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The ancient city of Caunos, located in Dalyan district of Muğla, Türkiye, was a major port city in Caria region. Founded in 4th Century BC, the city served as a strategic center during Persian, Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is famous for its rock tombs, theater, agora, and harbor ruins. Having thrived on trade and seafaring, Caunos was abandoned in 6th Century AD due to malaria epidemics and harbor becoming overflowing.

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This is a netsuke of a rat, likely originating from Japan during (17th-19th Centuries).

The tiny sculpture, likely carved from ivory or bone, portrays a rat dressed in what appears to be a patterned kimono, carrying a bundle on its back and using a walking stick for support. The natural aging process would add a warm patina to the material, accentuating the intricate details of the carving. It reflects the culture's fascination with animals.

National Museum, Tokyo

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Discovered accidentally by a farmer in Namibia , the Hoba meteorite remains a mysterious marvel. This mammoth slab of iron, weighing a staggering 60 tons, is Earth’s largest natural chunk of iron. It’s estimated to have impacted our planet some 80,000 years ago, and one of the most fascinating aspects of the meteorite is that it left no impact crater, despite its immense size.

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Old Dongola’s beehive tombs, dating back over 1,000 years, showcase the burial traditions of the Kingdom of Makuria. Constructed from mud bricks, they likely housed high-ranking individuals of medieval Nubia.

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Ceramic Figurine from Altyndepe, Turkmenistan

A ceramic female figure from the 2nd Millennium BC, discovered at the archaeological site of Altyndepe in Turkmenistan.

Today it is preserved in the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.

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Seems 1620 was a bad year

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In 1980s, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable Neolithic wooden road near Nieuw-Dordrecht in the Netherlands. This ancient peat road, dating back 4573 years, stretches for 800m. Through meticulous science of dendrochronology, or tree-ring dating, experts have pinpointed its construction to 2549 BC.

This discovery not only highlights advanced engineering skills of Neolithic communities but also offers invaluable insights into their transportation and trade practices.

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The back of a pectoral dating back to the 12th Dynasty (part of the Middle Kingdom) showing an image of Hathor in the middle, flanked on the right by the god Set and on the left by a hieracosphinx representing Horus, which represent the union of Upper Egypt (represented by Set) and Lower Egypt (represented by Horus). The front was decorated with Semiprecious stones, some of which still remain in place.

Egyptian Museum, Cairo

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A 1700 year-old Roman sarcophagus was found being used as a table at Radjana Beach Bar near Varna, Bulgaria . A tourist noticed unusual design and alerted authorities.

Archaeologists confirmed that piece, made of limestone and decorated with wreaths, flowers, grapes, and animal heads, contains elements typical of Roman funerary art.

Since 2020, it had been used as a surface for selling drinks, replacing its original lid. Authorities are investigating how sarcophagus came to be at bar.

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The famous "Girls in Bikinis" mosaic, located in Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, is one of the most important artistic works adorning the floor of a Roman villa in Sicily, dating from 3rd-4th Centuries AD.

The mosaic depicts young women engaged in sports or exercise, and is notable for its female figures wearing two-piece garments reminiscent of the modern bikini. This is why it has become known in popular culture as the "Girls in Bikinis."

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Terracotta goddess figurine dated 5000 BC from the Tel Halaf culture on the territories on Syria and Iraq. It is 7.5cm high and has red pigment decoration. It was found on London art market in 1984 and was recently auctioned.

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Dated to the mid- to late 2nd Millennium BC (1500–1000 BC) based on weapon typology, this star is linked to Eurasian steppe cultures and shows influences from local Assyrian and Urartian art in Eastern Anatolia.

Associated with the Kingdom of Hubushkia, it likely belonged to nomadic warrior-shepherd groups and was preserved as part of monumental tomb remains.

The piece is now housed in the Van Museum.

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Good Old Days

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Ivory goddess figurine (perfume container), dated 1300-1200 BC. It is 12.8cm high and was found in Ekron, Israel.

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem

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Mughal Emerald Cup (1615-1625 CE) with Persian Verse carved Inscription; from Northern (Mughal) India.

This 252 Carat Cup, made of pure Emerald, which belonged to Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627 CE).

Translation :

I pray to God (Allah) for your good fortunes;
That your rule (government) is successful,
May your flower of luck always bloom,
And may the eyes of your enemies be blinded.

Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait

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A 6000 year-old storage jar from Central Iran ; 55cm high, it features an ibex standing in profile above six bands circling jar's widest part, emphasizing its girth, framed by straight lines and precise zig-zag patterns.

The curves of the ibex's enlarged horns and of the spaces between its legs echo the circular form of the jar, while its energy is suggested by sharp projections of the ears, tail, and tufted hair on the muzzle and fetlocks.

MET Museum

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In 18th Century, Choctaw Native Americans were able to use these bear paw moccasins to skillfully deceive their enemies: the animal prints left on the ground concealed their movements. From the Mississippi Valley, now housed at the bibliothèque municipale de Versailles in France.

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Pectoral of Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BC) with Winged Scarab :

This beautiful pendant illustrates throne name of Tutankhamun, “Neb- kheprew-re.” It's central element is sacred scarab “Khepri” made of one piece of lapis lazuli.

Pendant is additionally inlaid with turquoise, coral and onyx and decorated with copper.

Egyptian Museum, Cairo

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