Metsamor, located in the Armavir Province of Armenia, near the village of Taronik, is a significant archaeological site that offers a window into the ancient civilizations of the region. The site encompasses the remnants of a once-thriving city, which played a pivotal role in the cultural and economic landscape of the Ararat Valley from the Bronze Age through medieval times.
Historical Places
Lygdamis of Naxos
Lygdamis, the notable tyrant of Naxos during the third quarter of the 6th century BC, remains a significant figure in the history of the Cycladic islands. His rule is marked by both political maneuvering and notable contributions to the architectural heritage of Naxos.
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the “Great Awakening Temple,” is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is revered as the place where Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment. This site has been a focal point of Buddhist pilgrimage for over two millennia.
Khirbet edh-Dharih
Khirbet edh-Dharih is a significant archaeological site located in southern Jordan, approximately 70 km north of Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital. This site, near the modern town of Tafileh, has revealed layers of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period, around 4000-6000 BC. The site’s name, derived from Arabic, translates to ‘the ruins of the highlands’, aptly reflecting its geographical setting.
Shwezigon Pagoda
The Shwezigon Pagoda, also known as Shwezigon Paya, stands as a significant Buddhist stupa located in Nyaung-U, Myanmar. Renowned as a prototype of Burmese stupas, it features a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa encircled by smaller temples and shrines. The construction of this iconic structure commenced in 1059 AD during the reign of King Anawrahta, the founder of the Pagan Empire, and was completed in 1102 AD under the supervision of his son, King Kyansittha.
Candi Sewu temple
Candi Sewu is an 8th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located 800 meters north of Prambanan in Central Java, Indonesia. The term “candi” refers to a Hindu or Buddhist temple in Indonesian, thus the name Candi Sewu. It is the second-largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, following Borobudur. The temple complex, originally known as Manjusrigrha, predates the nearby “Loro Jonggrang” temple at Prambanan and consists of 249 temples, though its Javanese name translates to ‘a thousand temples,’ a figure derived from local folklore.