belonging to times long past especially of the historical period before the fall of the Western Roman Empire; "ancient history"; "ancient civilizations such as those of the Etruscans and Sumerians"; "ancient Greece"
full of light; shining intensely; "a brilliant star"; "brilliant chandeliers"
characterized by grandeur; "the brilliant court life at Versailles"; "a glorious work of art"; "magnificent cathedrals"; "the splendid coronation ceremony"
of surpassing excellence; "a brilliant performance"; "a superb actor"