What term describes an object or artwork from the ancient or historic past?

The term "antiquity" specifically refers to the ancient past, typically relating to the time period preceding the Middle Ages. It encompasses the civilizations and cultures of ancient history, such as those of Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Objects, artworks, and structures from these societies are often categorized as part of antiquity due to their historical significance and the insights they provide into ancient life.

While the other terms also relate to historical objects, they carry slightly different connotations. An "artifact" is a specific type of object made or used by humans, often uncovered in archaeological digs, and is a subset of what can be considered antiquity. A "historical relic" usually refers to items that have survived from the past but may not necessarily belong to the ancient period alone. "Heritage" broadly encompasses cultural traditions and legacies from past generations, which can include artifacts and buildings but does not exclusively denote ancient objects.

Thus, antiquity is the most precise term to describe objects or artworks specifically from ancient or historic times.