The 13th century was not a good time for many empires and kingdoms across Asia and Europe as this period marked the incredibly rapid expansion of the Mongols, who also happened to be the Yuan dynasty rulers of China. The Khmer Empire, a long-dominant power […]
There’s probably nothing more humiliating for the rulers of a nation than being defeated by another nation they once conquered. In 1177 CE, Champa occupied Angkor following their successful naval attacks right at the heart of the subjugated capital. This was an unprecedented event as […]
Trying to imagine how Vijaya looked during its heyday is difficult when you see what it’s like in the present. The day after we went to Tháp Bánh ĺt and Tháp Bình Lâm, we ventured even closer to what used to be the center of […]
Across the globe, many ancient civilizations are still remembered by people today thanks to their achievements, or unique characters, or inspiring stories (whether they were true or not) that have been passed on for generations. However, in a world where physical appearance often overshadows other […]
It was a cloudy afternoon on our third day in Siem Reap and we were on our way to a massive 12th-century temple in a forest-studded setting. Earlier in the morning when the weather was ideal for photography, we paid a visit to the Roluos […]
In the beginning of the 11th century CE, the Khmer Empire plunged into yet more internal strife which saw a protracted conflict to determine the rightful claimant to the throne. It began during the reign of Jayavarman V, the son of Rajendravarman II who became king […]
It’s amazing, and scary, to think of what our hands are capable of doing. They slap, they punch, they stab, they fire a gun, they molest, they hurt. But they also write, they cook, they sculpt, they caress, they play music, they paint, they create. […]
In the late ninth century CE, the Khmer people witnessed the establishment of a new capital of their fledgling empire under the rule of Yasovarman I, whose predecessors previously ruled from Hariharalaya. Called Yasodharapura (modern-day Angkor), the new center of administration began seeing the construction […]
Over the course of human history, there have always been individuals who have what it takes to push the boundaries, to make breakthroughs, to think of what others can’t conceive, to do what others don’t have the courage to execute, to dream about what seems […]
The Defeat of Siam. Quite a name for a place situated not too far from the border with Siam – modern-day Thailand – itself. Imagine if there was a city in France called La Défaite de l’Allemagne (The Defeat of Germany). That would have caused […]
Wildflowers can be interesting and pretty. But if there is an orchid sitting next to them, people’s attention would almost certainly be fixated on the latter due to the extravagant colors and shapes of its blooms. The same thing can be said about two ancient […]
Do you have a special place that, for whatever reason, keeps calling you to return even though you’ve been there many times? I do. Those who have been following my blog for years wouldn’t be surprised if I tell you that such a place for […]
What an Amazing World! 