Thursday, 11 April 2024

Dunnottar fortress, Scotland

Dunnottar fortress is a destroyed medieval fortress on a rocky promontory off the northeast coast of Scotland, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. The majority of the surviving buildings date back to the 15th-16th centuries AD, however, the region is thought to have been destroyed in the Early Middle Ages. Because of its strategic location and defensive strength, Dunnottar has played an important role in Scottish history up to the 18th century AD, particularly during Jacobite risings. 

Read More: Palmyra Castle: Medieval Overlooking Monument in Homs Province, Syria



Dunnottar fortress

Tuesday, 2 April 2024

Prasat Thom, Cambodia

Prasat Thom is a stunning pyramid construction located in Koh Ker, Cambodia's ancient city. It is thought to have been built during the reign of King Jayavarman IV in the tenth century AD. This massive edifice stands roughly 36 meters tall and has seven terraces. The pyramid was created as a state temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, but its purpose has surely altered throughout the years. 

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Saturday, 30 March 2024

Ancient well system at Nazca, Peru

The ancient well system at Nazca, Peru, was an important part of the sophisticated water management network established by the Nazca civilization between 100 BC and 800 AD. In addition to the underground aqueducts known as puquios, the Nazca people built wells, or cacchitos, to draw water from aquifers in the harsh desert climate. These wells were precisely engineered to prevent water contamination and provide a consistent water supply for agricultural and everyday use.

The engineering and upkeep of the aqueducts and wells demonstrated the Nazca people's sophisticated mastery of hydrology and ability to adapt to harsh desert circumstances. The Nazca well system was critical to the civilization's survival, allowing for large-scale agriculture and supporting a complex society. Nowadays, these ancient water management systems serve as a tribute to the Nazca people's ingenuity and capacity to flourish in a harsh climate. Ongoing research is revealing how significant of these outstanding accomplishments.

Read More: The Golden Chains of Laburnum


 

Zona Arqueológica de Teuchitlán

The Zona Arqueológica de Teuchitlán, also known as Guachimontones, is a captivating ancient site in the scenic landscape of Jalisco, Mexico. What sets this archaeological treasure apart are its circular stepped pyramids, or "guachimontones," which stand as a unique testament to the rich history of the region.

Dating back to the era between 300 BCE and 900 CE, the Teuchitlán culture left behind these enigmatic structures, which are a marvel of ancient engineering and architectural prowess. The circular stepped pyramids are a striking departure from the more familiar Mesoamerican pyramid shapes, featuring concentric circles of terraces culminating in a central altar. These structures likely served as ceremonial platforms for religious rites and communal gatherings, offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices and social dynamics of the Teuchitlán people. 

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Wednesday, 13 March 2024

Mingun Pagoda - Myanmar

Its a massive incomplete stupa (Mingun Pagoda) and the second-largest bell in the world are situated in Mingun, close to Amarapura, Myanmar. Myanmar is a Buddhist nation with a lot of lovely places to visit, particularly its spiritually inspired architecture. The breathtakingly stunning and imposing Mingun Pahtodawgy stupa still stands in the village of Mingun. Despite being a ruin, Mandalay City has turned this area into a very popular destination. 
In fact, Mingun Pahtodawgyi is the largest brick pile in the world and is a rather nice mound of bricks. Originally designed to be a 500-foot-tall stupa, or a mound containing Buddhist relics, Pahtodawgyi is nonetheless an impressive building even though it is not yet complete. With dimensions of 450 by 450 feet and a height of 172 feet, it is much larger than the surrounding terrain and could have easily surpassed the Great Pyramid of Giza in size had King Bodawpaya completed construction. 


Saturday, 2 March 2024

Angkor Temples, Cambodia

The phrase "Angkor Temples & Ancient Sites" describes a collection of temples and historic locations in Cambodia's Angkor area. The Khmer Empire peaked during the ninth and fifteenth centuries CE, with its capital city being Angkor. The pinnacle of Khmer art and architecture may be seen in the temples and ancient sites of Angkor, which also serve as a reminder of the area's rich cultural heritage. The most famous temple in Angkor is Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's biggest religious structures. Angkor Wat, a temple complex with exquisite sculptures and breathtaking architectural details, was constructed in the 12th century CE and mixes Buddhist and Hindu influences.

Other noteworthy temples in the region are Ta Prohm, which is partly hidden by tree roots and has a striking combination of architecture and nature, and Bayon, which is well-known for the mysterious smiling faces carved on its towers. The Khmer Empire's political, spiritual, and cultural hub was the ancient city of Angkor. The West Baray reservoir and Angkor Thom, two examples of advanced irrigation systems, demonstrate the Khmer people's engineering prowess. The temples and other Angkorian sites have withstood the test of time and continue to be an irreplaceable heritage, despite various challenges such as environmental variables and warfare. 


Tuesday, 9 January 2024

Baths of Caracalla in Rome, Italy.

It was built just outside of Rome, by the Appian Way (212–216 AD). The baths were of an unprecedented size, allowing 1600 Romans to bathe simultaneously. In addition to the bathing facilities, there were two libraries, shops, offices, gardens, and even a sports area. Artworks recovered from the ruins include famous sculptures like the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules. During and after their operation as baths, they served as inspiration for many other notable buildings, ancient and modern, like the Baths of Diocletian, the Basilica of Maxentius, the original Pennsylvania Station in New York City, Chicago Union Station, and the Senate of Canada Building. Baths of Caracalla in Rome, Italy is tourist attractions these days.