Power

  • The Trial of Socrates (Philosophy)
    399 BCE

    The Trial of Socrates (Philosophy)

    A defining moment in Western philosophy where Socrates chooses death over abandoning his principles. This event shows the power of truth and moral conviction against the authority of the state.
  • Alexander the Great’s Conquests Begin (History)
    326 BCE

    Alexander the Great’s Conquests Begin (History)

    Alexander expands his empire across Persia, demonstrating political and military power that shaped ancient civilizations. His leadership transformed world history.
  • Pompeii Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius (History)
    79 BCE

    Pompeii Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius (History)

    The eruption reveals the overwhelming power of nature over human cities. Pompeii’s preservation shows how fragile human power can be.
  • Tale of Genji (Literature/Art History)
    1180

    Tale of Genji (Literature/Art History)

    These scrolls illustrate scenes from the first major novel in world literature. The work reflects the power of storytelling to shape cultural identity.
  • Albrecht Dürer’s The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Art History)
    1498

    Albrecht Dürer’s The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Art History)

    Dürer’s woodcut portrays Death, War, Famine, and Conquest. It is a powerful visual representation of forces beyond human control.
  • Michelangelo’s David (Art History)
    1504

    Michelangelo’s David (Art History)

    This statue symbolizes human strength, courage, and the power of idealized human form. David stands confident before facing Goliath.
  • Shakespeare’s Othello (Theater)

    Shakespeare’s Othello (Theater)

    Shakespeare explores jealousy, manipulation, and the destructive power of deceit. Iago’s psychological power causes Othello’s downfall.
  • U.S. Declaration of Independence (History)

    U.S. Declaration of Independence (History)

    A defining political document asserting the people's power to overthrow an oppressive government. It reshaped national identities worldwide.
  • Napoleon Crowned Emperor (History)

    Napoleon Crowned Emperor (History)

    Napoleon crowns himself, symbolizing the concentration of absolute power. This act visually declared authority over church and state.
  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Literature)

    Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Literature)

    Shelley warns of the dangers of scientific ambition and humanity’s attempt to wield godlike power. The monster reflects the consequences of pushing limits.
  • Otto von Bismarck Unifies Germany (History)

    Otto von Bismarck Unifies Germany (History)

    Through diplomacy and war, Bismarck consolidates German-speaking states into a unified empire, showing political strategy and national power.
  • Wright Brothers’ First Flight (History / Progress)

    Wright Brothers’ First Flight (History / Progress)

    Humanity gains the power of flight for the first time, redefining transportation and global connection.
  • Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Film History)

    Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Film History)

    A young senator exposes corruption, showing the power of integrity in politics. The film critiques government authority.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech (History)

    Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech (History)

    A powerful call for racial equality and justice. MLK’s speech influenced global human rights movements.
  • Star Wars: A New Hope (Film History)

    Star Wars: A New Hope (Film History)

    George Lucas’s film explores political power, rebellion, and the struggle between authoritarian control and freedom.
  • Pink Floyd’s The Wall (Music)

    Pink Floyd’s The Wall (Music)

    This album represents psychological power, trauma, and the emotional “walls” people build around themselves.
  • Tiananmen Square Protest Photograph: "Tank Man" (Photography)

    Tiananmen Square Protest Photograph: "Tank Man" (Photography)

    A lone protester stands in front of tanks, symbolizing the power of individual resistance against state force.
  • Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit (Music)

    Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit (Music)

    This song became the anthem of a generation, showing cultural power and youth rebellion in the early 1990s.
  • The Shawshank Redemption (Film History)

    The Shawshank Redemption (Film History)

    The film explores the power of hope and human resilience within a corrupt prison system.
  • Zaha Hadid’s Vitra Fire Station (Architecture)

    Zaha Hadid’s Vitra Fire Station (Architecture)

    Hadid’s bold, angular design emphasizes dynamic power and motion in architectural form, redefining modern architecture.