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The Pumapunku is a terraced earthen mound that is faced with blocks. It is 167.36 metres (549.1 feet) wide along its north–south axis and 116.7 metres (383 feet) long along its east–west axis. On the northeast and southeast corners of the Pumapunku, it has 20-metre (66-foot) wide projections that extend 27.6 metres (91 feet) north and south from the rectangular mound.
The eastern edge of the Pumapunku is occupied by what is called the Plataforma Lítica. This structure consists of a stone terrace that is 6.75 by 38.72 metres (22.1 by 127.0 feet) in dimension. This terrace is paved with multiple enormous stone blocks. It contains the largest stone slab found in both the Pumapunku and Tiwanaku Site, measuring 7.81 metres (25.6 feet) long, 5.17 metres (17.0 feet) wide and averages 1.07 m (3 ft 6 in) thick. Based upon the specific gravity of the red sandstone from which it was carved, this stone slab has been estimated to weigh 131 tonnes (144 short tons.
The other stonework and facing of the Pumapunku consists of a mixture of andesite and red sandstone. Pumapunku's core consists of clay, while the fill underlying selected parts of its edge consists of river sand and cobbles instead of clay. Excavations have documented "three major building epochs, in addition to small repairs and remodeling".
The area within the kilometer separating the Pumapunku and Kalasasaya complexes has been surveyed using ground-penetrating radar, magnetometry, induced electrical conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility. The geophysical data collected from these surveys and excavations have revealed the presence of numerous man-made structures in the area between the Pumapunku and Kalasasaya complexes. These structures include the wall foundations of buildings and compounds, water conduits, pool-like features, revetments, terraces, residential compounds, and widespread gravel pavements, all of which now lie buried and hidden beneath the modern ground’s surface.
Ancient Khmer Temple in Cambodia and part of the Angkor group of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
***This photo is on sale via Getty Images***
The first wall remains and wall paintings were found in 1904 by people ploughing in the Balácapuszta field of a village named Vámos in Veszprém County. Soon it became apparent that traces of a Roman farm had been discovered. The farm in Balaca is the largest known Roman farm in the former Pannonia Province. The famous mosaic floor of 62 m2 of its central building was discovered in 1925 with the help of the National Museum. It is still the main attraction of the Roman Lapidarium of the Museum. The other three mosaic floors were transferred back to their original places in 1984, in the year of the official opening of the gardens of ruins.
mnm.hu/en/museums/villa-romana-balaca-roman-villa-and-gar...
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Ekvtime Takaishvili was a prominent Georgian historian, archaeologist and patron of national heritage. Takaishvili played a crucial role in collecting and preserving important artifacts of Georgian history. During the Soviet occupation and in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, he managed to secure many Georgian national treasures. He led archaeological expeditions and ensured that important pieces of Georgian heritage were preserved. Takaishvili is often referred to as the man who saved Georgia’s treasures for his dedication to preserving cultural heritage. His efforts have led to many of these artifacts, including the ancient gold goblet, being on display in museums such as the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi, where they offer a glimpse into Georgia’s rich history and culture. This ancient gold goblet is turned from a single piece of gold and was found in a burial mound in Trialeti: it dates between 1800 and 1600 BC. This means that it is 3,800 to 3,600 years ago. This time falls in the Bronze Age, a period in which many civilizations, including the Trialeti culture in Georgia, developed and flourished. This culture reached its peak around 1500 BC and is characterized by the extraction of metals from their ores, the smelting, casting and shaping of metals for the development of tools and weapons, but also for architecture and art.
The golden goblet at the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi was crafted by artisans of the Trialeti culture, dates back approximately 3,600 years. This double-walled goblet, features scroll-shaped decorations and is inlaid with carnelian and lapis lazuli. Carnelian typically exhibits a red-orange hue and is favored in jewelry for its warm appearance, while lapis lazuli is known for its deep blue color and artistic applications. This unique piece is the only one of its kind found in modern-day Georgia. Georgian gold and silversmithing, dating back over four millennia, offers invaluable insights into the craftsmanship of ancient jewelers.
Ekvtime Takaishvili was een vooraanstaande Georgische historicus, archeoloog en beschermheer van het nationale erfgoed. Takaishvili speelde een cruciale rol in het verzamelen en behouden van belangrijke artefacten uit de Georgische geschiedenis. Tijdens de Sovjetbezetting en in de nasleep van de Russische Revolutie slaagde hij erin om vele Georgische nationale schatten in veiligheid te brengen. Hij leidde archeologische expedities en zorgde ervoor dat belangrijke stukken van Georgisch erfgoed bewaard bleven. Takaishvili wordt vaak de man die de schatten van Georgië heeft gered genoemd vanwege zijn toewijding aan het behoud van cultureel erfgoed. Zijn inspanningen hebben ertoe geleid dat veel van deze artefacten, waaronder de hierboven genoemde oude gouden kelk, te zien zijn in musea zoals het Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi, waar ze een blik bieden op de rijke geschiedenis en cultuur van Georgië. Deze oude gouden kelk is gedraaid uit één stuk goud en werd gevonden in een grafheuvel in Trialeti; het dateert tussen 1800 en 1600 voor Christus. Dit betekent dat het 3.800 tot 3.600 jaar geleden is. Deze tijd valt in de Bronstijd, een periode waarin veel beschavingen, waaronder de Trialeticultuur in Georgië, zich ontwikkelden en bloeiden. Deze cultuur bereikte haar hoogtepunt rond 1500 v.Chr. en wordt gekenmerkt door het winnen van metalen uit hun ertsen, het smelten, gieten en vormen van metalen voor de ontwikkeling van gereedschappen en wapens, maar ook voor architectuur en kunst. De gouden kelk is gemaakt door ambachtslieden van de Trialeti-cultuur. De dubbelwandige kelk is versierd met krulvormige applicaties en ingelegd met carneool en lapis lazuli. Carneool heeft meestal een rood-oranje kleur en wordt vaak gebruikt in sieraden en als edelsteen vanwege zijn warme uitstraling. Lapis lazuli is een diepblauwe edelsteen, bekend om zijn rijke kleur en gebruik in kunst en decoratie. Het wordt vaak geassocieerd met de oude beschavingen, zoals die in Egypte en Mesopotamië. Dit is een uniek voorwerp, aangezien er geen andere vergelijkbare kelk is gevonden in het huidige Georgië. De Georgische goud- en zilversmeedkunst is bijna net zo oud als het land zelf. De goud- en zilversmeedkunst in Georgië is van onschatbare waarde en biedt inzicht in het vakmanschap van juweliers uit meer dan vier millennia.
Karnak at Luxor is one of my favorite sights to see in Egypt. I love the rams at the entrance. They are actually sphinx statues and are the symbol of the god, Amun. Some have had their heads damaged, but one can still see how grand they must have looked centuries ago.
The temple was built over 2000 years ago and it was the place of gods for the Egyptians of the time. Today it is a huge outdoor museum that has thrilled tourists over and over again. It has awed me three times and if I am ever lucky enough to return to Egypt, it will be one of the first sights I will see again.
One of my friends on Flickr looked at one of my other images of the rams, but with foliage in front of the statues and wanted to see an image without the plant. Luckily, I had taken an image like that and this is it.
What’s this movie set doing in the middle of Cambodia?
Or maybe a better question maybe what famous movie was filmed at this very real, very historical and very photogenic Angkor temple?
Of course the title gives it away. This is where Mrs. Brad Pitt aka Angelina Jolie played Lara Croft in the movie Tomb Raider and where the tree-eaten Ta Prohm temple had equal billing serving as a backdrop.
I blurred the edges and adding in some distortion to this shot, as this was my view of the Ta Prohm temple that day as I ended up succumbing to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
That was the problem I had photographing in humid Southeast Asia. Instead of grabbing for my water bottle, I was always grabbing my camera looking for that next shot.
Photography can be dangerous to your health.
Happy Travels!
One more photo in the comment section.
All Rights Reserved. Photos and Text ©Sam Antonio Photography 2012
Ancient Mayan stone steps lead into a dark, dense forest, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The play of light and shadow highlights the uneven surface of the stones, suggesting age and history.
"...En reconocimiento a la ayuda prestada por el gobierno japonés, en 1982, el moai que se encuentra en la entrada de Tongariki, fue enviado a Japón, en calidad de préstamo, para ser expuesto en las ferias industriales de Osaka y Tokio. Debido a este épico viaje, los isleños lo empezaron a llamar “el moai viajero”. Fue también este moai uno de los que usó Thor Heyerdahl para probar sus teorías sobre el transporte de los moais..."
Extraído desde imaginaisladepascua.com/que-ver/sitios-arqueologicos/ahu-...
Isla de Pascua (Rapa Nui), Isla de Pascua, Region de Valparaiso, Chile
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"...In recognition of the assistance provided by the Japanese government, in 1982 the moai located at the entrance of Tongariki was sent to Japan, as a loan, to be shown at trade shows in Osaka and Tokyo. Because of this epic journey, the islanders began to call it “the traveling moai”. This moai was also one of the ones Thor Heyerdahl used to test his theories on the transportation of moais...."
Extracted from imaginaisladepascua.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/east...
Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Isla de Pascua, Region de Valparaiso, Chile
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Ta Prohm (The Tomb Raider Temple), Angkor Wat and Bayon comprise the “Big Three” of temple structures in Angkor Archaeological Park. They receive the majority of visitors and if you do not time your visit correctly, you will find yourself in an assembly line of tourists.
Photographer Rick Sammon has a simple tip when it comes to composing a shot, “Always look up, always look down and always look back.”
I took this shot at the main entrance of the Ta Prohm temple. From here it is still about a 12-15 minute walk along a dirt pathway to the main temple complex. There were hundreds of tourists lingering around their tour buses all focused on getting to the main temple complex. I simply “cloned” them out by looking up and capturing this scene.
Saved me hours in Photoshop!
Happy Travels!
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All Rights Reserved. Photos and Text ©Sam Antonio Photography 2012
Wat Sra Sri is a beautiful wat located on an island surrounded by a pond. Just entering the wat is a beautiful experience as you have to cross a bridge. On the island you will see a Sri Lankan-style mounded chedi and walking Buddha in Sukhothai style.
Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam founded by King Ramkhamhaeng during the 13th Century. The province's temples and monuments have been restored and is now the Sukhothai Historical Park and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I liked this simple, but yet elegant wat so much I posted three photographs of it (see the comments section to see the other two).
Which one do you like the best?
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Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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One of our last stops in Phnom Penh was the Memorial Park surrounding the 14th century stupa Wat Phnom and Buddhist temple atop the most prominent hill of the Cambodian capital, just a few blocks away from the Mekong river. Pilgrims gather on the sanctuary above this floral clock to offer prayers in the middle of their days.
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Walled high rises in martian crater. Prepared for smartphone screens.
Credits: NASA JPL UOA / Freyk Johannes Geeris (final cut) ©2018 FJ Geeris
There were fewer tourists in Giza when I was there so fewer tour buses, thank heavens.
There was a chance to get better quality images without, buses, hats, stray arms and legs and cameras in the way.
He posed for me with his camel without the asking.
“When I sit, you sit. When I kneel, you kneel. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera”
King of Siam from the movie, “The King and I”
Wat Phra Mahathat is perhaps the most visited temple in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. Located across the road from Wat Ratburana which I featured in my last post , it is swarming with day trippers who come by the busloads from Bangkok (about a two hour trip by bus or train).
Besides the eeriness of headless Buddha statues (compliments of the Burmese army who ransacked the temple) there nothing much to see at the temple, except for a lone head of Buddha.
The touristic highlight of Wat Phra Mahathat is a famous tree that has engulfed a Buddha head. Like the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, every cell phone camera, DSLR, compact camera, Polaroid, et cetera is snapping away at this solitary Buddha head.
A guard is present at the tree to remind visitors that when they pose for a photo they must not be higher that the Buddha itself. They must kneel to show respect since Buddha is considered very holy by the Thais.
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Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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UPDATE: December 22, 2012 (10:31 Eastern Standard Time in the United States) - The Mayas love a good joke. Cheerio then all, thanks for reading. Until the next Apocalypse.
UPDATE: December 21, 2012 (3:49 Eastern Standard Time in the United States) - The world has not come to an end...for now.
Are you ready for the December 21, 2012, apocalypse when the Maya's "Long Count" calendar marks the end of a 5,126-year era?
Chichén Itzá, located in the Yucatan of Mexico, is the apex of Maya archaeological sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Kukulkan Pyramid (also called “El Castillo”) is the architectural highlight of the ruins. This structure is famous for having various Maya calendar cycles represented in the number of steps, platforms, sides, and levels, all of which are aligned with the equinox sun, such that on those days only, a serpent-shaped shadow descends the steps. The pyramid has four stairways, each with 91 steps and a platform at the top, making a total of 365, equivalent to the number of days in a calendar year.
When I was in Chichén Itzá last month I had the opportunity to talk with the local Maya people to asked them if the world was really going to end on December 21, 2012. They all responded with a laugh and said no.
When I mentioned to one gentleman that my birthday coincided with the end of the Maya Long Count calendar he looked at me sternly and said, “You’ll be one year older, so my friend you’ll be fatter, slower and gray hairs will appear on your head. Your world will be ending, but not the Mayans!”
To all my Flickr friends may we all live to see December 22, 2012!
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
With very few tourists groups at the pyramids, it was possible to get shots that are often impossible. And of course the camels will always pose!
Via Sacra was the main street of Roman Forum of the ancient empire, that lead to the Colosseum through some of the most important religious sites. You can picture the liveliness of good old days.
Even though what you see here in these ruins today is nothing but skeletons of ancient structures, you can sense the grandeur of the center of the empire and you are awed by the engineering of architectures that used mainly stones.
Uçhisar is by far the most conspicuous feature of the Cappadocian landscape. The castle is a solid chunk of rock with a thinner offshoot; from a distance the two parts resemble a giant snail dragging its shell across the landscape. In the past, families hollowed caves out of the rock and used them as retreats whenever enemies appeared; in more peaceful times those same caves provided homes for the locals, so that Uçhisar Kalesi functioned rather like a natural tenement block stuffed full of apartments.
In the 1950s the authorities moved residents out of the castle and into modern afet evleri (disaster houses) for fear of a landslide. They were only just in time -- in the 1960s a serious rock fall caused the collapse of the Ağa'nın Konağı (the Lord's Mansion), a palatial home that had been created inside it.
Downloadable @ Istvan Kadar Photography
The Obelisk Tomb, which was carved by the Nabataeans in the 1st century CE. Above the tomb are four pyramids (‘nafesh’) as well as a niche with a statue in bas-relief that is a symbolic representation of the five people buried there.
The facade of the structure known as the Obelisk Tomb, built as funerary symbols by the Nabataeans in the 1st century BCE. The Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium are directly across from the Djinn Blocks. The Obelisk Tomb was probably built under an Egyptian influence. The façade of the Obelisk Tomb measures 15.98 m in width and 12.3 m in height.
Lower Facade
The lower part of the tomb facade, known as the Bab al-Siq Triclinium. The facade of the lower story includes elements from Greco-Roman architecture as well. In fact, it was built on top of a much earlier structure, with a Doric columned facade.
Triclinium Interior
The bottom story, decorated in a more classical style contains a traditional dining hall for Nabataean funnery rites. In other tombs of the area this feature is substituted with a forerunning dining hall. It is lined by three benches for visitors that included relatives and friends of the deceased, for holding annual banquets in honour of the dead. This part of the building is known as a triclinium (dining room), and is one of several in Petra.
Upper Facade
The five obelisks (inspect), definitely nefesh, together with the eroded human figure in the centre, probably represent the five people buried in the tomb.
"The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie." - Agnes de Mille
Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia!
After two months in Vietnam it was time to say goodbye. Departing from Hanoi I flew into Saigon and then connected onward to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway town to Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world.
Siem Reap is both the tourist and transportation hub of Cambodia. Contrasted against the historical ruins of Angkor Wat (about three kilometers south of the temples), it is a modern town with many western amenities.
“Pub Alley” is the main street in Siem Reap that features Western style restaurants and bars. Every evening the Temple Bar features an Apsara dance show where I photographed this performer. It was very difficult to photograph the show due to the poor lighting.
Apsara dance is the traditional Cambodian dance that was practiced in the royal palaces. This traditional dance almost went extinct during the bloody reign of the Khmer Rouge.
The Khmer dance is characterized by intricate finger and body movements (i.e. flexibility) which usually convey a story or message.
Even though Thailand markets itself as “The Land of Smiles,” I would have to say Cambodia embodies that slogan. Everywhere I went I was always welcomed with a warm smile and gracious hospitality, taking into account the country’s tragic history, I found this truly amazing.
Join me on my photo tour of Cambodia!
Check back for more of my adventures in Cambodia! More photos in the comment section.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Curiosity took the individual images for this panorama on Sol or Mission day 1688 using its left mast camera.
Explore this 970 MegaPixel image on Gigamacro:
viewer.gigamacro.com/view/XxjgYfbSFjEeBOxA?x1=32509.50&am...
I thought I had posted this photo here on Flickr.
I lost track since I am involved in a million social media sites like Facebook, Google +, Twitter, Pinterest....
I think I am losing touch with reality since my life has been enveloped by social media.
Just the other day I received the biggest shock of my life, my Apple iPhone rang! Nowadays, everybody uses their smartphones for everything but talking on the phone. It was a good friend of mine who wanted to know if we could meet for lunch. I scolded him for calling me on my phone and told him to leave a message for me over at Facebook.
I think I need to take another trip to have some real human contact.
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Palenque, along with Chichen Itza and Uxmal, ranks as one of the most magnificent example of Maya architecture in Mexico. Located in the tropical jungle of Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico, Palenque is the type of playground befitting Indiana Jones. The dense jungle covering these hills forms an evocative backdrop to the exquisite Maya architecture.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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THE BURREN, IRELAND -- Dolman at Poulnabrone, in the Burren of Ireland. When built this grave was covered with soil and the surrounding hills were covered with trees, where today there are only stones. The Burren is one of the most dramatic locations of soil loss in the world.
Strobist info: Three SB800s, two hidden to the right and left, one hidden on the ground beyond the dolmen, shooting back toward the camera.
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Egypt - Cairo - القاهرة - al-Qāhira - Great Pyramids of Giza - UNESCO World Heritage Site - Famous last remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx when one thinks of ancient Egypt and its architecture. The Valley of Giza -- with its wonderful monuments -- is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids located in the valley consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura. The Great Pyramid of Giza enjoys special status among the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World". None of the others have survived into the modern era. The construction, date, and possible symbolism of the Giza pyramids are still not entirely understood. This mystery only adds to the attractiveness of these ancient wonders and many modern people still regard Giza as a spiritual place. A number of fascinating theories have been offered to explain the "mystery of the pyramids".
Camera Model: PENTAX K20D, Photo Focal length: 10.00 mm, Aperture: 6.7, Exposure time: 1/180 s, ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
A dark tunnel frames a view of lush greenery outside, creating a striking contrast between shadow and light. The ancient Mayan narrow passageway opens onto a path lined with leaves leading to the vibrant plants beyond. The play of light draws attention to the inviting natural scene at the tunnel's end.
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Egypt - Cairo - القاهرة - al-Qāhira - Great Pyramids of Giza - UNESCO World Heritage Site - Famous last remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx when one thinks of ancient Egypt and its architecture. The Valley of Giza -- with its wonderful monuments -- is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids located in the valley consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura.
The Great Pyramid of Giza enjoys special status among the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World". None of the others have survived into the modern era. The construction, date, and possible symbolism of the Giza pyramids are still not entirely understood. This mystery only adds to the attractiveness of these ancient wonders and many modern people still regard Giza as a spiritual place. A number of fascinating theories have been offered to explain the "mystery of the pyramids".
Everytime I visit such a famous place like pyramids of Giza, I'm faced with a challenge that this place was photographed probably a trillion times and it is nearly impossible to come with something original. The day I visitted Giza valley rewarded me with some wonderful sky with clouds that created nice shadows passing over pyramids.
Camera Model: PENTAX K20D; ; Focal length: 14.00 mm; Aperture: 8.0; Exposure time: 1/180 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.