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Todaiji
Todaiji is an ancient temple complex in Nara, Japan. Founded in 738 CE and officially opened in 752 CE when Nara was the capital, the temple is the headquarters of the Buddhist Kegon sect. The temple has a 500-ton sculpture of the Buddha...
Definition
Samson
Samson was one of the last judges in the Hebrew Book of Judges who arose as a leader of the Jews when they settled in Canaan. He was a Nazirite, known for his incredible strength, the secret of which was discovered by Delilah who betrayed...
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Robert II of Scotland
Robert II of Scotland ruled as king from 1371 to 1390. Born Robert Stewart, he succeeded the heirless David II of Scotland (r. 1329-1371) and so founded the royal house of Stewart. Dividing Scottish estates between his many offspring, Robert...
Definition
Izumi Shikibu
Izumi Shikibu was a writer, poet, and member of the Japanese court during the Heian Period (794-1185 CE). Her birth date is variously given as sometime in the 970's CE, and she died in the 1030's CE. In her celebrated memoirs, known as the...
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Minamoto no Yoritomo Statue
A wooden sculpture of Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199 CE), leader of the Minamoto clan and Shogun of Japan from 1192-1199 CE. (Tokyo National Museum)
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Fujiwara no Kamatari
A 16th century CE silk scroll depicting Fujiwara no Kamatari (614-669 CE) and his two sons, the founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan which dominated Japanese government during the Heian Period (794-1185 CE). (Los Angeles County Museum of...
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Minamoto no Yoshitsune
An illustration by Kikuchi Yosai of the Japanese military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189 CE) of the Minamoto clan.
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Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Dunvegan Castle is the family seat of the Clan MacLeod on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The castle is the oldest continually inhabited in northern Scotland. The present structure dates from the 18th century but the first castle on the site...
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Armadale Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Armadale Castle was the family seat of the Clan MacDonald. The 19th-century manor house was destroyed by fire, and its ruins are located on the Sleat peninsula, Isle of Skye, Scotland.
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Fujiwara no Yoshifusa
A depiction by artist Kikuchi Yosai of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (804-872 CE), member of the powerful Fujiwara clan and the first Japanese regent not of royal blood.