The Medieval World

Explore the diverse histories of world cultures, c. 500–1500 CE

Ancient Chinese painting of a horse standing against a post, surrounded by red seals and calligraphy.
Ancient jade mosaic mask with matching necklace displayed against a dark background. The mask and necklace are composed of intricately arranged green stones.
Intricate medieval manuscript design with spiral motifs and interlacing patterns in gold and brown hues.
Horyu-ji Temple in Japan with traditional wooden architecture and visitors walking.
Moche stirrup-spout bottle with intricate designs, displayed in a museum setting, alongside other artifacts.
Ancient Buddhist painting depicting a serene figure with a halo, detailed with gold accents and surrounded by clouds.
Ancient ruins in a desert landscape, possibly Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, with surrounding arid terrain and distant cliffs.
Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec calendar, featuring intricate carvings and symbolic designs in stone.
A rock cut church is below ground level with two people standing before it

Artists

Important Historical Individuals

  • Ancient jade mask with headdress and necklace on display

    Pakal of Palenque

    Ancient Maya King, the 5th longest reigning monarch in the world

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  • a woman holds a bowl while looking upwards at a snake on a stone monolith

    Lady Xook

    An ancient Maya queen of Yaxchilán in Mexico

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  • A wooden sculpture of a man facing frontally stares at us

    Minamoto no Yoritomo

    The first shōgun of Japan

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  • Red Queen of Palenque

    Ancient Maya queen from Palenque, most likely Lady Ix Tz'akbu Ajaw (Pakal’s wife)

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  • Lady Ik’ Skull of Yaxchilán (Lady Eveningstar)

    Ancient Maya queen from Yaxchilán

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  • Yaxun Bʼahlam IV of Yaxchilán (Bird Jaguar IV)

    Ancient Maya king from Yaxchilán (709–68 CE), son of Lady Ik’ Skull

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  • Yuknoom Yich’aak K’ahk

    Ancient Maya ruler from Calakmul

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Ancient Mayan mural depicting people in traditional attire and headdresses, featuring vibrant colors and intricate patterns, against a blue background.