Apart from the act of traveling itself, planning a trip is also something I mostly enjoy, for it brings me ‘closer’ to a place even before seeing it in person. But I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Having to look up the details […]
All posts tagged: ancient architecture
Teotihuacan: Vestiges of an Ancient Metropolis
In the second century CE, the Roman Empire was at its height, and so too was the Parthian Empire directly to its east. In East Asia, the Han dynasty reigned over ancient China, a period marked by advances in science and technology, among other things. […]
Meet Timur the Conqueror
Conquerors must be among the most divisive figures in human history. They are often regarded as heroes by the people they represent, whose territory grows following victorious military campaigns. But on the other hand, the conquered see them either as an evil force or as […]
The King’s Father and the Serpent
What would you do if you became the ruler of an empire with a history spanning centuries and known among its neighbors for its majestic temples? For Jayavarman VII, the king of the Khmer Empire in the late 12th century CE, the answer was simple: […]
When the Sun Set over Champa
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 […]
Khmer’s Last Push for Glory
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 […]
An Introduction to Champa
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 […]
Baphuon: A Puzzle No More
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 […]
Candi Ijo: A Silent Witness of Change
We as modern-day tourists often see ancient sites as places that inspire us, leave us spellbound, or whet our curiosity of the world we live in. We perceive them and give them attributes based on our standpoint, making them objects of our fascination. But what […]
Sambisari & Kedulan: the Underground Temples
Imagine an alternate world where ninth-century cathedrals across Europe and mosques throughout the Middle East and North Africa were buried deep in the ground for centuries until being rediscovered in the 20th century. People only knew a little about their existence, mostly from stories told […]
Ngawen & Losari: Temples on the Outskirts of Jogja
A pair of big round eyeballs are staring at mine with a curly mane accentuating the creature’s fierce face. Standing on its hind legs, with mouth agape and chest puffed up above its forelegs, one of the prancing lions of Candi Ngawen stands before me, […]
Petra the Magnificent – Part 2
Petra has been amazing so far, and the Treasury is even more impressive in person even though I have seen countless pictures of this famous ancient monument prior to the trip. But James and I know there’s more than just this magnificent structure – believed […]
What an Amazing World! 