Images

Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu (also given as Svayambhunath, Swoyambhu) has mythological origins as suggested by the name which means “self-created”. Historically, it was most likely built in the 5th century CE at a site already consecrated...

The great stupa of Boudhanath in Kathmandu is one of the largest in Nepal and a major pilgrimage site as well as tourist attraction. It is thought to have been built in the late 6th century CE by a king of the Nepalese Licchavi Kingdom and...

The oldest stupa in India, and possibly in the world, construction of the Great Stupa at Sanchi was decreed and overseen by Ashoka the Great (268-232 BCE). It stands 54 feet (17 meters) high and 120 feet (37 meters) wide with a spire (yashti...

The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Florence. The cathedral was founded in 1296 CE but its great dome was not completed until 1436 CE. The project was the work of the Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446 CE).

The Old Sacristy in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence by the Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446 CE). 1418-28 CE.

The loggia of the Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence by the Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446 CE). Built 1419 to 1424 CE.

Arabic calligraphy with the name of Fatimah bint Muhammad (l. 615-632 CE), a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (l. 570-632 CE).

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Sri Lanka contains the greatest amount of the Buddha’s relics of any stupa anywhere else and so is thought to offer the greatest amount of spiritual energy and power.

The bronze panel showing Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac by the Italian Renaissance artist and architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446 CE). The panel was created in 1401 CE as a trial piece for the competition to see who would receive the...

A Roman mosaic depicting an athlete riding a donkey backwards. From the House of the Athlete in Volubilis. Near Rabat, Morocco.