2nd-3rd c. AD, Mougins Museum of Classical Art.

Tullie House Museum.

Biton, Argive youth

Delphi Museum

Archaic Period, c. 610-580 BCE

2.15m (7ft) tall

One of a pair of large kouroi (statues of youths) dedicated by the Argives (the people living near Sparta) to the god Apollo in his sanctuary at Delphi.

These statues mark the very beginning of the archaic period of Greek art. They have a slightly stiff and stylized posture, geometric simplification, enigmatic smiles, large almond-shaped eyes, and hair woven into dreadlocks or stylized, regular curls.

©2005 Ellen Brundige

For the myth of Biton and his brother Kleobis (plus another photo), see my Ancient Greek Odyssey: A Traveller's Journal Part IV.

For more information on Kouroi, see this excellent page on kouroi by Minott Kerr.

Ara Pacis, Rome.

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]"

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

Persepolis, Iran

These elaborate and well preserved Fremont Culture petroglyphs are located in a canyon in the Utah desert. They are among the best preserved pre-Columbian petroglyphs in the United States. This group is from the early Fremont Period, around 2,500 B.C.

(map location is not exact)

From the exhibit "Inside Ancient Egypt" at the Field Museum, Chicago Illinois.

Exhibit web site:

www.fieldmuseum.org/happening/exhibits/inside-ancient-egypt

Main Field Museum web site:

www.fieldmuseum.org

Fragment of a relief: Akhenaten makes sacrifices to the god Aten

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty,

ca 1345 BC, Amarna

Painted Limestone

5th-6th c. AD, Antioch.

Dumbarton Oaks Museum.

National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆)

Beijing, China

The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Shang Dynasty and preceded the Qin Dynasty. Although the Zhou Dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history, the actual political and military control of China by the Ji family lasted only until 771 BC, a period known as the Western Zhou.

During the Zhou Dynasty, the use of iron was introduced to China, though this period of Chinese history produced what many consider the zenith of Chinese bronze-ware making. The dynasty also spans the period in which the written script evolved into its modern form with the use of an archaic clerical script that emerged during the late Warring States period. – Wikipedia

2406

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

Persepolis, Iran

A frontal view of the east pediment sculptures of the Parthenon in the British Museum

contexttravel.com/city/london/walking-tour-details/britis...

1st c. AD, Ravenna.

Venice National Archaeology Museum.

Need numismatic photography for your auctions, books, advertising or promotion? Check out our huge online gallery of numismatic images and get a quote today at HipShot photography

Mauritius was a British Crown Colony off the Southeast coast of Africa.

Formerly part of the French colonial empire, British rule in Mauritius was established de facto with the Invasion of Isle de France in November 1810, and de jure by the subsequent Treaty of Paris.

British rule ended on 12 March 1968, when Mauritius became independent.

Obverse

Queen Victoria facing left

Lettering: VICTORIA QUEEN

Engraver: Leonard Charles Wyon

Reverse

2 in beaded circle

Lettering:

· MAURITIUS ·

TWO CENTS 1883

You can create your own elephant art or wall art using these wooden printing blocks carved from India. Here at Colouricious we have been block printing to make progress on our elephant designed quilt. To see more on these wooden printing blocks for textile printing go to www.colouricious.com/shop/craft-ideas-elephants

3rd c. AD, Constanta.

Constanta Archaeology & History Museum.

Gulf coast region

900-300 B.C.

Jadeite, cinnabar

An excellent example of the Olmec style, which is largely centered on the depiction of human faces and figures, sometiems with supernatural or animal attributes such as markings and fangs. Jaguar and dragon elements are common and both are present in this object.

The incisions above the right eye depict a being with human and jaguar attributes, signifying great spiritual power. The mouth is enclosed by an upside-down u, which is the mark of the dragon god and is specifically linked to kingship and strength. Within the space defined by the u, over the lips, is a cross, also part of the dragon motif, plus four dots, which represent maize seeds. These appear with a bar, incised on the chin, and are tied to the four cardinal directions, of essential importance to this culture and symbolic of the ruler's ability to unify the cosmos and provide for his people.

_________

Nice use of this image here:

laurashefler.net/arthistory2010/?p=276

Visit my new stock photo repository for a selection of my best Creative Commons licensed images.

Need numismatic photography for your auctions, books, advertising or promotion? Check out our huge online gallery of numismatic images and get a quote today at HipShot photography

Lucilla- This Roman coin is in pretty rough shape. After all, it has been kicking around for over 18 centuries, but even still, I really like the texture on it. Photographically, it presented a few challenges. This coin has a very matte surface so it absorbs all the light. When it's photographed, even with a combination of side and frontal lighting, as I used, the relief on the coin was barley visible. To bring out the bust out of the background I had to dodge and burn different areas of the image.

Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla or Lucilla (March 7, 148 or 150 – 182)

In light of her brother's unstable rule, in 182 Lucilla became involved in a plot to assassinate Commodus and replace him with her husband and herself as the new rulers of Rome. Her co-conspirators included Tarrutenius Paternus, the head of the Imperial Guard, her daughter Plautia from her first marriage, a nephew of Quintianus also called Quintianus, and her paternal cousins, the former consul Marcus Ummidius Quadratus Annianus and his sister Ummidia Cornificia Faustina.

Quintianus' nephew, brandishing a dagger or sword, bungled the assassination attempt. As he burst forth from his hiding place to commit the deed, he boasted to Commodus "Here is what the Senate sends to you", giving away his intentions before he had the chance to act. Commodus's guards were faster and the would-be assassin was overpowered without injuring the emperor.

Commodus ordered the deaths of Quintianus' nephew and of Marcus Ummidius Quadratus Annianus, and banished Lucilla, her daughter and Ummidia Cornificia Faustina to the Italian island of Capri. He sent a centurion there to execute them later that year. Her son Pompeianus was later murdered by Caracalla.

Making a Crest from an existing tattoo. This young sailor had most of his work applied in Texas. He is in Virginia for a school and then on to Newport, RI. I asked if I could take the photo, he gave his permission. Coyote, at Ancient Art in Hampton, is doing this work.

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

According to Donald N. Wilber's book Persepolis, The Archaeology of Parsa, Seat of the Persian Kings, this panel "shows Hindush (Indians). All but the leader are bare-chested and barefooted and wear the familiar dhoti. They bring baskets containing vases, carry axes, and drive along a donkey."

Persepolis, Iran

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

Persepolis, Iran

Head of Roman emperor Nero

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

According to Donald N. Wilber's book Persepolis, The Archaeology of Parsa, Seat of the Persian Kings, this panel "shows the Huja (Susians), clad in the candys and with the fillet around the hair. One of them restrains a leashed lioness, who turns her head to snarl at two men, each of whom carries one of her cubs. The tribute includes bows ending in ducks' heads and sheathed daggers."

Persepolis, Iran

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

Persepolis, Iran

Taken at the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Arte INBA) in Mexico City

www.artotems.com

Piazza Castello è così: dove ti giri scopri delle meraviglie!

Questa è la cupola di San Lorenzo, il sommo capolavoro del Guarino Guarini.

Da vedere!!!

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

According to Donald N. Wilber's book Persepolis, The Archaeology of Parsa, Seat of the Persian Kings, this panel "shows the Bakhtrish (Bactrians), who are dressed in Median-like coats and gathered trousers and leading [a] Bactrian camel."

Persepolis, Iran

Baths of Neptune, Ostia.

Semi finished Sculpture

The Gent is a Scientist and came up with a really unique sleeve design and Matt Schroeder drew it up and is making his concept come to life.

2nd c. AD.

Venice National Archaeology Museum.

2nd c. BC, Rome.

Palazzo Massimo.

Drawn and inked by Josh Shortridge of Ancient Art Tattoo Studio (Hampton, Virginia). It is on the back of my left arm/shoulder. It is facing towards my back and is black and grey because I am doing all black line on my back and mostly color on my front side. I love the way Josh does hair and I can't wait for the rose to heal so the red color will be gone.

Tomorrow I am going to a Tattoo Festival - Bringing my camera - ought to get some good photos.

This coin has the rare inscription of DIVI AUG PRON in year IIII of his short reign.

If you are interested in Julio Claudian Iconography and portrait study you may enjoy these two links:

Julio Claudian Iconographic Association- Joe Geranio- Administrator at groups.yahoo.com/group/julioclaudian/

The Portraiture of Caligula- Joe Geranio- Administrator- at

portraitsofcaligula.com/

Both are non-profit sites and for educational use only.For more on Caligulan Numismatic Articles see: Coins courtesy cngoins.com

Related Articles of Caligula from American Numismatic Society Library Search

Library Catalog Search (Preliminary Version)

Full Record: Barrett, Anthony A. The invalidation of currency in the Roman Empire : the Claudian demonetization of Caligula's AES. (1999)

Full Record: Bost, Jean-Pierre. Routes, cits et ateliers montaires : quelques remarques sur les officines hispaniques entre les rgnes d'Auguste en de Caligula. (1999)

Full Record: Bibliothque Municipale d'Etude et d'Information de Grenoble. Grenoble : Bibliothque Municipale d'Etude et d'Information : catalogue des monnaies. II. Monnaies romaines. Monnaies impriales romaines. 2. Caligula - Neron . Index. / Bernard Rmy, Frdric Bontoux, Virginie Risler. (1998)

Full Record: Gainor, John R. The image of the Julio-Claudian dynasty from coins / by John R. Gainor.

Full Record: Martini, Rodolfo. Monete romane imperiali del Museo G. B. Adriani. Parte 3, Caius (37-41 d.C.) / Rodolfo Martini. (2001)

Full Record: ACCLA privy to presentation by Richard Baker on Caligula. (2002)

Full Record: Wend, David A. Caligula, the emperor as autocrat. Part 1. (2002)

Full Record: Wend, David A. Caligula, the emperor as autocrat. Part 2. (2002)

Full Record: Wend, David A. Caligula, the emperor as autocrat. Part 3. (2002)

Full Record: Kemmers, Fleur. Caligula on the Lower Rhine : Coin finds from the Roman Fort of Albaniana (The Netherlands) / Fleur Kemmers. (2004)

Full Record: Estiot, Sylviane. Le trsor de Meussia (Jura) : 399 monnaies d'argent d'poques rpublicaine et julio-claudienne / Sylviane Estiot, Isabelle Aymar. (2002)

Full Record: Gocht, Hans. Namenstilgungen an Bronzemünzen des Caligula und Claudius / Hans Gocht. (2003)

Full Record: Gomis Justo, Marivi. Ercavica : La emision de Caligula. Estimacion del numero de cunos originales.

Full Record: Sayles, Wayne G. Fakes on the Internet. (2002)

Full Record: Kemmers, Fleur. The coin finds from the Roman fort Albaniana, the Netherlands / Fleur Kemmers . (2005)

Full Record: Lopez Snchez, Fernando. La afirmacion soberana de Caligula y de Claudio y el fin de las acunaciones ciudadanas en occidente / Fernando Lopez Snchez. (2000)

Full Record: Besombes, Paul-Andr. Les monnaies hispaniques de Claude Ier des dpôts de la Vilaine (Rennes) et de Saint-Lonard (Mayenne) : tmoins de quel type de contact entre l'Armorique et la pninsule ibrique ? / Paul-Andr Besombes. (2005)

Full Record: Catalli, Fiorenzo. Le thesaurus de Sora / Fiorenzo Catalli et John Scheid.

Full Record: Giard, Jean-Baptiste. Faux deniers de Caligula de la Renaissance.

Full Record: Vermeule, Cornelius. Faces of Empire (Julius Caesar to Justinian). Part II(B), More young faces : Caligula again and Nero reborn / Cornelius Vermeule. (2005)

Full Record: Geranio, Joe. Portraits of Caligula : the seated figure? / Joe Geranio. (2007)

Full Record: Aguilera Hernandez, Alberto. Acerca de un as de Caligula hallado en Zaragoza / Alberto Aguilera Hernandez. (2007)

Full Record: Butcher, K. E. T. Caligula : the evil emperor. (1985)

Full Record: Fuchs, Michaela. Frauen um Caligula und Claudius : Milonia Caesonia, Drusilla und Messalina. (1990)

Full Record: Faur, Jean-Claude. Moneda de Caligula de Museo Arqueologico Provincial de Tarragona. (1979)

Full Record: British Museum. Dept. of coins and medals. Coins of the Roman Empire in the British museum. Vol. I: Augustus to Vitellius / by Harold Mattingly. (1976)

Full Record: Conrad, Edwin. A Caligula Isotope of Hadrian. (1968)

Full Record: Conrad, Edwin. The Metamorphosis of an Allegad 'As of Hadrian.' (1968)

Full Record: Bendall, Simon. A 'new' gold quinarius of Caligula. (1985)

Full Record: Cortellini, Nereo. Le monete di Caligola nel Cohen.

Full Record: Guey, Julien. Les "bains d'or" de Caligula "Immensi Avreorvm Acervi (Sutone, Cal., 42,3).

Full Record: Guey, J. Les "bains d'or" de Caligula : Sutone, Cal. 42, 3.

Full Record: Curry, Michael R. The Aes Quadrans of Caligula. (1968)

Full Record: Jonas, Elemr. L'emploi dar "damnatio memoriae" sur l'un des "dupondius" de Calgula. (1937)

Full Record: Julian, R. W. The coins of Caligula. (1994)

Full Record: Donciu, Ramiro. Cu privire la activitatea militara a lui Caius (Caligula) in anul 40 e.n. (1983)

Full Record: Hansen, Peter. A history of Caligula's Vesta. (1992)

Full Record: Kaenel, Hans-Markus von. Augustus, Caligula oder Caludius? (1978)

Full Record: Kaenel, Hans-Markus von. Die Organisation der Münzprgung Caligulas. (1987)

Full Record: Johansen, Flemming S. The sculpted portraits of Caligula. (1987)

Full Record: Carter, G. F. Chemical compositions of copper-based Roman coins. V : imitations of Caligula, Claudius, and Nero / G. F. Carter and others. (1978)

Full Record: Giard, Jean-Baptiste. L'atelier de Lyon sous Auguste : Tibre et Caligula. (1979)

Full Record: Giard, Jean-Baptiste. Les missions d'or et d'argent de Caligula dans l'atelier de Lyon. (1976)

Full Record: Giard, Jean-Baptiste. Le monnayage de l'atelier de Lyon des origines au rgne de Caligula (43 avant J.-C. - 41 aprs J.-C.). (1983)

Full Record: Nony, D. Quelques as d'imitation de Caligula trouves a Bordeaux (Gironde). (1981)

Full Record: Levy, Brooks Emmons. Caligula's radiate crown. (1988)

Full Record: Poulsen, Vagn. Un nouveau visage de Caligula. (1972)

Full Record: Price, Martin Jessop. Elephant in Crete? New light ona cistophorus of Caligula. (1973)

Full Record: MacInnis, H. Frank. Ego-driven emperor commits excesses. (1979)

Full Record: McKenna, Thomas P. The case of the curious coin of Caligula : a provincial bronze restruck with legend-only dies. (1994)

Full Record: Mowat, Robert. Bronzes remarquables de Tibre, de son fils, de ses petits-fils et de Caligula. (1911)

Full Record: Koenig, Franz E. Roma, monete dal Tevere : l'imperatore Gaio (Caligola). (1988)

Full Record: Kollgaard, Ron. Caligula's coins profile despot. (1993)

Full Record: Kollgaard, Ron. A numismatic mystery : "the Caligula quadrans." (1994)

Full Record: Martini, Rodolfo. Osservazioni su contromarche ed erosioni su assi de Caligula. (1980)

Full Record: Szaivert, Wolfgang. Moneta Imperii Romani. Band 2 und 3. Die Münzprgung der Kaiser Tiberius und Caius (Caligula) 14/41 / von Wolfgang Szaivert. (1984)

Full Record: Boschung, Dietrich. Die Bildnisse des Caligula. Kaenel, Hans-Markus von. Jucker, Hans. Deutsches Archaologisches Institut. Das Romische Herrscherbild. 1. Abt., Bd. 4, Die Bildnisse des Caligula / Dietrich Boschung ; mit einem Beitrag von Hans-Markus von Kaenel ; auf Grund der Vorarbeiten und Marterialsammlungen von Hans Jucker. (1989)

Full Record: Rosborough, Ruskin R. An epigraphic commentary on Suetonius's life of Gaius Caligula. A thesis...for the...Doctor of Philosophy. (1920)

Full Record: Richard, Jean-Claude. A propos de l'aureus de Caligula dcouvert Saint-Colomban-des-Villards (Savoie). (1982)

Full Record: Richard, Jean-Claude. Un aureus de Caligula dcouvert Saint-Colomban-des-Villards (Savoie). (1982)

Full Record: Ritter, Hans-Werner. Adlocutio und Corona Civica unter Caligula und Tiberius. (1971)

Full Record: Kumpikevicius, Gordon C. A numismatic look at Gaius. (1979)

Full Record: Savio, Adriano. La coerenza di Caligola nella gestione della moneta / Adriano Savio. (1988)

Full Record: Savio, Adriano. Note su alcune monete di Gaio-Caligola. (1973)

Full Record: Stylow, Armin U. Die Quadranten des Caligula als Propaganda-münzen.münzen" aus der stdtischen sammlung zu Osnabrück. (1971)

Full Record: Schwartz, Jacques. Le Monnayage Snatorial entre 37 et 42 P.C. (1951)

Full Record: Rodolfo Martini, ed. Sylloge nummorum Romanorum. Italia. Milano, Civiche Raccolte Numismatiche Vol. 1 Giulio-Claudii / a cura di Rodolfo Martini. (1990)

Full Record: Szaivert, Wolfgang. Zur Julisch-Claudischen Münzprgung. (1979)

Full Record: Vedrianus. The Roman Imperial series. V. Gaius. (1963)

Full Record: Tietze, Christian M. Kaiser Cajus Caesar, genannt Caligula. (1979)

Full Record: Wood, Susan. Diva Drusilla Panthea and the sisters of Caligula / Susan Wood. (1995)

Full Record: Sutherland, Carol Humphrey Vivian. Coinage in Roman imperial policy 31 B.C.-A.D. 68. (1951)

Full Record: Sutherland, C. H. V. The mints of Lugdunum and Rome under Gaius : an unsolved problem. (1981)

Full Record: Trillmich, Walter. Familienpropaganda der Kaiser Caligula und Claudius : Agrippina Maior und Antonia Augusta auf Münzen. (1978)

Full Record: Voirol, August. Eine Warenumsatzsteuer im antiken Rom und der numismatische Beleg inher Aufhebung : Centesima rerum venalium. (1943)

Full Record: Trillmich, Walter. Zur Münzprgung des Caligula von Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza). (1973)

Etruscan votive bronze statuette in the Burrell Collection, Glasgow.* Possibly from Monte Falterona. Later 5th cent. BC?

Like the Mars of Todi, the figure may have held a spear in his left hand and a libation dish in his (missing) right hand. In The Art of the Etruscan Armourer, I suggest that the warrior may be wearing lamellar armour: www.academia.edu/80275410/The_Art_of_the_Etruscan_Armourer

* Photographed in 2010, it has since been removed to the museum's store. collections.glasgowmuseums.com/mwebcgi/mweb?request=recor...

Joe counting hair curls, pincers, etc.......... from profile. The Gettty Caligulan head is fantastic for showing agreement on Caligula' Vesta aes (bronze coins). See example below. Remember; these portraits are found without inscribed statue bases if that was the case and numismatics are the key for helping ID these wonderful Julio Claudian portraits.

For more on this portrait see: F. Johansen, " The Sculpted Portraits of Caligula," Ancient Portraits in the J. Paul Getty Museum, ...

Johansen 1987, p. 97. Probably made shortly after Caligula's accession, this head I have seen personally at the J. Paul Getty Museum. A most impressive head from Asia Minor. See also (JWAG) "A Pre-Principate Portrait of Gaius (Caligula?) by John Pollini 1982, p. 6. See: D. Boschung, "Die Bildnisse des Caligula", Gebuder-Mann, (1989)

flickr.com/photos/julio-claudians/1508131719/

Unknown - Caligula Portrait

Roman, Asia Minor, about A.D. 40

Marble

16 15/16 in.

72.AA.155

The Roman emperor Gaius, more commonly known by his nickname Caligula, ruled from A.D. 37 to 41 and was extremely unpopular. In fact, after he was murdered, almost all portraits of him were destroyed.

The Romans had a long tradition of portraiture, but portraits of emperors had a specific propaganda function beyond that of ordinary portraits. The actual appearance of the individual was combined with the political message that the portrait was meant to convey. Portraits of Caligula show a young man with a high forehead, small mouth, and thin lips. He is identifiable as an individual, yet his hairstyle copies that of the emperor Augustus, making a deliberate allusion to his dynastic connection and his right to rule.

The depiction of the emperor in these official portraits bears no resemblance to the unpleasant descriptions of Caligula provided by Roman writers such as Suetonius:

Height: tall -- Complexion: pallid -- Body: hairy and badly built -- Neck: thin -- Legs: spindling -- Eyes: sunken -- Temples: hollow -- Forehead: broad and forbidding -- Scalp: almost hairless, especially on top. Because of his baldness and hairiness he announced that it was a capital offense either for anyone to look down on him as he passed or to mention goats in any context.

If you are interested in Julio Claudian Iconography and portrait study you may enjoy these two links:

Julio Claudian Iconographic Association- Joe Geranio- Administrator at groups.yahoo.com/group/julioclaudian/

1st c. AD, Ravenna.

Venice National Archaeology Museum.

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

According to Donald N. Wilber's book Persepolis, The Archaeology of Parsa, Seat of the Persian Kings, this group "depicts the Zranka (Drangianians), who include a lancer and a shield bearer, with two men escorting a long-horned bull. However, it has been suggested that they are the Arachosians, cattle breeders and mountain people from Kerman."

Persepolis, Iran

2nd-3rd c. AD.

Constanta Archaeology & History Museum.

mud-sicle grande

6' 7" giant - all his ink was done by Matt S. at Ancient Art in Hampton, Virginia. I also have a photo of the chest side I will post later.

Baths of the Seven Sages, Ostia.

According to the Lonely Planet guide to Iran,

"Most impressive of all, however, and among the most impressive historical sights in all of Iran, are the bas-reliefs of the Apadana Staircase on the eastern wall [of the Apadana Palace]."

"The panels at the southern end [of the Apadana Staircase] are the most interesting, showing 23 delegations bringing their tributes to the Achaemenid king."

"This rich record of the nations of the time ranges from the Ethiopians in the bottom left center, through a climbing pantheon of, among other peoples, Arabs, Thracians, Indians, Parthians and Cappadocians, up to the Elamites and Medians at the top right."

Persepolis, Iran