Images

The Neo-Assyrian Empire emerged out of a renewed phase of Assyrian state-building in northern Mesopotamia, transforming an earlier regional kingdom into a powerful, expansionist empire. Beginning with rulers such as Adad-nirari II (reign...

The Sealed Knot re-enactment group firing a cannon type typical of the artillery in the English Civil Wars (1642-51).

An early 17th-century illustration by Johann Jacob von Wallhausen showing the tactics of batteries of siege artillery to fire upon a specific point in the defensive fortifications.

The 17th-century mortar "Roaring Meg". On display at Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire, England.

Psyche Opening the Golden Box, painting by John William Waterhouse, 1904.

The Abduction of Psyche, oil on canvas painting by William-Adolphe Bougeureau, 1895. Private collection.

Wedding Banquet of Cupid and Psyche, fresco by Raphael, 1517. Villa Farnesina, Rome.

Cupid and Psyche, oil on canvas painting by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, c. 1707. Uffizi Art Gallery, Florence.

The Middle Assyrian Empire emerged amid the dynamic political realignments of the Ancient Near East during the Late Bronze Age, as Assyria reasserted its independence and rose from a regional kingdom into a formidable imperial power. Following...

Artistic depiction of Pre-Socratic philosopher Archelaus (fl. 5th century BCE) from the book Illustrium philosophorum et sapientum effigies ab eorum numistatibus extractae by Girolamo Olgiati, 1580.