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.

Khanjar dagger. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.

31 August, 2023 - 18:54 Robbie Mitchell

A Master Craftsman Makes the Perfect Dagger (Video)

In Oman , the possession of a khanjar is a matter of tradition and pride for men. These curved daggers , tracing their origins to the 16th or 17th century, have evolved from mere weapons to exquisite...

Chand Baori stepwell, India. Source: Nicola / Adobe Stock.

29 August, 2023 - 20:55 Joanna Gillan

Get Lost in the Maze-Like Stepwell of Chand Baori (Video)

The Chand Baori is an architectural marvel that stands out even in a country renowned for its historic wonders. Dating back to the 9 th century AD, this massive stepwell is not just a mere functional...

Harput Castle, Elazig, Turkey. Source: CC BY-SA 3.0

29 August, 2023 - 14:53 Gary Manners

2500-Year-Old Technology and an Ancient Kitchen Unearthed at Harput Castle

Harput Castle has long stood as an emblem of Anatolia's rich tapestry of history. A gem nestled in Turkey's landscape, its enigmatic walls and remnants have many tales to tell, and recent excavations...

Indigo dye. Source: Thirawatana / Adobe Stock.

27 August, 2023 - 20:56 Robbie Mitchell

The Link Between Japanese Samurai and Real Indigo (Video)

Within the captivating tapestry of Japanese history , a fascinating link emerges between Samurai culture and the realm of real indigo. Tucked away in Tokushima, Japan, a region steeped in tradition,...

Mount Huashan Teahouse, Mount Hua, China. Source: Victor / Adobe Stock.

26 August, 2023 - 16:18 Robbie Mitchell

The Journey to the World’s Most Remote Teahouse (Video)

To savor the simple pleasure of a cup of tea at the Huashan Teahouse on Mount Hua , a journey of determination awaits. The odyssey commences with a 20-minute cable car ascent, granting breathtaking...

Drukpa Order Kung Fu Nuns. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.

26 August, 2023 - 01:57 Robbie Mitchell

The Buddhist Drukpa Order- Kung Fu Nuns (Video)

In a realm where dedication knows no bounds, a group of remarkable nuns has emerged as a symbol of empowerment. This unique nunnery in Nepal boasts an empowering claim to fame—it stands as the only...

Guang bing Chinese bagel. Source: Kenishirotie / Adobe Stock.

25 August, 2023 - 20:57 Robbie Mitchell

How a 500-Year-Old Chinese ‘Bagel’ Helped Win a War (Video)

Today bagels are a staple snack for many of us, but did you know that hundreds of years ago a Chinese variation helped win a war? This remarkable creation, known as the guang-bing, holds the key to...

The recently dated Malaysian rock art. Source: Andrea Jalandoni / CC BY 4.0

24 August, 2023 - 22:46 Nathan Falde

Malaysian Rock Art on Borneo Linked to Era of Conflict

A large cave known as Gua Sireh, which is located in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo in Malaysia, features one of the most extensive collections of recently drawn cave art found anywhere...

Korean haenyeo divers. Source: ufokim / Adobe Stock.

24 August, 2023 - 16:50 Robbie Mitchell

Haenyeo: The Last Mermaids of Jeju (Video)

In the azure waters surrounding the historic Korean island of Jeju, a remarkable tradition endures. Enter the world of Kim Ok Ja, a tenacious 78-year-old woman who defies age and nature's challenges...

Sri Harmandir Sahib golden temple, Punjab, India. Source: jura_taranik / Adobe Stock.

24 August, 2023 - 01:56 Robbie Mitchell

India’s Golden Temple Feeds 100,000 People Every Day (Video)

In the heart of Amritsar, India , stands a radiant sanctuary that draws countless visitors from across the globe. The Harmandir Sahib , renowned as the Golden Temple, holds a pivotal role in the Sikh...

Aerial view of the structure at Tel Shimron supporting the passageway to the corbelled vault. Credit: Eyecon. Source: Eyecon

23 August, 2023 - 22:55 Nathan Falde

Israel's Tel Shimron Excavations Reveal Ancient Architectural Marvel Dating to 1,800 BC

Archaeologists participating in the ongoing Tel Shimron excavations in the Jezreel Valley of northern Israel recently unearthed the first section of an arched, vaulted passageway with steps that they...

Mongolian Throat Singing. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.

23 August, 2023 - 20:53 Robbie Mitchell

The Incredible World of Mongolian Throat Singing (Video)

Among the world's oldest musical forms, Mongolian throat singing emerges as a captivating embodiment of human skill and rich cultural heritage. Dating back to antiquity , this ancient tradition...

Wooden churches on island Kizhi on lake Onega, Russia. Source: Mikhail Markovskiy / Adobe Stock.

22 August, 2023 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

The Incredible Russian Churches Built without Nails (Video)

Standing proudly on a small Russian island is are two remarkable churches that defy conventional construction techniques. This centuries-old architectural marvel , nestled on Kizhi Island, boasts two...

Dar al Hajar rock palace, Yemen. Source: fotoember / Adobe Stock.

20 August, 2023 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

Inside Yemen's Hand-Carved Rock Palace (Video)

Nestled a mere ten miles from Yemen's capital, Dar al-Hajar, the Imam’s Rock Palace, stands as an exceptional achievement, carved into the very rock it rests upon. Crafted during the 1930s by Imam...

Representational image of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Source: Creative Digital Art / Adobe Stock

20 August, 2023 - 19:00 Joanna Gillan

Searching for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The real location of the elusive Hanging Gardens of Babylon has eluded researchers for centuries. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World whose location is still unknown, yet...

Tanah Lot, Bali. Source: NIPATHORN / Adobe Stock.

20 August, 2023 - 17:00 Joanna Gillan

Tanah Lot: Bali’s Majestic Temple in the Sea

On a small three-acre island off the southwest coast of Bali lies a cherished sea temple , Tanah Lot. Its name aptly translates to "Land in the Sea" in the Balinese language, a fitting description...

Kathakali eye dancer. Source: Grigory Kubatyan / Adobe Stock.

19 August, 2023 - 01:58 Robbie Mitchell

Eye Dancing and India’s Ancient Art of Kathakali (Video)

Kathakali, the captivating traditional Indian dance originating from Kerala , unveils a mesmerizing world where stories from Hindu epics come alive. This art form transcends mere movements and steps...

Stone masterpiece pays tribute to Yelang Civilization. Source: imphilip / Adobe Stock.

18 August, 2023 - 16:57 Robbie Mitchell

Stone Masterpiece Pays Tribute to Ancient Yelang Civilization (Video)

In the heart of what many deemed a barren wasteland, artist Song Peilun perceived an extraordinary canvas brimming with potential. Over the span of two decades, Peilun has masterfully crafted a...

A singing group of 5 ethnic Kam women stand in front of the wooden drum tower in Xiaohuang village, Congjiang county, Guizhou, China. Source: imphilip / Adobe Stock.

17 August, 2023 - 20:54 Robbie Mitchell

Dong Storytelling: Passing Down Ancient Stories Through Song (Video)

Within the Dong ethnic group of China's Guizhou province, a profound belief is encapsulated in the adage, "Eat rice to nourish the body, and sing songs to nourish the heart." These songs, numbering...

Largest handwritten family tree in the world. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.

17 August, 2023 - 16:58 Robbie Mitchell

The Largest Handwritten Family Tree in the World (Video)

In the sacred grounds of Haridwar, India, beside the flowing Ganges , lies an extraordinary marvel. This remarkable marvel is the largest handwritten family tree globally. Maintained by dedicated...

Fire and coal forging Japanese sword in a kiln of a blacksmith in Japan. Source: Karori Production / Adobe Stock.

16 August, 2023 - 01:59 Robbie Mitchell

The Ancient Art of Forging Japanese Knives (Video)

In the verdant countryside of Kōchi, Japan , the ancient craft of Japanese blacksmithing thrives, carrying a history that stretches back centuries . At the heart of this tradition are the Nata blades...

Molten iron fireworks. Source: Xiangli / Adobe Stock.

14 August, 2023 - 20:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Spectacular Chinese Tradition of Molten Iron Fireworks (Video)

For three decades, Wang De has immersed himself in the mesmerizing Chinese tradition of Da Shuhua, a captivating art that traces its origins back 500 years to the quaint Nuanquan village. This...

Funazushi. Source: tokyofoodcast / Flickr.

14 August, 2023 - 16:56 Robbie Mitchell

Extreme Sushi: Before These Tasty Bites, There Was Funazushi (Video)

Before sushi became an internationally beloved delicacy, another Japanese culinary marvel reigned supreme – Funazushi. Unlike the hastily prepared haya-nare sushi which most westerners are familiar...

Archaeologists with 4,000-year-old pyramid remains in uncovered in Kazakhstan. Source: L. N. Gumilyov / Eurasian National University

9 August, 2023 - 22:55 Sahir

4,000-Year-Old Bronze Age Pyramid Found in Kazakhstan Is First Ever on Asian Steppe!

A 4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramidical structure with links to a horse cult has been uncovered in the ochre-tinted earthen steppes of Kazakhstan. The culmination of almost a decade of research and...

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