The Golden Chariot celebrating diversity & tolerance: Found near the Oxus River, on the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan (500-300 B.C.)

Oxus chariot model, gold model found near the Oxus river, 500-300BC: 'On the front of the chariot... is the head of the Egyptian god Bes... But what is an Egyptian god doing protecting a Persian on the frontiers of Afghanistan? It's a perfect demonstration of the Persian Empire's striking capacity for tolerating different religions.'

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OXUS CHARIOT MODEL

Found near the Oxus River, on the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan (500-300 B.C.)

“Our chariot doesn’t just tell us about travel and communications; it sums up the acceptance of diversity that was at the heart of the Persian imperial system. . . . On the front of the chariot, prominently displayed, is the head of the Egyptian god Bes. . . . I suppose he’s the equivalent of a modern-day St. Christopher or talisman dangling from the car mirror.’’