Designed to complement "Art of the First Cities" -- an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum through August 17, 2003 --this Web site presents almost two dozen examples of Third Millennium B.C. art from the region called the "cradle of civilization," an area stretching from the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean across Iran and Central Asia to the Indus Valley. The site is divided into eight thematic...

The rise and fall of civilizations over the history of humankind is a difficult thing to accurately depict in graphic form, but this BBC online presentation is a wholly engrossing way to look at the transformation and dissemination of religions and ideologies. Guided by the presence of a virtual ant that weaves its way across the introductory screen, the screen displays a metaphorical phrase from...

There are many facets of history to enjoy - the exploits of rulers and generals, the intrigue of court politics and power, or the day-to-day activities of average people whose lives seem so alien from our own. Yet for some history buffs, the greatest fascination lies in learning how things fell apart. Listeners in this latter group will want to check out the deeply researched and evocative...

Civilizations in places such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the pre-Columbian Americas have left important legacies, yet commonly, Western histories overlook these narratives. History Unwritten, a bi-weekly podcast written, recorded, and edited by Cody Michaels, attempts to remedy these omissions with seasons dedicated to covering individual civilizations that have been overlooked....

Some histories are best explored through a visual medium, such as the history of hairstyles and house design. The Atlantic offers this series of short animated films dedicated to such histories. For instance, in "Here to There: An Animated History of Transportation," visitors can explore forms of transportation ranging from the year 8,000 BCE (the canoe) through the present day. Along the way,...

The World Digital Library offers a bounty of digital items that span 193 countries and over 3,000 years. One fascinating way to experience the site is to simply watch the featured items as they tick across the homepage, offering a view into ancient Arabia, medieval Europe, and Shackleton's explorations of the South Pole. Readers may enjoy the explore tab, which opens to categories such as Place,...