Art History
Ancient Greece
The Parthenon is the most famous surviving building of Ancient Greece and one of the most famous buildings in the world. The building has stood atop the Acropolis of Athens for nearly 2,500 years and was built to give thanks to Athena, the city's patron goddess.
Ancient Rome
"The Annunciation and the Nativity," detail of pulpit of Pisa Cathedral baptistery, by Nicola Pisano, 1259-1260. The marble relief displays an interest in Roman art and is similar the sculpture on ancient Roman sarcophagi.
Early Christian Byzantine Art
Jesus, above, is shown dressed as a Roman soldier but wearing royal purple and gold. He is "trampling" the devil (snake) as well as Rome (the lion), and is holding the scriptures which read "I am the way, the truth and the life." By the 5th Century, such a claim would have been acceptable.
Egyptian Art
Egyptian, Mask of King Tutankhamen, front and back, gold and inlaid stones, weight 11 kg, Cairo Museum, Egypt. The Egyptian pharoah named Tutankhamen reigned from 1347 to 1337 BCE (New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty). His tomb was opened in 1922.
Prehistoric Art
Earliest Art of Man, Lascaux (France), 18,000 Years before Present