No further information was provided. It is on display in the D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeology Museum in Braga, Portugal.

Green steatite figurine know as Venus de Losange or Venus el Rombo (the rhomboid or diamond shaped Venus) from Balzi Rossi. Dated ca 24,000 – 19,000 BP, Upper Paleolithic period, Gravettian culture. It is 6.1 cm high and was found during excavations in 1883-1895 in Prince cave, Grimaldi, Italy.

Musée d'archéologie nationale, domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.

The Arch of Titus is one of Rome’s most fascinating yet often overlooked landmarks. Standing proudly near the Roman Forum, this triumphal arch has endured for nearly 2,000 years, quietly telling the story of a defining moment in Roman history.

Built around 81 CE, it commemorates Emperor Titus’s victory in the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Its detailed carvings show Roman soldiers carrying spoils from the Jewish temple, including the famed Menorah, making it one of the earliest depictions of that sacred symbol.

Though less grand than the Colosseum or the Pantheon, the Arch of Titus is a powerful window into Rome’s imperial past—a monument not just to victory, but to the enduring art of storytelling through stone.

The Temple of Hatshepsut, built between 1473-1458 BC, is a remarkable architectural achievement dedicated to the queen who ascended to the role of pharaoh. Located in Deir al-Bahar, this site not only exemplifies ancient Egyptian ingenuity but also highlights Hatshepsut's significant historical role as one of the few female pharaohs. Its grandeur and design continue to captivate visitors and researchers alike, making it a pivotal landmark in ancient history.