Found in Pergamum, Turkey, this bust of Alexander is a reproduction from the third century B.C. of an original from Alexander’s lifetime. (Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY)
This section of a large mosaic from Pompeii shows Alexander the Great, armed and on horseback, about to confront Darius in battle, probably at Issus in 333 B.C. (Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY)
The same mosaic shows King Darius III of Persia in his chariot, with a look of terror in his eyes, about to face Alexander. (Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY)
This silver tetradrachm coin from the era of Alexander the Great shows the king in profile, wearing the lion skin of Heracles (Hercules). (Berlin/Art Resource, NY)
A carved relief in the royal palace of Persia’s capital city, Persepolis, depicts soldiers of the Persian king. Alexander burned the palace in 330 B.C. (Serhan Güngör)
A Carthaginian silver double shekel issued by the Barcas in Spain, probably around 230 B.C. It advertises their power by showing the Punic god Melqart as Heracles, with a club over his shoulder, on the front and a war elephant on the rear. (British Museum)
This marble bust from Capua may possibly represent Hannibal, the great Carthaginian commander. (Alinari/Art Resource, NY)
A bronze bust from Herculaneum said to represent Scipio Africanus, the man who defeated Hannibal. (Scala/Art Resource, NY)
Foundations of Punic houses line the slope of Byrsa Hill, the acropolis of ancient Carthage. In the distance lies the great city’s harbor. (Barry Strauss)
This marble bust shows Julius Caesar with a strong, weather-beaten face and a receding hairline. (Vanni/Art Resource, NY)
A silver denarius coin, struck in 44 B.C., depicting Caesar wearing a victory wreath. He bears the title of DICT PERPETUO, that is, dictator for life. (Yale University Art Gallery/Art Resource, NY)
A marble bust of Caesar’s great opponent Pompey, who was defeated at the Battle of Pharsalus. (Bildarchiv Preussischer Kulturbesitz/Art Resource, NY)
The ruined columned bases of the Basilica Julia march across the center of this photo of the Roman Forum. The basilica was a large public building originally dedicated by Caesar in 46 B.C. and funded by spoils from Gaul. (Barry Strauss)