Olba, located in present-day Turkey, was an ancient city of considerable importance in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. It lies in the modern province of Mersin, within the region historically known as Cilicia. The city, though less prominent than other ancient centers, played a crucial role in the region’s religious, political, and economic life.Origins…
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Tianti Mountain Grottoes
Tianti Mountain Grottoes: A Journey Through TimeThe Tianti Mountain Grottoes, also known as Tiantishan Caves, are a treasure trove of Buddhist art and history. Located in the Liangzhou District of Wuwei, Gansu, China, these caves have witnessed centuries of religious devotion, artistic creation, and natural wear.Origins and Historical SignificanceThe grottoes were first constructed during the…
Tianlongshan Grottoes
The Tianlongshan Grottoes: A Testament to Ancient Buddhist ArtThe Tianlongshan Grottoes, located in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, are a remarkable collection of Buddhist caves that have captivated historians and art enthusiasts for centuries. These caves, carved into the eastern and western mountainsides, contain a total of 25 grottoes, over 500 statues, and more than 1,000…
Wangmuugong Grottoes
Wangmu Palace Grottoes: A Hidden Gem of Ancient Buddhist Art in GansuThe Wangmu Palace Grottoes, also known as Wangmuugong Grottoes or Xiwangmu Grotto, are nestled in the western suburbs of Jingchuan County, Gansu Province. Located at the foot of Gongshan Mountain, where the Lihe and Jinghe rivers meet, these grottoes hold a special place in…
Mamandur rock cut caves
The Rock-Cut Wonders of Mamandur: A Glimpse into 7th-Century Pallava ArchitectureMamandur, a village in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district, sits just 10 kilometers from Kanchipuram. This village is renowned for its 7th-century rock-cut cave temples, which feature Tamil Brahmi inscriptions. These temples, declared monuments of national importance, showcase the Pallava dynasty’s remarkable contributions to art and…
Titiopolis
Titiopolis, an ancient city located in the mountainous region of Cilicia, played a minor yet notable role in the history of Asia Minor. The city’s origins are somewhat obscure, but it likely emerged during the Hellenistic period, following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Like many cities in the region,…