Ancient Art

August 11, 2021

17,000 Looted Ancient Artifacts Return to Iraq in Massive Repatriation

Ancient Mesopotamia is often called a “cradle of civilization.” The ancient kingdoms which once lay alongside the Euphrates and Tigris rivers occupied a fertile crescent of land from which they built magnificent palaces, advanced bureaucracies, mathematical knowledge, and law codes. Unfortunately, colonialism and modern wars have allowed for extensive looting across the region. In a large step for the repatriation of historic objects, 17,000 ancient objects have been returned to Iraq.

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June 29, 2021

4,500-Year-Old Egyptian Wood Statue With Rock Crystal Eyes Boasts Incredible Craftsmanship

The ancient Egyptians were master artisans and artists. Known for their funerary statuary, ancient craftsmen had a booming business filling the many tombs and temples of the land. For the past several centuries, archeologists have consistently discovered fine works that continue to awe viewers. Among these legendary statues is one of the scribe and priest Ka'aper (also known as Kaaper or Sheikh el-Balad).

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May 29, 2021

What is the Great Sphinx? Discover the History Behind the Ancient Egyptian Monument

Situated amongst the iconic Great Pyramids is a monument as equally impressive and emblematic of Ancient Egyptian engineering: the Great Sphinx of Giza. Although sphinxes appeared in art throughout the ancient world, this colossal statue remains the most well-known depiction of the mythological creature. The 240-foot-long statue was carved out of one piece of limestone by hundreds of workers, and, at one time, completely painted.

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My Modern Met

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