Images

Louis XIII of France (1601-1643), oil on canvas portrait by Philippe de Champaigne, 1635. Museo del Prado, Madrid.

The history of Chinese imperial rule traditionally begins with the semi-legendary Xia dynasty (traditionally dated c. 2070–1600 BCE) and unfolds through a succession of ruling houses that shaped one of the world’s most continuous state traditions...

The Edict of Nantes, guaranteeing religious freedom in France, issued by Henry IV of France in 1598. National Archives of France.

Portrait of Henry IV, King of France and Navarre (1553–1610), oil on canvas by Frans Pourbus the Younger, early 17th century. Palace of Versailles.

This map illustrates the Warring States period in Chinese history, a time of intense fragmentation and warfare spanning roughly from 475 BCE to 221 BCE. It marks the final centuries of the Zhou dynasty, during which its former vassal states...

Battle of Heiligerlee, 1568, drawing by F. Hogenberg, late 16th century. Groninger Archieven.

Allegory of the Tyranny of the Duke of Alba in the Netherlands, oil on panel by an unknown artist, c. 1622-1630. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Bullet holes in the wall from the assassination of William the Silent in 1584. Prinsenhof Museum, Delft, the Netherlands.

William the Silent (l. 1533-1584) also known as William I of Orange, oil on panel by Adriaen Thomasz Key, c. 1579. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Spanish attack on a Flemish village, oil on canvas by Peter Snayers (1592-1667). Friedenstein Castle, Gotha.