For the Empire of Constantinople, the 640s began with uncertainty and chaos. The long and stabilizing rule of Emperor Heraclius (r. 610-641) came to...
This artwork, painted by the Italian artist Gaspare Diziani (c. 1689-1767), was inspired by a curious poem called Gerusalemme liberata, written by the Italian...
James Madison (c. 1751-1836)
"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and...
The Buddha (lived c. 6th-5th century BCE, this quote was recorded by the 3rd century BCE)
"In this world
hostilities are never
appeased by hostility.
But by the...
The Buddha (lived c. 6th-5th century BCE)
"As a bee flying from a flower,
having taken up its nectar,
does not harm its luster or fragrance,
so should...
This painting, by an unidentified 18th-century artist, strives to re-create the mythical birth scene of the ancient god, Bacchus—the Roman equivalent of the Greek...
This artwork by the Austrian artist, Gustav Wertheimer (c. 1847-1902), was inspired by the elaborate tales of Nero’s plots to assassinate his own mother,...
This artwork, by the French artist Eugène Delacroix (c. 1798-1863), was created as he visualized and practiced for a painting that he would produce...
William Shakespeare (c. 1564 – 1616)
"Cupid is a knavish lad,
Thus to make poor females mad."
From William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act...
This artwork, painted by the Italian artist Gaspare Diziani (c. 1689-1767), was inspired by a curious poem called Gerusalemme liberata, written by the Italian...
This painting, by the Danish artist Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg (c. 1783 – 1853), depicts a specific tale about Alexander the Great that was said...
Alexander Hamilton (c. 1755/1757-1804)
"Nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties."
From The Federalist No....
This painting, by an unidentified 18th-century artist, strives to re-create the mythical birth scene of the ancient god, Bacchus—the Roman equivalent of the Greek...
Sophocles (c. 496-406/405 BCE)
"Of course you cannot know a man completely,
his character, his principles, sense of judgment,
not till he's shown his colors, ruling the...
