1.
Epic of Gilgamesh: The most famous extant literary work from ancient Mesopotamia, it tells the story of one man's quest for immortality.
2.
Hieroglyphs: An early writing system developed in Egypt, known for the use of symbols and carvings. The writing system would later become more well-known for telling stories, religious writings, and mathematics.
3.
Jomon culture: A settled Paleolithic culture of prehistoric Japan, characterized by seaside villages and the creation of some of the world's earliest pottery.
4.
Olmec Heads: A collection of 17 large six-by-five foot statues depicting the faces of rulers in the Olmec civilization.
5.
Paleolithic Rock Art: While this term can refer to the art of any gathering and hunting society, it is typically used to describe the hundreds of Paleolithic paintings discovered in Spain and France and dating to about 20,000 years ago; these paintings usually depict a range of animals, although human figures and abstract designs are also found. The purpose of this art are debated.
6.
Pax Romana: A period of peace and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire, lasting from 27 bce to 180 ce.
The economy and commerce blossomed as well as art and architecture.
7.
Pericles: Athenian statesman whose leadership contributed to Athen's political and cultural supremacy in Greece known as the Golden Age. His conversion of the Delian League into the Athenian Empire allowed the financing of such majestic artistic works as the Parthenon, the golden sculpture of Athena, and many more.
8.
Specialization: Certain people becoming very good at a certain job. This allows some to pursue a more artistic career and still survive as laborers produce food and support the population.
9.
Statue of Augustus: A symbolic statue of the emerging Roman Empire. The military commander Augustus is shown with his right arm extended as if he were giving orders to his troops. Cupid is also seen as a small figure to Augustus' right.
10.
Stonehenge: Said to be that of a burial ground, this collection of stones in a circle is a famous prehistoric monument in England from the Neolithic period.
11.
Surplus: An excess of food or other products. This allows people to individuals to experiment with art without fear of starving.
12.
Terra-Cotta Army of Shihuangdi: A huge historical monument made up of thousands of terra-cotta soldiers placed together in a pit to mark the burial site of Qin Shihuangdi.
13.
The Maya Temple of the Great Jaguar: This temple was built in the 8th century in Tikal. This temple was a tomb for Jasaw Chan K'awiil I. The temple is about 144 feet tall and has a three-room building at the top. In one of the rooms, there is a carving depicting the ruler being protected by a jaguar.
14.
The Renaissance: A famous cultural movement in Europe that lasted from the 14th Century to the 17th Century. Some of the famous artists during this movement were Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
15.
The Statues of Ain Ghazal: A group of three-foot tall limestone statues found in modern Jordan. They were made during the early agricultural revolution period around 7200 to 5000 BCE. Who the statues depict is unknown.
16.
Venus Figurines: Paleolithic carvings of the female form, often with exaggerated breasts, buttocks, hips, and stomachs, which may have had religious significance.
