Pre col: Did you mean...?

Join us as we explore the philosophy of Thales, who said the entire world was made of water! This video is the first in a series covering Western Philosophy from the Pre-Socratics to the 21st century. Coming up next: Anaximander and Anaximenes...

A map highlighting the areas of settlement of various pre-Columbian civilizations in the northern areas of South America such as the Muisca, Tairona, and Quimbaya

Display of pots at Tucume Museum, Peru. The pots were found during an excavation of the pre-Inca civilisations in Northern Peru. Dates unknown. Photo taken by Hilary Bradt and used with permission.

Pre-Columbian Pottery, Jade Museum, San Jose, Costa Rica,

Extraordinarily well-preserved murals, dating from pre-Inca times, depicting stylised marine scenes. The photo was taken by Hilary Bradt and used with permission. Date of photo unknown.

This is a Pre-Columbian Wari kero (drinking cup) is painted and made from clay. It comes from what is present-day Peru, and it dates from c. 600-900 CE. Painted in shades of purple, orange, white, and black, this cup has a highly stylized...

This large head is that of a masculine divinity in the style of Pre Rup. It comes from what is present-day Cambodia. It is made from sandstone and dates from the third quarter of the 10th century CE, but its exact provenance is unknown. (Musée...

Details of what chariots, war elephants and cavalry would have looked like in the 5th century BCE. In all probability, this is how the Magadhan soldiers looked. Details taken from the “War over the Buddha’s Relics” sculpture. Location: South...

A church altar from Jacobstow Church, Cornwall, England. During the English Reformation and reign of Edward VI of England (r. 1547-53 CE), the altar, like many others, was removed to be replaced by a communion table.

A painting of the British Crown Jewels used before the English Civil Wars (1642-51). These were broken up and sold off following the execution of Charles I of England in 1649.