The collection of antiquities at the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums traces its origins back to the collections of the Electors of the Palatinate. In particular, Elector Carl Theodor (1724-1799) showed great interest in the ancient heritage of Italy. The current collection includes cultures from the entire Mediterranean region as well as the Near and Middle East. The first accompanying volume to the antiquities collection at the Mannheim Reiss-Engelhorn Museums presents treasures from Greek and Roman antiquity, richly illustrated and vividly described.