Asia

Ancient places can be found all over Asia. Their fascinating histories and impressive artifacts open intriguing glimpses to times past, and open up a window on Asian history. Visiting such historical places in Asia can be an unforgettable experience.

Science is constantly discovering new archaeological places and uncovering more evidence into what we once thought we knew about our history, therefore offering new pieces to the ever changing puzzle of humanity’s past and altering how we interpret it. This section will present the most interesting archaeological sites all over Asia, as well as new discoveries of ancient places that are worth paying a visit.

The Badami Chalukyas dynasty came to control vast tracts of land within southern and central India from about 543 AD until 753 AD. Representative image of a more modern era. Source: Public domain

22 September, 2020 - 00:59 Saurav Ranjan Datta

The Badami Chalukyas: An Indian Dynasty Spanning Over 200 Years

At a glance, history can seem chaotic. We need to delve into the depths of any particular era, and not just focus on particular incidents. History is not just a timeline of earth-shattering battles,...

The ancient Judean date palm tree has been resurrected

17 September, 2020 - 20:09 Joanna Gillan

The Judean Date Palm: Extinct Tree Resurrected from Ancient Seeds

For thousands of years, the date palm was a staple crop. In the Kingdom of Judea it was a source of food, shelter, medicine, and shade. But the plant went extinct due to waves of conquest and...

A collection of shoes, presumably from those who have taken their lives, inside Aokigahara forest.

16 September, 2020 - 20:56 Joanna Gillan

The Aokigahara Forest of Japan: Many Enter, But Few Walk Out Alive

The Aokigahara forest is situated on the north-western side of Japan’s famous Mount Fuji. It was born 1,100 years ago, when Mount Fuji erupted, spewing out lava for miles which later transformed into...

Naqsh-e Rustam

13 September, 2020 - 11:04 dhwty

Naqsh-e Rustam: Ancient Tombs of Powerful Persian Kings

Naqsh-e Rustam is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring ancient sites of the Achaemenid Empire, consisting of the colossal tombs of Persian kings dating back to the first millennium BC. It...

Petroglyph of the archaeological landscape of Tamgaly Source: victor21041958 / Adobe Stock

12 September, 2020 - 02:06 Ed Whelan

Tamgaly Petroglyphs: Rituals, Shaman and Nomad’s Treasures

Tamgaly in Kazakhstan, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides evidence of the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of Central Asia. The area has been traversed by countless nomadic...

Sebaste’s archaeology ancient ruins Source: Pavel Bernshtam / Adobe Stock

11 September, 2020 - 01:50 Ed Whelan

Ancient Samaria, a City Destroyed and Ten Tribes Lost Forever

Once known as the Land of Canaan, the region was home to great cultures and civilizations for thousands of years. As a result, there are many historic ruins and one of the most fascinating is the...

Pilgrim at the golden temple in the city of Amritsar-India, main temple of Sikhs, during sunset. Source: MICHEL / Adobe Stock

10 September, 2020 - 13:58 Ed Whelan

Why the Golden Temple is at the Very Heart of Sikhism

While the followers of Sikhism can be found all over the world, the supreme spiritual site of the faith is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. It is known as Harmandir Sahib , the abode of God, and...

Human Skeletons at Roopkund Lake aka Skeleton Lake

3 September, 2020 - 02:56 mrreese

Skeleton Lake: Ancient Remains Frozen in Time in the Himalayas

Imagine a frozen lake which, upon melting each year, reveals the unnerving sight of the remains of more than 300 people. The small lake known as Roopkund Lake, sits high in the Indian Himalayas more...

Burana tower located on famous Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan Source: Pavel Svoboda / Adobe Stock

3 September, 2020 - 01:28 Ed Whelan

Burana Tower, Kyrgyzstan’s Ancient and Last Monument to a Lost City

Central Asia has been home to various cultures and empires, and many of their materials remains can still be seen. One of the most important in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan is the Burana Tower. This...

Bronze Horseman on Thunder Stone Monolith Pedestal

25 August, 2020 - 21:42 dhwty

The Thunder Stone and Bronze Horseman: The Monolithic Savior of St Petersburg?

The Bronze Horseman is a monument located in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg. The pedestal of this equestrian statue is known as the Thunder Stone, a monolith claimed to be the largest block of...

Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, New Delhi, India. Source: kingslyg / Adobe Stock

25 August, 2020 - 01:40 Ed Whelan

Qutb Minar, the Incredible Victory Tower of the Mamluk Dynasty

Islamic culture has left an indelible mark on India’s celebrated architectural heritage. One of the most remarkable examples is the Qutb Minar , also known as the Victory Tower and the tallest...

Ruins of the biblical Beersheba, Tel Be'er Sheva, Israel Source: lic0001 / Adobe Stock

22 August, 2020 - 22:58 Ed Whelan

Israel’s Rare Artifacts from the Ancient Biblical City of Be’er Sheva

Israel has many fascinating and important archaeological sites, and many have biblical associations. One of the most popular is Tel Be’er Sheva archaeological park. This holds the remains of a city...

Agra fort, or Red fort, Delhi, India. Source: Lukas

22 August, 2020 - 01:51 Ed Whelan

The Mighty Red Fort of New Delhi, a Symbol of Mughal Power and Wealth

For various reason, buildings and structures become symbols of nations, for example the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the pyramids in Egypt, and the Red Fort in New Delhi, India. Also known as Lal Qalʿah,...

Chittorgarh Fort, in Rajasthan, has been the backdrop for centuries of power struggles. Source: Public domain

20 August, 2020 - 18:59 dhwty

Chittorgarh Fort: A Tale of Sieges, Conquest and Singing Ecstasy

Chittorgarh Fort is a hill fort located in Chittorgarh (known also as Chittor), a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh Fort is said to be the largest fort in Rajasthan , and is...

The Garden Tomb, rock tomb in Jerusalem, Israel Source: valenizi / Adobe Stock

20 August, 2020 - 02:01 Ed Whelan

Could the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem be the Site of Jesus’ Resurrection?

Jerusalem is an ancient city, founded as the City of David in 1010 BC, but there is evidence of settlements going back to 4500 BC. It has been conquered more than 40 times by various nations,...

Ranthambore Fort was built not only as a stronghold, but also became a center of Chauhan culture in Rajasthan, India. Photo source: RealityImages / Adobe Stock

19 August, 2020 - 23:09 dhwty

Ranthambore Fort: Rajasthani Stronghold and Center of Chauhan Culture

Located in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, it is widely believed that Ranthambore Fort was constructed during the 10 th century AD. It has also been suggested that the hill fort was actually...

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal. Source: XtravaganT / Adobe Stock

18 August, 2020 - 13:59 dhwty

Nepal’s Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Heart of An Historic Capital

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a group of plazas at the heart of the ancient city of Bhaktapur, in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley . A number of historical monuments occupy Bhaktapur Durbar Square, including...

Jami Masjid, a major tourist attraction at Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park - Gujarat, India Source: Leonid Andronov / Adobe Stock

14 August, 2020 - 01:53 Ed Whelan

Champaner-Pavagadh, the Essence of Religious Harmony

India is home to many amazing archaeological sites and architectural wonders. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park contains the remains of a city and amazing structures from many different cultures...

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, India. The site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Source: tinnaporn / Adobe Stock

6 August, 2020 - 01:15 Ed Whelan

Why Bodh Gaya is Considered the Navel of the Earth

India is the birthplace of Buddhism and as one of the oldest faiths followed, there are many wonderous Buddhist sites. There is also a growing recognition of the country’s Buddhist heritage. One of...

The ruins of Khara Khoto in the Gobi Desert. Source: Wirestock /Adobe Stock

2 August, 2020 - 14:05 dhwty

The Haunted Ruins of Khara Khoto, The Black City of Mongolia

Khara Khoto is an ancient city located in the western part of Inner Mongolia. It was once a thriving city, thanks to its location on the famous Silk Road. But a devastating massacre left the city in...

Maingmaw was one of the City States that is found throughout what is now Myanmar. Source: FlemishDreams

1 August, 2020 - 02:05 Ed Whelan

Maingmaw, The Wealthy Pyu City State of Myanmar

Myanmar, once known as Burma, has a unique culture that has fascinated outsiders for many years. It also has a long tradition of Buddhism , which is in part a legacy of the Pyu City-States. Maingmaw...

The Crocodile Stone of Vat Phou Temple, Laos. Photo source: Mattun0211 / CC0

30 July, 2020 - 02:06 dhwty

The Crocodile Stone: Is This a Grisly Artifact of Human Sacrifice?

The Crocodile Stone is a peculiar rock located in the Vat Phou (also spelled as Wat Phu) Temple complex, in Laos . As its name suggests, the rock contains the carving of a crocodile. More precisely,...

A statue of Prithviraja III at Qila Rai Pithora in Delhi Source: CC BY SA 3.0

28 July, 2020 - 02:01 Ed Whelan

Qila Rai Pithora, the Ancient Fort That Gave Rise to Delhi

India’s many remarkable forts and citadels stand as a testament to its turbulent history. Qila Rai Pithora Hillfort in Delhi is one of the most impressive surviving fortresses in Northern India. This...

Myanmar sunset Bagan (formerly Pagan) temple Source: murrrrrs / Adobe Stock

25 July, 2020 - 02:01 Ed Whelan

Is the Palace of Binnaka Waiting to be Discovered?

Myanmar, once known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian nation that is increasingly popular with foreign travelers due to its incredible history and traditions . The once important city-state of Binnaka...

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