Borobudur in Central Java, Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple known. It features over 2,600 relief panels, 72 perforated stupas and over 500 Buddha statues over an area of 2,520 m2. Built in the 9th Century by the Shailendra dynasty and was abandoned in the 14th Century for unknown reasons. In 1814, the British were in control of Central Java and followed up …
The Sketchbook from the 13th Century
Villard de Honnecourt was a French man, who had a passion for drawing. He is still known to the World because his sketchbook survived. It includes around 250 drawings of many different subject matters. Many sketches show buildings, such as the Laon Cathedral in Paris. While past researchers concluded he was an architect, but more recent opinion is that he had …
The Sasanian Empire
From the years 226 to 637, the Sasanian Empire was one of the most well known in the World. Covering much of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Israel and Egypt it would stretch as far as Turkey in the West, Russia in the North and Pakistan in the East. Frequent battles with the Romans only enhanced the prestige of the Sasanians.
The Gelati Monastery
The Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi, Georgia was founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia. It is one of the most important sites of Georgian history and was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.