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.
Volubilis
Volubilis, a partly-excavated city located near Meknes, Morocco, represents a significant archaeological site with roots stretching back to the 3rd century BC. Initially a Berber settlement, it later became a proto-Carthaginian city before serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania under King Juba II. The city’s strategic location in a fertile agricultural area facilitated its development and prosperity, particularly under Roman rule from the 1st century AD.
Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa, located in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, India, stands as a monumental representation of Buddhist architecture and religious heritage. This complex, particularly noted for the Great Stupa, is situated approximately 46 kilometers northeast of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The site holds immense historical and cultural significance, tracing back to the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC.
Astuvansalmi rock paintings
The Astuvansalmi rock paintings, situated in Ristiina, Mikkeli, in the region of Southern Savonia, Finland, represent a significant prehistoric site. Found on the shores of Lake Yƶvesi, part of the expansive Lake Saimaa, these paintings provide invaluable insights into the spiritual and daily lives of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
Umm al-Biyara
Umm Al-Biyara, translating to “Mother of Cisterns,” stands as the highest peak in the ancient city of Petra, located in present-day Jordan. This mountain not only dominates the landscape but also offers a unique vantage point over the city, which was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around the 4th century BC until the Roman annexation in 106 AD.
Long Man of Wilmington
The Long Man of Wilmington, also known as the Wilmington Giant, is a prominent hill figure located on the steep slopes of Windover Hill near Wilmington, East Sussex, England. This figure, standing at 235 feet tall and holding two staves, is a significant cultural and historical landmark within the region.