A collection of ancient site photographs from the archive.
Parthenon
Temple of Athena
Country: Greece
Date: 2023
Place: Athens
!UNESCO World Heritage site, an enduring symbol of ancient Greek civilization
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC in thanksgiving for the Greek victory over the Persian invaders during the Greco-Persian Wars.
Brazen Palace
Lovamahapaya
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a nine-story, 1,000-room monastery with a bronze-tiled roof, it was the tallest building in the region for centuries. Today, it consists of 1,600 stone columns.
Is an ancient, historically significant site built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC.
Pillers of Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya Buddhist temple
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earliest documented Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
Located within the sacred precinct of Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed on the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC).
Po Nagar Temple
Entry way to Po Nagar temple
Country: Vietnam
Date: 2013
Place: Nha Trang
A stele dated 781 indicates that the Cham King Satyavarman regained power in the area of "Ha-Ra Bridge", and that he restored the devastated temple.
Po Nagar Temple
Po Nagar temple
Country: Vietnam
Date: 2013
Place: Nha Trang
A stele dated 781 indicates that the Cham King Satyavarman regained power in the area of "Ha-Ra Bridge", and that he restored the devastated temple.
My Son Sanctuary
My Son sanctuary
Country: Vietnam
Date: 2013
Place: My Son
!UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Between the 4th and 13th centuries a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Viet Nam.
Erechtheion
The Caryatid Porch of the Acropolis
Country: Greece
Date: 2023
Place: Athens
!Part of the Acropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Erechtheion was constructed between 421 and 406 BC on the Acropolis of Athens. Its most famous feature is the Porch of the Caryatids, where sculpted female figures serve as architectural columns.
Erechtheion Side View
Temple of Athena and the Caryatids
Country: Greece
Date: 2023
Place: Athens
!Part of the Acropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A side view of the Erechtheion revealing the temple’s asymmetrical design. Built on uneven ground atop the Acropolis, the structure was dedicated to Athena and Poseidon and housed several important religious shrines of ancient Athens.
Parthenon Detail
Ancient Greek Architecture on the Acropolis
Country: Greece
Date: 2023
Place: Athens
!Part of the Acropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A close view of the Parthenon, the most celebrated monument of Classical Greece. Dedicated to Athena, it was completed in 432 BC and remains one of the most influential buildings in world architecture.
Gal Viharaya
Rock-Cut Buddha Statues of Polonnaruwa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gal Viharaya is one of the masterpieces of Sri Lankan rock carving. Created during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, it contains four monumental Buddha statues carved from a single granite outcrop.
Council Chamber
Royal Audience Hall of Polonnaruwa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Council Chamber is believed to have served as a royal audience hall during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. Stone columns and carved elephant balustrades remain among its most distinctive features.
Council Chamber Colonnade
Stone Pillars of the Royal Assembly Hall
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rows of granite pillars mark the former Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu I. These columns once supported a timber roof above a royal assembly hall where state affairs and ceremonial gatherings were conducted.
Lion Guardstones
Ceremonial Entrance to the Council Chamber
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stone lions flank the ceremonial entrance to the Council Chamber. Such guardian figures symbolised royal authority and protected important civic and religious structures throughout the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Kumara Pokuna
Ancient Royal Bathing Pool
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kumara Pokuna is an elegantly engineered bathing pool built for members of the royal court in 12th century. Its stone-lined walls and sophisticated water management demonstrate the advanced hydraulic knowledge of ancient Sri Lanka.
Nelum Pokuna
Lotus-Shaped Ritual Pond
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Nelum Pokuna, or Lotus Pond, is one of the most distinctive hydraulic structures in Polonnaruwa. Built in the form of a lotus flower, it reflects the symbolic and engineering achievements of the medieval kingdom.
Lankatilaka Image House
Monumental Shrine of Polonnaruwa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Build in 12th century and renovated in 13th century.
Lankatilaka is the largest image houses build in ancient Sri Lanka. Built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, its towering brick walls once enclosed a colossal standing Buddha statue.
Standing Buddha of Lankatilaka
Remains of a Colossal Image House
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The surviving lower portion of a monumental standing Buddha remains within the towering walls of Lankatilaka. The original statue is believed to have exceeded 12 metres in height and dominated the interior sanctuary.
Ancient Restoration Work
Structural Supports Within Lankatilaka
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient masonry and modern conservation work meet inside the Lankatilaka complex. Reinforced supports help stabilise sections of the monument while preserving one of the most important architectural achievements of medieval Sri Lanka.
Hevisi Mandapaya
Ancient Drum Hall of Polonnaruwa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Hevisi Mandapaya served ceremonial and religious functions within the sacred city. Its carved stonework and elevated platform remain important examples of medieval Sinhalese architecture.
Abhayagiri Vihara
Monastic Complex of Ancient Anuradhapura west direction
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in the 1st century BC, Abhayagiri became one of the greatest monastic centres of the Buddhist world. Pilgrims and scholars travelled here from across Asia to study and worship.
Ancient Bathing Pond
Stone-Lined Reservoir of Anuradhapura
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An ancient stone-lined bathing pond within the sacred city of Anuradhapura. These reservoirs formed part of a sophisticated hydraulic system that supplied water to monasteries, pilgrims, and residents of one of the longest continuously inhabited capitals of the ancient world.
Menik Vehera
Restored brick stupa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!One of the largest stupas of the Polonnaruwa period.
Menik Vehera is one of the largest stupas in Polonnaruwa. Built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, it once stood as a major religious monument within the Alahana Pirivena monastic complex.
Monastic Residential Complex
Stone pillars of a monks residence
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
Rows of stone pillars mark the foundations of a residential building once occupied by Buddhist monks. Wooden structures originally rested on these columns, forming part of a large monastic community.
Nissanka Lata Mandapa
Royal pavilion of King Nissanka Malla
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Unique architectural style found nowhere else in the country.
This unique stone pavilion was built by King Nissanka Malla. The lotus-stem columns curve gently inward and are unlike any other architectural feature found in Sri Lanka.
Velaikkara Inscription Precinct
Ruins beside the Velaikkara Inscription
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Located near the famous Velaikkara Inscription, which records the protection of the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Stone pillars, carved columns and brick foundations surround the area near the Velaikkara Inscription. These remains formed part of the ceremonial and administrative buildings associated with the Sacred Quadrangle during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Velaikkara Inscription
Ancient Tamil inscription
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Important historical record of military and religious administration from 12th century.
The Velaikkara Inscription records an agreement made by Tamil mercenary soldiers to protect the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic during the reign of King Vijayabahu I.
Pothgul Viharaya
Ancient library monastery
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pothgul Viharaya is believed to have served as a monastery and library where Buddhist manuscripts were studied and preserved. The circular structure is one of the most distinctive monuments in Polonnaruwa.
Royal Palace Entrance
Gateway to the royal residence
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Three stories out of seven original once can be identify. Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Decorated guardstones and a stone stairway mark the entrance to the Royal Palace complex built by King Parakramabahu I, once one of the grandest royal buildings in South Asia.
Sathmahal Prasada
Seven-storeyed pyramid shrine
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Rare example of foreign architectural influence in medieval Sri Lanka.
Sathmahal Prasada is an unusual stepped monument believed to have been inspired by Cambodian or Southeast Asian architectural traditions. Its seven diminishing levels make it unique in Sri Lanka.
Shiva Devale No. 2
Hindu temple of Polonnaruwa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!The oldest Hindu shrine in Polonnaruwa from 10th century.
Constructed from granite blocks, Shiva Devale No. 2 is among the best-preserved Hindu temples in Sri Lanka and reflects the strong South Indian influence during the medieval period.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Circular relic house
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!One of the finest surviving examples of a Vatadage in Sri Lanka.
The Vatadage is considered one of the masterpieces of Sinhalese architecture. It was built to protect sacred relics and features beautifully carved stone guardstones, moonstones and stairways.
Vatadage Stone Stairway
Decorated entrance steps
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entrance staircase of the Vatadage is richly decorated with carvings of dwarfs, lotus motifs and guardian figures, showcasing the exceptional stone craftsmanship of the Polonnaruwa era.
Vatadage Buddha Shrine
Sacred centre of the relic house
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Viewed through the surrounding columns, the seated Buddha occupies the sacred centre of the Vatadage, where relics and religious ceremonies were once protected by the circular structure.
Stone Inscription Slab
Medieval inscription panel
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Large inscribed stone slabs such as this preserved royal decrees, donations, and administrative records. They provide historians with valuable evidence about governance and daily life in medieval Sri Lanka.
Abhayagiri Vihara
Great Monastic Stupa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!Abhayagiri Dagaba was one of the largest brick structures ever built in the ancient world.
Founded in the 1st century BCE, it became the centre of the influential Abhayagiri monastic fraternity and attracted monks from across Asia.
Mirisawetiya Dagoba
Stupa of King Dutugemunu
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!One of the earliest major Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka.
Mirisawetiya was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE. According to tradition, the king accidentally left a sacred relic embedded in his spear at this site and subsequently constructed the stupa around it.
Ancient Stone Rice Canoe
Granary Eating Vessel
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!It is roughly 19 meters and was designed to hold enough cooked rice for roughly 5,000 monks.
Known locally as the Rice Boat or Rice Canoe, this massive stone trough to hold and serve cooked rice to thousands of Buddhist monks.
Sacred Quadrangle Ruins
Monastic Foundations
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brick foundations and stone platforms mark the remains of religious and residential buildings within the Sacred Quadrangle, once the spiritual heart of the medieval capital.
Monastic Ruins
Stone Structures of Polonnaruwa
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Part of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carved stone foundations, decorative mouldings, and surviving wall sections reveal the architectural sophistication of the monastic compounds built during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Ancient Monastic Courtyard
Residential Monastery Remains
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Polonnaruwa
!Illustrates the organised layout of medieval Buddhist monasteries.
The remaining stone walls and foundations outline rooms, courtyards, and meditation spaces once occupied by monks serving the royal capital.
Kuttam Pokuna
Ancient Twin Ponds
Country: Sri Lanka
Date: 2023
Place: Anuradhapura
!Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Anuradhapura. The ponds date from around the 8th century and are regarded as masterpieces of ancient water engineering.
One of the ancient bathing ponds of Kuttam Pokuna in Anuradhapura. These finely engineered stone reservoirs were constructed by the monks of the Abhayagiri Monastery and demonstrate the advanced hydraulic and architectural skills of ancient Sri Lanka.