The Rock Cut Pallava Temple at Dhalavanur is an early example of rock-cut architecture in South India. Built during the Pallava dynasty, it reflects the architectural transition from cave temples to structural temples. Scholars date this temple to the late 7th century AD, during the reign of Mahendravarman I (600–630 AD). Mahendravarman I is known…
Religious Structures
Druid’s Temple
Druid’s Temple is a 19th-century folly located in the Yorkshire Dales, England. Though resembling ancient structures, it is not a prehistoric monument. Its origins and design offer insight into the cultural and social interests of the Romantic period in Britain.Construction and PurposeThe temple was constructed in 1820 by William Danby, a wealthy landowner of Swinton…
Preah Vihear Temple
Preah Vihear Temple, located atop the Dangrek Mountains along the Cambodia-Thailand border, is one of the most remarkable examples of Khmer architecture. Constructed primarily between the 9th and 12th centuries AD, the temple complex served as a spiritual center dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Preah Vihear’s strategic position, perched over 1,700 feet above sea…
Stanydale Temple
Stanydale Temple is a prehistoric site on the Shetland Islands, Scotland, known for its unique architectural design. Situated on the western side of Mainland Shetland, the site has long intrigued archaeologists due to its distinct layout and unclear purpose. Radiocarbon dating places its construction around 2000 BC, during the Neolithic period, a time marked by…
Temple of Augustus and Rome
The Temple of Augustus and Rome, built in the early 1st century AD, stands as one of the most significant monuments from the Roman Empire. It is located in Pula, present-day Croatia, where it serves as a testament to the architectural and cultural influence of Rome on its provinces. Constructed during the reign of Emperor…
Papanatha Temple
The Papanatha Temple stands as a significant example of early medieval Indian architecture in the Chalukyan region. Located in Pattadakal, Karnataka, this temple, built around AD 740, represents a blend of Dravidian (South Indian) and Nagara (North Indian) architectural styles. The site reflects the fusion of cultural influences during the period, particularly under the Chalukya…