A.D. 1: Alexandria, Egypt
alabaster vase Alabaster Vase
Greek and Egyptian motifs mingle on an alabaster vase, made in the third century B.C., that was likely a prized possession. Romans collected artifacts from varied lands, and “conquered” cultures often influenced the Roman invaders.
 A.D. 1000: Córdoba, Spain
porcelain vase Porcelain Vase
Vast webs of trade linked the medieval Muslim world, enabling this Cordoban family to cherish a rare porcelain vase from China’s Tang Dynasty. The leading trade item was cloth—cotton, silk, and wool.
 A.D. 2000: New York City, U.S.A.
egyptian hippo Egyptian Hippo
It’s a mall world for many modern Americans, who can accessorize their lives with pieces of assorted eras. Tchotchkes in this apartment include a fossil, a reproduction Egyptian hippo, an origami bird, and an arabesque picture frame

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