Manual of Oriental Antiquities

The 'Manual of Oriental Antiquities,' authored by Ernest Babelon and first published in 1889, is a scholarly examination of the historical and artistic aspects of ancient Eastern civilizations, excluding Egypt. The book covers the architecture, sculpture, and arts of cultures such as Chaldæa, Assyria, and Persia, highlighting their connections and influences, particularly in relation to Greek civilization. Babelon emphasizes the artistic roots of what is known as Persian and Jewish art, drawing from Chaldæo-Assyrian and Egyptian traditions, and incorporates recent archaeological discoveries that deepen our understanding of these ancient societies.