The man, the legend and the mythology.
16 Photos
Beginning with a bodyguard to and then successor of Alexander the Great, whose descendants are co-founders of the Ptolemaic dynasty, they play a central role in Greco-Roman history.
10 Photos
Zoroaster, or Zarathustra, or Zarthosht, was the prophet who began the religion of Zoroastrianism, of which the fire altar is an important symbol. It represents the enduring energy of the creator, Ahura Mazda, and is the focus (but not the object) of prayer.
7 Photos
In Greek mythology the sun was personified as Helios. Homer often calls him simply Titan or Hyperion, while Hesiod (Theogony 371) and the Homeric Hymn separate him as a son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia (Hesiod) or Euryphaessa (Homeric Hymn) and brother of the goddesses Selene, the moon, and Eos, the dawn. The names of these three were also the common Greek words for sun, moon and dawn. As time passed, Helios was increasingly identified with the god of light, Apollo. The equivalent of Helios in Roman mythology was Sol, specifically Sol Invictus.
28 Photos
The three hares is a circular motif which appears in sacred sites from the Middle and Far East to the churches of south west England (where it is often referred to as the Tinners’ Rabbits), and many historical synagogues in Europe. It has been used as an architectural icon, a religious symbol, and modernly as a work of art or a logo for adornment (including tattoos). It is also viewed as a puzzle or a problem in topology or human perception.
15 Photos
The lotus is an Asian water lily known for the delicate beauty of its water flowers. It possesses an amazing ability to flourish in a variety of environments ranging from clear ponds to muddy marshes. The East Indian lotus, N. nucifera, found in southern Asia, was introduced into Egypt about 2,500 years ago but is no longer found in the Nile region. The Buddhists of India, Tibet, and China consider its flowers sacred. The Lotus is seen everywhere in ancient Egyptian tombs and temples, often held in the hands of gods and royalty.
4 Photos
Astrology combined mathematics, astronomy and mythology. Trade goods such as gems have their own symbolism. Hellenisation brought the zodiac to the wider world.
10 Photos
Built by Darius I in Kharga Oasis, Egypt and completed by Darius II, with Ptolemaic decorations and both Roman and Christian additions.
13 Photos
Archaeological evidence for Asians - notably Indians - in the Greco-Roman world, including Egypt and Italy.
20 Photos
The Hellenistic period settlement was constructed during the reign of John Hyrcanus, 134-104 BCE or somewhat later, and was occupied most of the time until it was destroyed by the Romans in 68 CE or shortly after. It is best known as the settlement nearest to the hiding place of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the caves of the sheer desert cliffs and beneath, in the marl terrace.
36 Photos
10 Photos
The mysteries of Mithras (also Mithraism) was a mystery religion centered on the god Mithras, which became popular among the military in the Roman Empire, from the 1st to 4th centuries CE.
28 Photos
Usually buried in a building's foundation, magic bowls were designed to protect a house and its inhabitants from devils and evildoers. Opinion differs as to the actual ritual associated with these incantation bowls, but it is generally believed that they were thought to entrap and reject evil powers.
8 Photos
During the Middle Ages, the rose seen as the queen of flowers, symbol of the Virgin Mary, representing romance, religion, healing. The rose symbolizes the Virgin Mary (white roses in Paradise are said to have blushed red when she kissed them). In the early Middle Ages, roses were frowned upon because they were associated with the excesses of pagan Rome. Romans wore wreaths of roses while feasting to cool their minds, guarding against the drunken betrayal of secrets. Thus the rose had been a symbol of discretion.
8 Photos
Follow Us!