There are some ancient civilizations on Earth who didn't fight wars. The Minoans of the island Crete for example. Their cities had no defenses, their art depicted nature and games and women, but never fighting or soldiers. What weapons they painted were always in ritual contexts, not killing. The sea was their protection and Crete was a land of peace and beauty.

[He pauses in his brushing and looks up at Niko.]

But this was their downfall. When the Mycenaeans came the Minoans were wiped out, their great civilization destroyed because they were incapable of protecting themselves and their people.

[His attention again returns to the vase and the dirt concealing it.]

Perhaps something similar happened here.