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St. George & the Dragon by Uccello
Saint George & the Dragon, painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Paolo Uccello (1397-1475), created c. 1470.
National Gallery, London.

Definition
Oracle Bones
Oracle Bones (also known as Dragon's Bones) were the shoulder blades of oxen or plastrons of turtles (the flat underside of the turtle's shell) which were used in the Shang Dynasty of China (c. 1600-1046 BCE) for divination. The symbols carved...

Definition
Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan Dynasty was established by the Mongols and ruled China from 1271 to 1368. Their first emperor was Kublai Khan (r. 1260-1294) who finally defeated the Song Dynasty which had reigned in China since 960. Stability and peace within China...

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Crossbows in Ancient Chinese Warfare
The crossbow was introduced into Chinese warfare during the Warring States period (481-221 BCE). Developing over the centuries into a more powerful and accurate weapon, the crossbow also came in versions light enough to be fired with one...

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Chinese Lacquerware
Lacquer was a popular form of decoration and protective covering in ancient China. It was used to colour and beautify screens, furniture, bowls, cups, sculpture, musical instruments, and coffins, where it could be carved, incised, and inlaid...

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Dragon of the Ishtar Gate
A Babylonian mušḫuššu dragon, glazed tiles from the Ishtar Gate, which was constructed by Nebuchadnezzar II, c. 575 BCE.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums.

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Saint George & the Dragon by Donatello
A marble relief panel showing Saint George and the dragon by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello (c. 1386-1466 CE). Completed c. 1415 CE for the pedestal of a statue of the saint in the Orsanmichele in Florence. (Bargello, Florence)

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Saint George & the Dragon by Tintoretto
Saint George and the Dragon by the Italian Renaissance painter Tintoretto (1518-1594 CE). c. 1570 CE. (National Gallery, London)

Article
Most Popular Gods & Goddesses of Ancient China
There were over 200 gods and goddesses worshipped throughout ancient China, but if one were to count every deity or spirit, the number would be over 1,000. Each town, village, city, field, farm, and sometimes even separate plot in a graveyard...

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Pigs in Ancient China
Pigs (sometimes called “suids” of the suidae family) have long played an important part in Chinese culture. Pigs symbolize good fortune and happiness as they seem to live a care-free existence and have a long relationship with the humans...