Contents
- ‘Art & Civilization’ Book & YouTube Channel.
- My Art & Civilization Blogs.
- Sacred Symbols in Ancient Art.
- Research Bibliography.
‘Art & Civilization’ Book & YouTube Channel
Ancient Art provides a window into the soul of Civilizations – past, present, and future.
So, what can humanity learn about the past; and what lessons can be drawn about the future of Civilization from Ancient Art?
Those are the core questions I will research, examine and discuss in a new book for general readership, entitled – ‘Art and Civilization’.
I am aiming to start work on the Book toward the end of 2026.
My starting point will be to read widely, in-depth and critically about:
- The History of Ancient Civilizations;
- Art History; and
- How to interpret Ancient Art in both its Cultural and Historical Context.
See the Research Bibliography below.
To develop my knowledge and sharpen my analytical skills as a writer and commentator, provided I can dedicate the necessary time, I may also undertake a part-time postgraduate course in Art History.
Meanwhile, I will assemble a bank of background material for the book, by writing blogs about a wide and disparate range of Art & Civilization themes and subjects, as and when they occur to me – see below.
Upon completion of the Book I intend to start a YouTube Channel focussing upon the themes and subjects discussed in the Book.
My ‘Art & Civilization’ Blogs
- ‘What is art?’: ‘What is art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Why is interpreting ancient art in its cultural context important?’: ‘Why is interpreting ancient art in its cultural context important?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What messages are encoded in Ancient Art?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3453
- ‘Challenging conventional wisdom about the past – How far back in time does Antiquity actually go?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3366
- ‘Is the ancient practice of Dadirri a powerful tool for Mediators?’: ‘Is the ancient practice of Dadirri a powerful tool for Mediators?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Does Sacred Geometry exist in nature?’: ‘Does Sacred Geometry exist in nature?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘How did Roman and Greek coins from Antiquity end up in the ground in South Africa?’: How did Roman and Greek coins from Antiquity end up in the ground in South Africa?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Is AI the new Indianna Jones?’: ‘Is AI the new Indianna Jones?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What attitudes toward art restitution were there in antiquity that are relevant to the Mediation of claims today?’: ‘What attitudes toward art restitution were there in antiquity that are relevent to the Mediation of claims today?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The Lost Pyramids of Caral in Peru are 5000 years old’: ‘The Lost Pyramids of Caral in Peru are 5000 years old’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘All four of the earliest civilizations arose within the same narrow range of latitude’: ‘All four of the earliest civilizations arose within the same narrow range of latitude’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘In Mediation – Legal Doctrine + Taxonomy = Paradigm’: ‘In Mediation – Legal Doctrine + Taxonomy = Paradigm.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Creating a New Paradigm of Restitution in Cultural Heritage Disputes’: ‘Creating a New Paradigm of Restitution in Cultural Heritage Disputes’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes – The idea that ancient art possesses a Cultural Domicile of Origin.’: ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes – The idea that ancient art possesses a Cultural Domicile of Origin.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes – Under International Law is there a prima facie presumption of public policy that title to immovable property never passes regardless of how acquired?’: ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes – Under International Law is there a prima facie presumption of public policy that title to immovable property never passes regardless of how acquired?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘According to Modern Science is all life on Earth interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3467 [NB this link is not working – Google – Carl’s Mediation blog to find].
- ‘In Antiquity did any civilization in Africa believe that all life on Earth is interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3471
- ‘In Antiquity did any West African Tribes believe that all life on Earth is interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3473
- ‘In Antiquity did any Tribe in South Africa believe that all life on Earth is interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3475
- ‘In Antiquity did any civilization in Central and South America believe that all life on Earth is interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3478
- ‘In Antiquity did any civilization in Asia believe that all life on Earth interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3480
- ‘In Antiquity did any civilization in the Middle East believe that all life on Earth is interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3483
- ‘Did the Ancient Egyptians believe that all life on Earth is interconnected?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3469
- ‘Who is Amun?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3459
- ‘Is any ancient stone monument in Libya associated with Amun?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3465
- ‘Why was the Oracle of Amun at the Oasis of Siwa?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3461
- ‘In Antiquity what happened at the Oasis of Siwa?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3463
- ‘What other Oasis existed in the Sahara in Antiquity?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3485
- ‘Lost Sacred Knowledge’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3487
- ‘What are Penrose Tiles?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3499
- ‘How ancient is Theosophy?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3501
- ‘What can Mediators learn from Theosophy?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3503
- ‘The Icelandic Manuscripts’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3339
- ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3347
- ‘What was the Lycian League in Antiquity?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3509
- ‘What did the symbol of a deity carrying a bag signify in Antiquity?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3515
- ‘What ancient ruins are there in Turkey and Anatolia?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3518
- ‘Does any ancient art represent universal laws of nature as geometry?’: ‘Does any ancient art represent universal laws of nature as geometry?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Music of the Spheres & Songlines – Did any Ancient Civilizations recognize in their Art that Music is a Universal Language based upon immutable Natural Laws?’: ‘Did any Ancient Civilizations recognize in their Art that Music is a Universal Language based upon immutable Natural Laws?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Is the Sitar a Sacred Instrument?’: ‘Is the Sitar a Sacred Instrument?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Is Cuisine in Antiquity Cultural Heritage?’: ‘Is Cuisine in Antiquity Cultural Heritage?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Africa’s Atlantis – Finding the Lost City of Rhapta’: ‘Finding the Lost City of Rhapta’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Lost port cities of antiquity.’: ‘Lost port cities of antiquity.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘In ancient art is there any similarity in the symbolism used to represent Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris?’: ‘In ancient art is there any similarity in the symbolism used to represent Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Were any Pyramids designed as a Passage to Eternity by connecting the Underworld with the Heavens through the Monument itself?’: ‘Were any Pyramids designed as a Passage to Eternity by connecting the Underworld with the Heavens through the Monument itself?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What Traditional Knowledge is encoded in Ancient Art?’: ‘What Traditional Knowledge is encoded in Ancient Art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Is the Gaia hypothesis encoded in Ancient Art?’: ‘Is the Gaia hypothesis encoded in Ancient Art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘In his lecture Egyptian Dawn does Robert Temple refer to the discovery of a stone sarcophagus underneath the Giza Temple Complex?’: ‘In his lecture Egyptian Dawn does Robert Temple refer to the discovery of a stone sarcophagus underneath the Giza Temple Complex?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The Hermetic Texts’: ‘The Hermetic Texts’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Aesthetically, could it be argued that the Giza Necropolis creates a hologram of Orion’s Belt?’: ‘Aesthetically, could it be argued that the Giza Necropolis creates a hologram of Orion’s Belt? | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Did Islamic culture influence the development of educational institutions like the Inns of Court?’: ‘Did Islamic culture influence the development of educational institutions like the Inns of Court?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Did anybody warn the UK Government about legal complicity in the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’: ‘Did anybody warn the UK Government about legal complicity in the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Does the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza prove that Israel has committed Crimes against Humanity & Genocide?’: ‘Does the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza prove that Israel has committed Crimes against Humanity & Genocide?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Based upon the evidence of Egyptian ship-building techniques is it possible that a ship was designed and built for disassembly transportation to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for reassembly and seafaring?’: ‘Based upon the evidence of Egyptian ship-building techniques is it possible that a ship was designed and built for disassembly transportation to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for reassembly and seafaring?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Did the builders of the Great Pyramid at Giza know that the Earth was round?’ ‘Did the builders of the Great Pyramid at Giza know that the Earth was round?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Could the Great Pyramid of Giza represent a Globe?’: ‘Could the Great Pyramid of Giza represent a Globe?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What is the sacred Benben stone?’: ‘What is the sacred Benben stone?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What is the esoteric legacy of Ancient Art?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3809
- ‘Is any geopolitical legacy for mankind encoded in ancient art?’: ‘Is any geopolitical legacy for mankind encoded in ancient art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What Ancient Megalithic structures have been discovered in Egypt Ethiopia, Yemen Korea, Japan and Peru?’: ’What Ancient Megalithic structures have been discovered in Egypt Ethiopia, Yemen Korea, Japan and Peru?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Are any messages encoded in Ancient Mosaics?’: ‘Are any messages encoded in Ancient Mosaics?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Are any messages encoded in the design arrangement and Masonry of Ancient Megalithic Structures’: ‘Are any messages encoded in the design arrangement and Masonry of Ancient Megalithic Structures?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Do any of the same patterns appear in Ancient Mosaics and in the design arrangement and Masonry of Ancient Megalithic Structures?’: ‘Do any of the same patterns appear in Ancient Mosaics and in the design arrangement and Masonry of Ancient Megalithic Structures?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Have any fossils of plants and trees been found in Antarctica?’: ‘Have any fossils of plants and trees been found in Antarctica?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What Creation Story & Prophesy is encoded in the Art of the Hopi?’: ‘What Creation Story & Prophesy is encoded in the Art of the Hopi?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Museums of Ancient Oriental Art in Paris.’: ‘Museums of Ancient Oriental Art in Paris.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Leading Museums of Ancient Pueblo Art.’: ‘Leading Museums of Ancient Pueblo Art.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘How do State Museums calculate the insurance value of priceless artefacts in their collections?’: ‘How do State Museums calculate the insurance value of priceless artefacts in their collections?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Are 1/137 and pi represented in Sacred Geometry?’: ‘Are 1/137 and pi represented in Sacred Geometry?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What have archaeologists discovered at Gunung Padang?’: ‘What have archaeologists discovered at Gunung Padang?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Are symmetry and proportions found in physics encoded in any Ancient Art?’: ‘Are symmetry and proportions found in physics encoded in any Ancient Art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Are Empedocles’ Four Elements represented in Ancient Art?’: ‘Are Empedocles’ Four Elements represented in Ancient Art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Circle inside a Square = New Mediation Tool.’: ‘Circle inside a Square = New Mediation Tool.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘To what extent are the Neoplatonic ideas that influenced Renaissance humanism and art the legacy of Pythagoras?’: ‘To what extent are the Neoplatonic ideas that influenced Renaissance humanism and art the legacy of Pythagoras?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘In Ancient Art what symbolises transformation through cooperation built on trust?’: ‘In Ancient Art what symbolises transformation through cooperation built on trust?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘6000 – 8000 year old monuments in Armenia – the ancient Hartashen Avenue & Carahunge.’: ‘6000 – 8000 year old monuments in Armenia – the ancient Hartashen Avenue & Carahunge.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Vast areas of Ancient Armenia have not yet been explored by archaeologists.’: ‘Vast areas of Ancient Armenia have not yet been explored by archaeologists.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Noah’s Ark & Gobekli Tepi.’: ‘Noah’s Ark & Gobekli Tepi.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The 1,500 year old Sacred Zoroastrian Fire’: ‘The 1,500 year old Sacred Zoroastrian Fire.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The claim for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece is not based upon Anachronism.’: ‘The claim for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece is not based upon Anachronism.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Were the massive granite boxes, or Cyclopean Sarcophagi, at the Serapeum of Saqqara designed to be hermetically sealed?’: ‘Were the massive granite boxes, or Cyclopean Sarcophagi, at the Serapeum of Saqqara designed to be hermetically sealed?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Is there a nexus between Art Civilization and Law?’: http://blog.wealthplanning.tv/?p=3520
- ‘What is the nexus between Art Civilization and Law?’: ‘What is the nexus between Art Civilization and Law?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Why were Ancient Egyptian Magic Wands shaped like Boomerangs?’: Why were Ancient Egyptian magic wands shaped like boomerangs? | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Over 80% of potential archaeological sites remain unexcavated under the sands of Egypt.’: ‘Over 80% of potential archaeological sites remain unexcavated under the sands of Egypt.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The Atlantis of the Andes?’: ‘The Atlantis of the Andes?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The Atlantis of the Sands’: ‘The Atlantis of the Sands.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘The Lost Pyramids of Tucume’: ‘The Lost Pyramids of Tucume.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Orientalism is a cognitive error in claims for the return of Cultural Heritage.’. ‘Orientalism is a cognitive error in claims for the return of Cultural Heritage.’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘What Magic were Egyptian Wands used to perform?’: ‘What Magic were Egyptian Wands used to perform?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Is Atlantis based upon an anachronism?’: ‘Is Atlantis based upon an anachronism?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Are any warnings for humanity from history encoded in Ancient Art?’: ‘Are any warnings for humanity from history encoded in Ancient Art?’ | Carl’s Mediation Blog
- ‘Sacred Symbols in Ancient Art’
Sacred symbols in ancient art serve as powerful visual representations of cultural beliefs, spiritual concepts, and societal values. These symbols, found across various civilizations, convey profound meanings and connect us to the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences of people from the past.
Examples of Sacred Symbols:
ANCIENT ART
- A Circle inside a Square: In Ancient Art and philosophy, a circle inside a square symbolizes the reconciliation of opposites, the unity of the spiritual and material realms, or the integration of the divine and earthly principles. The circular form represents the infinite, perfection, and heaven, while the square embodies the finite, stability, and the earthly realm, with their combination signifying spiritual transcendence, balance, and the completion of the Great Work. This symbol is found in alchemical traditions, spiritual quests, and even in representations of cosmic unity, such as mandorlas in Christian art or the architecture of sacred sites like the Kaaba, to express the fusion of opposing yet complementary forces.
Key Symbolism:
Heaven and Earth
The most common interpretation is that the circle symbolizes heaven or the divine, while the square represents the earth or the material world, and their merging signifies the union of these two domains.
Union of Opposites
It represents the reconciliation of seemingly opposite concepts, like the infinite and the finite, or the divine and the earthly, achieving harmony and balance.
Spiritual and Physical Harmony
The squared circle can symbolize the alchemical quest to unite the spiritual and material aspects of existence, leading to perfection and enlightenment.
Transcendence and Perfection
It embodies the idea of spiritual awakening, transformation, and the fulfillment of the soul’s journey, resulting in a balanced and perfected state.
Examples in Ancient and Spiritual Contexts:
Alchemical Symbolism
The squared circle is a key symbol in alchemy, representing the Philosopher’s Stone and the union of opposites necessary for the Great Work of transformation.
Sacred Architecture
The architecture of sacred spaces, like the Kaaba in Islam, can represent a symbolic meeting of heaven and earth, acting as a spiritual center.
Christian Art
The mandorla, a pointed oval sometimes enclosed by a square, symbolizes the divine union of Christ’s human and divine natures in the Resurrection, representing perfection and fulfilment, according to the Magis Center.
Mandalas and Yantras
In some traditions, the combination of circle and square in mandalas and yantras helps focus and examine energy in a controlled manner, promoting clarity and the generation of new energy.
Mandalas and Yantras are geometric designs used in spiritual traditions to aid meditation, focus, and the invocation of deities or spiritual energies. ‘Mandalas’ are typically larger circular diagrams representing the cosmos or the universe, while ‘Yantras’ are smaller, more specialized geometric diagrams often used as a visual anchor for specific mantras, or sacred sounds. Yantras function as ‘instruments‘ or ‘engines,‘ calling a deity into the presence of the practitioner through their symbolic and intricate designs.
- The Faravahar: In ancient Zoroastrian art, the Faravahar symbolizes the core principles of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds through its distinct features: the human face represents the soul, the pointing hand signifies aspiration, the wings embody the threefold path to righteousness, the central circle represents the eternal soul, and the opposing lower wings depict the struggle against evil. While its exact meaning is debated, it is widely understood as a guardian spirit, a symbol of moral choice, and a representation of divine power or glory.
Symbolic Elements of the Faravahar:
Human Face
This element signifies the human soul, embodying our capacity for spiritual understanding and growth.
Pointing Hand
The upward-pointing hand represents aspirations and the human desire to reach higher spiritual goals.
Wings
The three layers of feathers in the wings are a profound representation of the core Zoroastrian concept of ‘good thoughts, good words, and good deeds’.
Circle
The central circular disc symbolizes the eternal nature of the soul and the cyclical nature of life.
Lower Tail
The tail, often described as a rudder, suggests the guidance and balance needed to overcome the forces of evil.
Opposing Wings/Tail
Some interpretations suggest the opposing nature of the two wings or tail sections represents the ongoing struggle between good and evil, a central theme in Zoroastrian dualism.
Broader Significance:
Guardian Spirit
The Faravahar is often seen as a guardian spirit or a representation of the divine glory or power known as Khvarenah.
Moral Guide
The symbol serves as a reminder and guide for individuals to live a moral and virtuous life by focusing on good thoughts, words, and actions.
Achaemenid Empire Identity
The Faravahar was prominently displayed on the stone carvings of the Achaemenid Empire at Persepolis, acting as a symbol of their cultural and religious identity.
- The Phoenix: In Ancient Art, the Phoenix symbolizes renewal, resurrection, and immortality, representing the triumph of life over death and the ability to rise from destruction to a fresh start. It was associated with the sun, the Roman Empire, and as an allegory for Christ in Christianity, appearing in various cultural traditions and artistic forms, from Egyptian mythology (as the Bennu) to the Roman coinage and later medieval bestiaries.
Symbolism of the Phoenix:
Renewal and Resurrection
The most prominent symbol is the cycle of death and rebirth from its own ashes, representing a new beginning and the triumph of life over death.
Immortality and Eternal Life
The bird’s long life and rebirth from its own remains signify enduring existence.
Hope and Transformation
It embodies the idea of overcoming adversity and emerging stronger from difficult times.
The Sun
In Egyptian mythology, the Bennu (the Egyptian phoenix) was linked to the sun god Ra and symbolized the sun’s cyclical nature and power.
Cultural & Historical Significance in Art:
Ancient Egypt
The Bennu bird was connected to the sun and represented the cyclical nature of life and the sun’s eternal cycle.
Ancient Greece & Rome
The Phoenix was seen as a symbol of immortality and renewal, with its vibrant plumage representing the sun’s radiance. It was depicted on coinage in the late Roman Empire to symbolize the Eternal City of Rome.
Christianity
Early Christians adopted the phoenix as an allegory for Christ’s death and resurrection. It appeared on early Christian tombstones, reinforcing the concept of life after death.
Chinese Culture
The Fenghuang, the Chinese phoenix, symbolizes grace, virtue, and harmony. It was associated with the imperial house and represented fidelity and good fortune.
Medieval Art:
The phoenix was a popular figure in medieval bestiaries, frequently used as a symbol for Christ and his sacrifice.
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- Ankh: Symbolizes life and immortality.
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- Eye of Horus (Wadjet): Represents protection, healing, and restoration.
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- Scarab Beetle: Symbolizes rebirth and transformation.
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- Djed Pillar: Represents stability and strength.
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- Shen Ring: Symbolizes eternity and protection.
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- Ouroboros: Represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
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- Tree of Life: Represents destiny and eternal life.
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- Feather of Ma’at: Symbolizes truth, justice, and balance.
OTHER CULTURES
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- Mandala: Represents the universe and wholeness in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
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- Flower of Life: A sacred geometric pattern found in various cultures, representing creation and interconnectedness.
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- Cross: A central symbol in Christianity, representing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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- Arabesques: Geometric patterns in Islamic art, symbolizing the infinite nature of God.
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- Dove: Symbolizes peace and the Holy Spirit in Christian art.
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- Snakes: Can symbolize both danger and wisdom in various cultures.
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- Sphinx: Symbolizes wisdom, power, and protection.
Purpose of Sacred Symbols:
- Convey spiritual concepts:
Symbols communicate abstract ideas about life, death, the divine, and the cosmos.
- Evoke emotions and awe:
Sacred symbols can evoke a sense of reverence, wonder, and spiritual connection.
- Represent cultural beliefs:
Symbols reflect the values, beliefs, and worldview of a particular culture.
- Guide spiritual journeys:
Symbols can serve as visual tools to aid in meditation, contemplation, and spiritual growth.
- Communicate across time:
Symbols provide a way to understand the thoughts and beliefs of past civilizations.
- Enhance rituals and ceremonies:
Symbols play a vital role in religious and cultural ceremonies, adding meaning and significance.
Examples of Sacred Geometry:
Found in the proportions of the Great Pyramids at Giza, as well as in nature.
Used in ancient Egypt and other cultures, often aligned with cardinal directions and incorporating sacred geometry.
Found in various forms of ancient art and architecture, reflecting a belief in the mathematical order of the universe.
By studying sacred symbols in ancient art, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultures that created them and the profound spiritual ideas that shaped their world.
Research Bibliography (30.08.2025)
See also the Bibliography on the ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes’ page – which I am currently reading as background research for my next book – ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes.’
Adkinson, Robert, Editor (2009) Sacred Symbols – People, Religions, Mysteries, Thames & Hudson.
Alouf, Michel M. (2018) History of Baalbek, Forgotten Books.
Beard, Mary (2024) Civilisations: How Do We Look / The Eye of Faith, Profile Books.
Berger, John (1972) Ways of Seeing, BBC & Penguin Books.
Bingham, Hiram (1951) Lost City Of The Incas – The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders, The Folio Society.
Braudel, Fernand (1966) The Mediterranean And The Mediterranean World (Volumes 1 – 3), The Folio Society.
Brook, Timothy (2019) Great State: China and the World, Profile Books.
Bronowski, Jacob (2011) The Ascent Of Man, BBC Books.
Bryce, Trevor (2019) Ancient Syria: A Three Thousand Year History, Oxford University Press.
Burckhardt, Jacob (1878) The Civilization Of The Renaissance In Italy, The Folio Society.
Carstens, Anne-Marie & Elizabeth Varner (2020), Intersections In International Cultural Heritage Law, Oxford University Press.
Clark, Sir Kenneth (1969), Civilisation, John Murray Publishers Ltd.
Cotterel, Arthur, Editor (1980) The Penguin Encyclopaedia of Ancient Civilization, Penguin Books.
Crawford, Emily and Alison Pert (2024) International Humanitarian Law, Third Edition, Cambridge University Press.
Dalrymple, William (2025) The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, Bloomsbury Publishing.
Da Silva, Raven Todd (2024) The Other Ancient Civilisations: Decoding Archaeology’s Less Celebrated Cultures, Mango.
Davies, Stephen (2016) The Philosophy Of Art Second Edition, Wiley Blackwell.
D’Alleva, Anne (2004) Methods & Theories Of Art History, Second Edition, Laurence King Publishing.
Debo, Angie (2003) A History Of The Indians Of The United States, The Folio Society.
Diamond, Jared (2011) Collapse – How Societies Choose To Fail Or Succeed, Penguin Books.
Dodds, Jerrilynn D. (1992) Al-Andalus – The Art Of Islamic Spain, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Dromgoole, Sarah (2014) Underwater Cultural Heritage and International Law, Cambridge University Press.
Durbach, Andrea and Lucas Lixinski (2019) Heritage, Culture And Rights – Challenging Discourses, Hart.
Fergusson, Niall (2011) Civilization, Allen Lane.
Francioni, Francesco and Ana Filipa Vrdoljak (2020) The Oxford Handbook of International Cultural Heritage Law, Oxford University Press.
Frankopan, Peter (2016) The Silk Roads: A New History of the World,
Bloomsbury Publishing.
Frankopan, Peter (2019) The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World, Bloomsbury Publishing.
Goldsmith, Elizabeth Edwards (1911), Sacred Symbols In Art The Knickerbocker Press, New York.
Gernet, Jacques (2002) A History of Chinese Civilisation ( Volumes 1 & 2), The Folio Society.
Gombrich, E.H. (2007) The Story of Art, Phaidon Press.
Gombrich, E.H. (2008) A Little History of the World, Yale University Press.
Gozzi, Gustavo (2010) Rights and Civilizations, Cambridge Univbersity Press.
Graham-Dixon, Andrew, Editorial Consultant (2023) Art – The Definitive Visual History, DK.
Hagger, Nicholas (2008) Rise and Fall of Civilizations, The: Why Civilizations Rise and Fall and What Happens When They End, Iff Books.
Hapgood, Charles H. (1966) Maps Of The Ancient Sea Kings, Adventure Unlimited Press.
Hodder, Ian (2006) The Leopard’s Tale – Revealing the Mysteries of Catalhoyuk, Thames & Hudson.
Holland, Tom (2023) Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age, Abacus.
Holst, Sanford (2021) Phoenicians – Lebanon’s Epic Heritage, Santorini Books.
Keay, John (2003) India – A History (Volumes 1 & 2), The Folio Society.
Kennedy, Paul (1988) The Rise And Fall Of The Great Powers – Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000, William Collins.
Kim, Jihon (2021) Non-State Actors in the Protection of Cyultural Heritage -An Analysis on Their Rights, Obligations, and Roles, Springer.
Kinross, Lord (1977) The Ottoman Empire, The Folio Society.
Lee. Jonathan (2018) Afghanistan: A History from 1260 to the Present, Reaktion Books.
Lancel, Serge (1992) Carthage – A History, The Folio Society.
Lloyd, Seton (1989) Ancient Turkey – A Traveller’s History of Anatolia, British Museum Publications.
Llewellyn-Jones, Lloyd (2023) Persians: The Age of The Great Kings, Wildfire.
Lucie-Smith, Edward (1993) Art and Civilization, Prentice-Hall.
MacDonald, Eve (2025) Carthage: A new history of an ancient empire, Ebury Press.
Mackintosh-Smith, Tim (2019) Arabs: A 3,000 Year History of Peoples, Tribes and Empires, Yale University Press.
May, Larry (2018) The Cambridge Handbook Of The Just War, Cambridge University Press.
Michel, John (2009) How The World Is Made – The Story Of Creation According To Scared Geometry, Thames & Hudson.
Mirzoeff, Nicholas (2015) How to See the World Pelican.
Mokhtar, G., Editor (1990) General History of Africa Volume II -Ancient Civilizations of Africa.
Moorehead, Alan (2001) The Blue Nile, The Folio Society.
Moorehead, Alan (2001) The White Nile, The Folio Society.
Myers Bernard S. (1967) Art and Civilization, Hamlyn.
Norwich, John Julius (1988) Byzantium (Volumes 1 -3), The Folio Society.
Norwich, John Julius (2006) The Middle Sea – A History of the Mediterranean (Volumes 1 and 2), The Folio Society.
O’Keefe Patrick J. (2014) Shipwrecked Heritage – A Commentary On The UNESCO Convention On Underwater Cultural Heritage, Institute of Art & Law.
O’Keefe Patrick J. (2014) Protecting Cultural Objects Before And After 1970, Institute of Art & Law.
Ostler, Nicholas (2005) Empires Of The Word – A Language History of the World, The Folio Society.
Prowda, Judith (2013) Visual arts and the law (2013), Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Preziosi, Donald (2009) The Art of Art History, Oxford University Press.
Quinn, Josephine (2018) In Search Of The Phoenicians, Princeton University Press.
Quinn, Josephine (2025) How the World Made the West: A 4,000-Year History, Bloomsbury Publishing.
Raja, Rubina, Editor (2024) The Oxford Handbook of Palmyra, Oxford University Press.
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