Shangdu, also known as Xanadu, was the summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan dynasty in China, before he decided to move his throne to the Jin Dynasty capital of Zhōngdū, now known as Beijing. Founded in 1256, it was a grand city famed for its opulence and magnificence, immortalized by Marco Polo and later by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his poem “Kubla Khan.” The site is located in what is now Inner Mongolia, and it was here that Kublai Khan established a base for his conquest of China. Shangdu was designed by the Chinese architect Liu Bingzhong and served not only as a summer retreat but also as a symbol of the Yuan dynasty’s power. However, its glory was short-lived; the city fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned after the fall of the Yuan dynasty. Today, the ruins of Shangdu are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a window into the past and the cultural exchanges between the nomadic Mongols and the Chinese civilization they ruled.
Historical Places
Miaoying Temple
The Miaoying Temple, also known as the White Stupa Temple, is a historical marvel located in Beijing, China. It’s renowned for its striking white stupa, which stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Yuan Dynasty. The temple has a rich history, having been built under the patronage of Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty and the grandson of Genghis Khan. Over the centuries, it has been a site of Buddhist worship and cultural exchange, reflecting the diverse history of Beijing itself.
Honcopampa (Joncopampa)
Honcopampa is an archaeological site in the highlands of Peru. It’s nestled in the Andean mountains, offering a glimpse into the ancient Wari civilization. The site features a complex of ruins, including stone structures and tombs. Researchers believe it was a significant center during the Wari Empire’s peak, between 600 and 1000 AD. Honcopampa’s discovery and subsequent studies have provided valuable insights into the Wari’s social, political, and religious practices.
Yemrehanna Kristos
Yemrehanna Kristos is a remarkable church located in the northern part of Ethiopia, near the town of Lalibela. It predates the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, having been built in the Aksumite fashion with layers of wood and granite. This architectural marvel is nestled within a cave and is known for its interior adorned with intricate woodwork and frescoes. The church is named after the Zagwe dynasty King Yemrehanna Kristos, who is believed to have commissioned it in the early 12th century. It remains an important pilgrimage site and a testament to Ethiopia’s rich historical and religious heritage.
Na’akuto La’ab
Na’akuto La’ab is a monolithic church located in the northern part of Ethiopia. Carved from a living rock, it is a testament to the country’s rich religious history and architectural ingenuity. The church is associated with King Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty, who is said to have commissioned its construction. Na’akuto La’ab stands as a significant pilgrimage site and a remarkable example of Ethiopia’s medieval period rock-hewn churches.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
The Caliphate City of Medina Azahara, a palatial city complex, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Umayyad dynasty in al-Andalus. Built by Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III in the 10th century, it served as a political and administrative center. Located near Cordoba, Spain, the ruins reflect the cultural zenith of the Caliphate of Cordoba. The city was short-lived, however, as it was sacked during a civil war and fell into ruin. Today, it is an archaeological site that offers invaluable insights into Islamic art, architecture, and civilization in medieval Spain.