The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most intriguing ancient monuments. It’s not just a colossal statue; it also features two associated temples, each offering a window into Egypt’s distant past. These temples represent different eras of ancient Egyptian history: the Old Kingdom and the New Kingdom. Let’s explore the history, architecture, and…
Temples
Temples are sacred buildings dedicated to worshipping gods and goddesses. In ancient times, they were often grand structures, decorated with carvings and sculptures, where people would gather for rituals and ceremonies. Many ancient temples, like those in Egypt and Greece, still stand today.
Sojiwan Temple
Sojiwan Temple: A Jewel of Javanese HeritageSojiwan Temple, sometimes spelled Sajiwan, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Central Java. This 9th-century AD Mahayana Buddhist temple, located in Kebon Dalem Kidul village near Prambanan, boasts a fascinating history intertwined with volcanic eruptions, royal patronage, and painstaking restoration efforts.Historical BackgroundThe Rukam…
Banyunibo Temple (Candi Banyunibo)
Banyunibo Temple: A Glimpse into Ancient Javanese ArchitectureBanyunibo, meaning “dripping water” in Javanese, is a 9th-century Buddhist temple. It’s located in Cepit Hamlet, Bokoharjo Village, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, within the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Dating back to the era of the Mataram Kingdom, this temple is nestled in a narrow valley surrounded by lush…
The Temple of Awwam
The Magnificent Temple of AwwamThe Temple of Awwam, also known as Mahram Bilqis or “Sanctuary of the Queen of Sheba,” is a revered Sabaean temple. Dedicated to Almaqah, the principal deity of Saba, this ancient marvel is located near Ma’rib in Yemen, about 7 kilometers southeast of ancient Marib.Historical and Religious SignificanceThis temple, like many…
Dashavatara Temple
Discovering the Dashavatara TempleThe Dashavatara Temple, a remarkable example of ancient Hindu architecture, stands as a testament to a bygone era. This early 6th-century structure, nestled in the scenic Betwa River valley, offers a glimpse into the artistic and religious life of Gupta period India.An Architectural Gem in DeogarhLocated in Deogarh, Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh,…
Atlas statues from Temple of Zeus
Guardians of Ancient SplendorThe Atlas statues at the Temple of Zeus in Agrigento, Sicily, stand as enduring symbols of ancient Greek artistry and mythology. Created in the 5th century BCE, these colossal figures once adorned the grand Doric temple, considered the largest ever built, even though it was never completed. The statues, each standing around…