Southeast Asia & Japan

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Bagan is one of the most remarkable sights in Southeast Asia, The kingdom of Bagan took root in the 8th century but only rose to glory as capital of the First Kingdom of Myanmar in the early 11th century. There were once 4446 temples over 16 square miles its wide but today only 2230 remain. They are everywhere.

King Anawrahta, who ruled from 1044 to 1077, initiated the building of temples. The decline of the kingdom in the late 13th century is believed to have resulted from an invasion of Mongols led by Kublai Khan. The capital was shifted from Bagan to Pinya and then to Inwa near modern-day Mandalay, where it remained for centuries.

Many of the temples were architectural wonders of their time and today. There is hardly a trace of cement in the masonry. The massive roofs were held up by clever use of arches and barrel vaults. The windows were arranged to throw rays of sunlight directly onto the faces of massive Buddha images within the vaulted chambers.Читать далее