Images Dated 11th August 2005

Early Christian. Roman tombstone with Christian iconography

Early Christian Art. Italy. Early Christians. Roman tombstone with Christian iconography. Inscription: Victoria, consecrated virgin, who lived 28 years. Christian phrase appears in pace'. The symbol of the dove and the olive branch and the monogram of Constantine T. 4th century AD. Baths of Diocletian, part of the National Roman Museum Rome. Italy

© Thaliastock / Mary Evans

Ulugbeks observatory in Samarkand

Ulugbek's observatory in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Ulugbek, or Ulugh Beg, (1394-1449) built this observatory, called Gurkhani Zij, in 1428. He used it to catalogue the positions of nearly 1000 stars. He also made the most accurate measurement at the time of the length of a year. As well as his astronomical work he was a ruler of the region around Samarkand. He established a university in the town and invited mathematicians and astronomers to study there. He was defeated in battle by rival rulers and was subsequently beheaded by his own son

© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Johannes Hevelius, Polish astronomer

Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687), Polish astronomer (far left) at a meeting, historical artwork. At centre is an allegoric figure personifying the Sun. To the right of this figure is the mathematician and astronomer Ulugh Beg (1394-1449), also known as Muhammad Taragay. Hevelius was the founder of lunar topography: in 1647 he published his Selenographia, a chart of the Moon's surface that took four years to compile. As well as this, he observed sunspots and discovered four comets, and detailed the variability of the star Omicron Ceti, which he named Mira. He also introduced several new constellations whose names are still in use today, including Lynx, Lacerta and Vulpecula

© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY