Introduction to the Dresden Codex The Dresden Codex is a significant Maya book, once considered the oldest surviving book from the Americas, dating back to the 11th or 12th century AD. However, in September 2018, it was established that the Maya Codex of Mexico, formerly known as the Grolier Codex, predates it by about a…
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Ecbatana
Introduction to EcbatanaEcbatana, known in Old Persian as Hagmatāna, meaning “the place of gathering,” served as the ancient capital of the Median Empire. It was the first capital of Iran and later became the summer capital for both the Achaemenid and Parthian Empires. The city also played a significant role during the Seleucid and Sasanian…
Xiangtangshan Caves
Historical Significance of Xiangtangshan CavesArtisans first carved the Xiangtangshan Caves during the Northern Qi Dynasty, between AD 550 and 577. Subsequently, artists from the Sui, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties also contributed to the caves’ development. These caves, located in Hebei province, stand out as the largest in the region. Craftsmen chose the top-quality rocks…
Wang Zhaojun Tomb and the Ethnic Unity of China
The Tomb of Wang Zhaojun: A Symbol of Unity and FriendshipThe Tomb of Wang Zhaojun, also known as Qingzhong, stands prominently in the central area of the Zhaojun Museum. This historical site is located on the expansive Hohhot Plain within the Great Wall region of northern China. The tomb, shaped like an inverted funnel, rises…
Selcë e Poshtme
Overview of Selcë e PoshtmeSelcë e Poshtme, commonly referred to as “Lower Selcë,” is a village in the Mokra area of Korçë County, Albania. Following the 2015 local government reform, it became part of the Pogradec municipality. The village is notably positioned on the right bank of the Shkumbin river at an elevation of 1,040…
Yungang Grottoes
Located in the city of Datong, northern Shanxi province, China, the Yungang Grottoes are a spectacular sight to behold. This collection of shallow caves is adorned with over 51,000 statues, representing the outstanding achievement of Buddhist cave art in China in the 5th and 6th centuries. The Yungang Grottoes are a testament to the power of religious devotion and the artistic mastery of the ancient craftsmen.