Images

A 19th-century illustration of Ryujin, the dragon king and sea god of Japanese mythology. Here he is chasing the princess Tamatori. National Museum, Warsaw.

Outside of West Kennet Long Barrow, Wiltshire, U.K., showing the sarsen stones of the forecourt/facade. 3,500-2,700 BCE.

The entrance of long barrow at Stoney Littleton, Somerset, U.K. 3,500-2,700 BCE.

Entrance and forecourt/facade of West Kennet Long Barrow, Wiltshire, U.K. 3,500-2,700 BCE.

A map illustrating possible sea routes used for political and cultural embassies from ancient Japan to Tang Dynasty China.

Electrum coin depicting an uncertain king of Lydia, early 6th century BCE. Obverse: Head of a roaring lion with multiple rays of the sun on its forehead. Reverse: Double incuse punch.

Fire

A modern statue of the Japanese Buddhist monk Ennin (c. 793-864 CE). Yenin Yu, Japan.

The main pagoda of the Buddhist Kofukuji temple complex in Nara, Japan. Today's 50-metre high structure dates to 1426 CE, built after a fire destroyed several of its predecessors, the first of which was built in 725 CE.

The Southern Octagonal Hall (Nanendo) of the Buddhist Kofukuji temple complex in Nara, Japan. First built in 813 CE but with the present version dating to 1741 CE.