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Curated category

1st-millennium BC introductions

  • Spinning wheelAn image painted in Baghdad during the year 1237 shows a spinning wheel with clear mechanical detail. This artwork by Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti stands as…
  • Shadow playIn the first millennium BCE, shadow play likely emerged in Central Asia or India. By 200 BCE, Indian tholu bommalata shows used flat, jointed puppets made of…
  • TragedyIn the 6th century BCE, Athenian tragedy emerged as a dance-drama form during an annual state religious festival honoring Dionysus.