Alphabet Gallery

Initial page from the Lindisfarne Gospels, late 7th or early 8th century

Initial page from the Lindisfarne Gospels, late 7th or early 8th century. Gospel of St John the Evangelist, originally produced in Lindisfarne, North East England. Illustration from Illuminated Manuscripts in the British Museum, Miniatures, Borders, and Initials by George F Warner, series II, (British Museum, London, 1899)

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

cylinder seal depicting the naked hero, Gilgamesh wrestling with a lion

cylinder seal depicting the naked hero, "Gilgamesh" wrestling with a lion. In the centre a triple plant possibly a representation of the tree of life. The inscription names the son of Abilum, a scribe. Country of Origin: Mesopotamia. Culture: Akkadian Period: 2340-2180 BC Material: Agate. Credit Line: Werner Forman Archive/ British Museum, London

© Werner Forman Archive / Heritage-Images

The black obelisk of Shalmaneser III

The black obelisk of Shalmaneser III. The obelisk is attributed to the Assyrian king who receives the tribute of Jehu, king of Israel. The detail shows men driving an elephant and three monkeys, offerings to the Assyrian king. The bottom panel shows, according to inscription, tribute bearers carrying silver, gold, tin and wooden hunting spears. Culture: Assyrian. Date/Period: Late Assyrian 858-824 BC. Place of Origin: Nimrud, Assyria, Ancient Iraq. Material Size: Stone. Credit Line: Werner Forman Archive/ British Museum, London . Location: 11

© Werner Forman Archive / Heritage-Images