Colossus of Rhodes

Colossus-of-Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a 98 foot high statue which towered over the Greek Island of Rhodes. The Ancient Wonder was completed around 280 BC. It was erected to celebrate victory over the army of Cypress which attempted a siege of Rhodes in 305 BC. The city was able to withstand the siege of 40,000 soldiers.

After several failed attempts to gain access to the well defended city, by both land and sea, the invading army left, abandoning their equipment. The sale of this equipment provided the money for the people of Rhodes to construct the Colossus.

Greek Titan Helios

The Colossus was a massive statue dedicated to the Greek Titan, Helios. In Greek mythology Helios was the sun god. He is said to ride a chariot of the sun around the Earth. Homer believed that the chariot was pulled by four solar steeds.

Chares of Lindos

The Colossus was cast in Bronze by the great Greek sculptor Chares of Lindos. It is widely believed that he died shortly before the completion of his greatest work. Some historians believe that he committed suicide. One such record states that he killed himself due to the shame caused by a minor flaw in the statue although this is dismissed by many historians as just a myth.

Destruction of the Colossus

Although the Colossus of Rhodes was a major tourist attraction for over 900 years, the beginning of its destruction began far earlier, when it was just 56 years old. A massive earthquake hit Rhodes in 226 BC which broke the Colossus at the ankles and left it toppled on the ground. At the time some people wanted to repair and rebuild the Colossus but others took the view that its construction had angered the gods who had chosen to destroy it.

It is likely that the deaths caused by the earthquake would have been attributed to the anger of the gods and contributed to the decision to leave it in place on the ground, where the gods wanted it. The Colossus was seen as a symbol of great power and human achievement. Thus, its destruction in a matter of seconds in a mighty earthquake would have been very frightening for the people of Rhodes.

The Colossus lay in place for nearly 900 years until Rhodes was invaded by Muslim armies. Several accounts give credence to the idea that it was salvaged for scrap at this time.

Rebuilding The Colossus

There has been a lot of talk of a new version of the Colossus of Rhodes to be rebuilt on the same site which would become a major international tourist attraction. The most recent project idea is to build a massive 328 foot light installation on the site as a modern version of the Colossus. This project is in the planning stage and requires an estimated 200 million euros to complete. It is still hoped that a new Colossus of Rhodes will become a reality in the future.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World

June 7, 2013 at 4:52 pm | No comment

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Hanging-Gardens-of-Babylon

Man has been able to create wonderful things over the course of time. Even in the ancient world, when a lot of today’s technology was not yet available, man explored the world for things he could create. To this day, man continues to create great things through expert craftsmanship. This is one reason why we have the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There are many things the ancients did that paved the way into the present age.

Most of these wonders have sparked the curiosity of people all over the world and many have tried to get a glimpse of these historical places. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It has earned a place of prominence due to the garden’s amazing architecture and history. Here are some facts about this amazing garden.

Location

This hanging garden was found in the city of Babylon which is in modern Iraq. The city of Babylon was considered to be the capital of Mesopotamian empires in the ancient times. There are a lot of discussions when it comes to the location of the Hanging Gardens, some say that it never truly existed since Herodotus failed to mention it in his description of ancient Babylon.

Other historians say that the garden was located on the Euphrates river banks while recent studies have shown that it was actually built near the river Tigris which is located in the city of Nineveh.

A Labor of Love

The Hanging Gardens were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Amytis of Media. The two were married to bring together their empires in alliance. It was said that the king built these beautiful garden to console his wife who was homesick. The garden was built to remind her of the mountains and the beautiful scenery of her home.

The garden was said to accommodate luscious plants and trees that helped create a wonderful home for Amytis. This gracious act of the king was truly something that surpassed the expectations of his wife.

Name of the Garden

The Hanging Garden got its name from the Greek word “kremastos” and also the word “pensilis” from Latin which meant “overhanging.” It was believed that this beautiful garden had its plants hanging or suspended in air but this was not the case. Terraces and balconies were the main thing highlights of this garden and the plants were simply built to overhang upon these structures. It was built to imitate the structure of a mountain that had every single component of nature.

This royal garden was built around 600 BC and was destroyed due to an earthquake in the 2nd century BC. There are still many claims that this beautiful garden may have not existed but a lot of past historians were able to describe it in details.

Experts have tried their best to locate the ruins of this amazing garden but since the structure was made of mud brick, it may be concluded that it was washed away through the centuries. This ancient wonder of the world maybe gone for us to actually gaze upon but the Hanging Gardens of Babylon will still be a great way to remember how ingenious man was even in the ancient times.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World

June 7, 2013 at 4:46 pm | No comment

Lighthouse of Alexandria

Lighthouse of Alexandria 3D Construction

The Lighthouse of Alexandria is sometimes referred to as the Pharos of Alexandria. It was a tower erected between 280 and 247 BC on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt. Its main objective was to help guide mariners into the Alexandria harbor at night. Having an estimated height of between 393 and 450 feet, the lighthouse was one of the highest man made buildings in the world for hundreds of years. It became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Help for Ships

Pharos was a small island located off the coastline of Alexandria. It is said the inhabitants of Pharos would not allow salvage attempts for any ship that ran aground or wrecked off its coastline. Instead the ships would be plundered and destroyed. To help prevent this problem, Ptolemy Soter the King of Egypt, ordered that the lighthouse be built to help sailors navigate the tricky entrance into the Alexandria harbor and avoid the Island of Pharos.

The lighthouse complex was connected to the mainland by a giant causeway known as the Heptastadion, which consequently created one side of the harbor.

Construction of the lighthouse was completed in the 3rd century BC. Shortly after Alexander the Great died, Ptolemy Soter declared himself king in 305 BC. He commanded that the lighthouse be built. However, the construction was not finished until the reign of his son Ptolemy Philadelphos.

Construction

The base of the giant lighthouse was constructed mainly from massive blocks of light-colored stone. The lighthouse tower was comprised of three levels: a lower rectangular section having a single central foundation, an octagonal mid-section, and circular top level. At the top of the lighthouse was a mirror which reflected sunlight throughout the day, and a fire was lit during the night.

A statue of Triton, son of Poseidon the Greek god Of The Sea, was stationed at each of the four corners of the lighthouse. And a statue of Poseidon was placed on top of the tower. The huge stone blocks of the base were locked together and sealed using molten lead. This helped to resist the pounding waves. It was reported that in early times the light from the lighthouse could be seen from a distance of up to 29 miles away.

Invasion

Following the Muslim invasion of Egypt, the pinnacle of the Lighthouse of Alexandria purportedly was turned into a mosque. By this time the beacon was no longer functioning. The lighthouse continued this way until its ultimate deterioration sometime in the 14th century.

The lighthouse was severely damaged in the great earthquake of 956, then again in subsequent earthquakes in 1303 and 1323. Reportedly, the two later earthquakes in 1303 and 1323 wrecked the lighthouse so much so, that access to it was no longer possible. Even the broken ruins of the great lighthouse disappeared completely in 1480, when the Sultan of Egypt, Qaitbay, established a gothic fort over the former location of the structure using some of the lighthouse stones for building materials.

Remains of the lighthouse were discovered in 1994 on the floor of Alexandria’s Harbor. A few of these ruins were brought up and were on display at the harbor in 1995. Recent satellite photos suggest more remains may still lie at the bottom of the harbor.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World

June 7, 2013 at 4:24 pm | No comment

Statue Of Zeus at Olympia

Statue Of Zeus at Olympia

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was erected nearly 2,500 years ago in Olympia, Greece.

The colossal statue was created by Greek sculptor Phidias and stood 43 feet tall, which was an amazing achievement at the time. By the standards of the day, the Statue of Zeus would have been a breathtaking sight as it towered over the ancient city of Olympia inspiring fear and devotion to the god of the Greeks.

Symbol of Power

Besides inspiring the Greek people to love and fear their god’s, the Statue Of Zeus also served another, very important purpose. For the Greek people and visitors alike, the statue demonstrated the power and wealth of the Greek empire.

The ability to erect such an impressive statue would have made the Greek people proud of their country and made visitors envious. A dual strategy of military power and impressive civilization was employed by the Greeks and later the Romans to build impressive empires.

Construction Of The Statue

An ancient text, written by Greek geographer Pausanias, gave an account of the site where the statue was constructed. Archaeologists used this information to pin point the exact location where they found terracotta molds of the statue and personal items which carried the sculptor’s name.

Destruction Of the Statue

The exact time and reason for the loss of the Statue of Zeus is not clear. There is evidence to suggest that Roman Emperor Caligula ordered the statue to be dismantled and moved to Rome. There have been written accounts that this was not carried out before Caligula’s assassination. Roman historian Suetonius wrote that the scaffold fell and the workers ran from the site in fear of Zeus.

Other ancient historians recorded differing accounts of the loss of the statue. In the 11th century George Kedrenos, a Byzantine historian, wrote that the statue was moved to Constantinople where it was destroyed by fire in 475 AD in the Palace of Lausus. This palace was known to house a vast collection of ancient and mythical statues from around the world before it was destroyed.

Lost or Destroyed?

This does seem to be a credible last resting place for The Statue Of Zeus, however, some historians argue that it was destroyed in Olympia in around 425 AD and some evidence does seem to suggest this. It is possible that this was the time the statue was moved to Constantinople which would explain the theories that it had been destroyed at that time. Wherever its final resting place was, the Statue of Zeus stood proud over Olympia for some time and was truly a wonder of the ancient world.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World

June 6, 2013 at 8:25 pm | No comment

Gobustan Rock Drawings


Gobustan (Qobustan) Rock Drawings
Photo by: Aleksander Dragnes, Creative Commons

Gobustan in Azerbaijan is a hill-mountain site in the southeast portion of the Big Caucasian Ridge, situated about 40 miles southwest of Baku, west of the Gobustan settlement. It was declared as one of the national historical landmarks of the country in 1996 for the preservation of the Gobustan rock drawings, mud volcanoes, gas stones and relics that are the main tourist attractions in the area. Also, in 2007 it was named by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site for the collection of rock engravings and art that convey the lifestyles during the prehistoric and medieval times in the country, plus the hunting, fauna, and flora which so abound in the region.

Many centuries of exposure to the harsh elements—the sun, wind, seismic activity, atmospheric precipitation—had led to boulders and blocks being chipped away from the edges of a vast limestone layer up in the mountains, which then rolled down the slopes, pressed against one another and formed about twenty canopies and caves of varying sizes which has since served as natural shelter for the natives. Then, in 1930, a group of men went into the area to mine for gravel and discovered by accident the Gobustan rock drawings through one mining employee who had noticed them despite the abundance of boulders and other stone formations.

Other man-made caverns were discovered after that, and within them, more Gobustan rock drawings were found, amounting to more than 6,000, dating as far back as 40,000 years. Remains of caves which were used as shelter and burial sites were also found, reflecting intensive human settlement and usage during the wet period which followed the last Ice Age. Most of the engravings depict men, animals, ritual dances, battle pieces, bullfights, warriors with lances in hand, boats with armed oarsmen, camel caravans, and pictures of the skies, the sun, and the stars. They are an exceptionally graphic testimony to the lifestyle of hunting and fishing during a period when the climate and vegetation of Gobustan were so much warmer and wetter than today’s.

May 25, 2013 at 2:17 pm | No comment

Platform of Venus


Platform of Venus in the foreground and El Castillo in the back
Photo by: Alskan Dude, Creative Commons

One of the most popular archaeological tourist destinations in Mexico is the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza. This site, recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, includes several popular attractions. One of the lesser-known features that is well worth seeing is the Platform of Venus, located between El Castillo (a temple to the serpent god Kukulkan) and the Cenote Sagrado (a natural sinkhole serving as a Maya water source).

Purpose


Archaeologists have yet to learn exactly how the Maya used the Platform of Venus, though they do know that it was dedicated to the planet Venus. Astronomy was important to the Maya culture. They are known to have accurately tracked planetary movements, and attempts at predicting based on the position of Venus. In Maya mythology, Venus is known as a deity and thought to be the companion of the sun.

The Platform of Venus is a short structure, flat on top, with stairs on all sides leading to the platform. Inside this small temple, many carved stone cones of various sizes were discovered. The origin of these cones is unknown, and their use in Maya worship is still a mystery. Artful carvings grace the stone walls of the platform.

Sacbe One


This must-see attraction is only a few meters from the beginning of a path, known as the Sacbe Number One. According to archeologists, there once was a massive structure and columns at the entrance to this path. It leads to the Cenote Sagrado and is the most elaborate of these paths found in Chichen Itza.

The Platform remains a source of mystery and debate. Many believe it was an astronomical observatory, while others insist it was simply a temple dedicated to the worship of Venus. Whatever the ancient use, it remains a fascinating tourist attraction and tribute to what is known – as well as what is still undiscovered about this ancient civilization.

April 20, 2013 at 3:51 pm | No comment

Train to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a historical place that a lot of people are dying to see. This beautiful Inca inspired city is located in Peru and is more commonly referred to as “The Lost City of Incas”. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to view this beautiful city that is the true symbol of the Inca Empire. The history behind this city is that the Incas started building it in around 1430 AD.

It was left abandoned a hundred years later due the Spanish conquest of the Incan Empire. It was then brought back to the world’s attention by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and ever since then it has been visited by people from around the world. It is considered a sacred place and most visitors find Machu Picchu a wonderful place to find peace.

Train to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu is a quiet, easy, and relaxing journey. Since the sacred site is located in a mountain ridge near the Urubamba Valley, a train is the best form of transportation to reach this beautiful citadel. Upon arriving at Cusco, you’ll start seeing the wonderful city of Peru. You can also start your trip to Machu Picchu with the trains that are available in this city. The duration of the trip usually lasts 4 hours if you decide to catch the train at the Poroy Station which is 20 minutes away from Cusco City. Depending on which train station you plan to catch your ride, the travel time going to Machu Picchu varies as well.

There are different trains that travel to this historic place and you can choose from a whole list depending on your preference.

Vista Dome

The Vista Dome is a luxury train that will help you get in touch with nature as you travel to the ancient Inca empire city. The train’s heating and cooling system will assure you of a comfortable trip to Machu Picchu. The departure station for Vista Dome is from Poroy Station and the Ollantaytambo.

Hiram Bingham

This train is named after Hiram Bingham III, the famous historian that rediscovered Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham is an Oriental express type train that is operated by Peru Rail. You’ll be able to experience luxury at its best in its cozy interior. The warm feel in this train will surely fire up the excitement on your way to the ancient destination. It is also able to carry up to 84 passengers and arrangements can be made to have your own personal guide upon reaching the site.

Machu Picchu

This train was designed by Edwards RailCar Company and is continuing to bring a whole new experience to traveling. It has a state of the art mechanism that ensures passengers a safe and comfortable trip. The design of this beautiful train is based from the different birds that inhabit the citadel’s environment. You’ll have a closer connection to nature even before you reach The Lost City of the Incas.

April 19, 2013 at 2:49 pm | No comment

Huayna Picchu

Traveling to Machu Picchu is never complete without getting a chance to see Huayna Picchu. This mountain is also called Wayna Picchu which means Young Peak in Quenchua. Machu Picchu is located in the mountain ridge of the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Huayna Picchu is the amazing backdrop that most people see in the pictures depicting the “Lost City of the Incas”. Here are some interesting facts about the beautiful Young Peak in Machu Picchu.

Location

Huayna Picchu is a mountain that is located around the Urubamba River. It is the vista that rises over the Lost City of the Incas and it also divides the city into different sections. The peak of this mountain rises to 8,920 feet above sea level. This beautiful mountain towers over the Machu Picchu with a height of 1,180 feet.

History

The Incas were believed to have created trails at the side of this mountain. Terraces were then constructed and even the temples that were found to have been built in this mountain. It was believed that the high priest of the Incas took residency in this mountain along with the city’s virgins.

The high priest is believed to have walked the city every morning with a small group. They would then take the trip up to the top of Huayna Picchu where the high priest would announce the start of a new day. This ritual became part of the everyday life of the ancient Incas. This mountain was also the means of the Incas to build other complexes like the famous Temple of the Moon.

Huayna Picchu Today

Travelers all over the world come to this historic place to view the ancient city by climbing Huayna Picchu. Since it towers over Machu Picchu, this mountain is the perfect spot to take in the beautiful view of the whole place. People who want to climb this mountain are limited to 400 each day. It is a tricky climb to reach the summit of this beautiful mountain.

Over time, some steel cables were built to assist people with their climb to the top. The view at the top of this mountain is breathtaking and provides a new sense of beauty to anyone who visits. The trek up this mountain is difficult because the mountain is steep and slippery. Even if it is a challenging climb, the journey to Huayna Picchu will just take less than an hour.

The Incas were able to create a beautiful city that is still visited by millions of people from around the world. Experience a different kind of serenity by taking a trip to this beautiful and sacred city of the Incas. You’ll be able to take in the culture at its best with a life changing trip to this site. Every single polished dry-stone wall is a reminder how these ancient people built their empire with their own hands.

April 19, 2013 at 2:42 pm | No comment

El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan)


The Temple of Kukulkan, also known as “El Castillo”
Photo by: Ted Van Pelt, Creative Commons

El Castillo, also called the Temple of Kukulkan, is the most popular attraction in the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza in Mexico. This is one of the most fantastic examples of Maya architecture. El Castillo is a step pyramid, over 29 meters in height and 55 meters wide at the base.

Kukulkan


El Castillo which means Castle, is a nickname given to the pyramid because its size and intricate design resemble a castle. It was built by pre-Columbian Mayans between the 9th and 12th centuries as a temple to the Feathered Serpent god, Kukulkan. Inside the temple is a chamber containing a throne in the shape of a jaguar and spots of red-painted jade lining the walls.

Climbing El Castillo, as well as visiting the interior throne room, has been prohibited since 2006. However, this remains one of the most visited Maya structures in Mexico, largely because the greatest spectacle is viewed from the outside.

Phenomenon


The most popular time of year to visit this site is at Spring or Autumn Equinox. On these two days, the late afternoon sun casts a shadow from the north-west corner of the pyramid in the shape of the Plumed Serpent. As the sun moves this serpent shadow slithers down the temple steps.

It is a common belief that this was intentionally designed by the Maya to represent their god, Kukulkan. However, no architectural evidence exists to prove that this phenomenon was deliberately incorporated into the design. For tourists, the idea that perhaps the Temple of Kukulkan ‘coincidentally’ casts a serpent’s shadow, only adds to the mysterious appeal of this site.

Spring or Autumn Equinox visitors to El Castillo are advised to arrive early, as the site is typically packed with people during these days. Although less crowded, this well preserved temple is a wonder to behold at any time, thus it remains a ‘must see’ destination for Mexican tourists year-round.

April 18, 2013 at 4:14 pm | No comment

Cenote Sagrado

The Sacred Cenote, referred to as “Cenote Sagrado” is the largest sinkhole of the two found in Chichen Itza, with a 60 meters diameter and escape proof walls that are 22 meters high. It’s also famous because of its sheer size and the fact that it is not for drinking. The Maya people are believed to have used this sinkhole for rituals, sacrifices and worship, with human and sacrificial objects being thrown in as a form of worship to the rain god of Chaac.

Natural Well


In the Northern Yucatan, which is an arid area, there are no above ground rivers and the only natural water sources are these sinkholes called cenotes. Some cenotes are small while others are quite large, like the Cenote Sagrado. This sacred cenote was not created by the Mayans of Chichen Itza, but was formed naturally by an underground river system that still continues to foster the Yucatan peninsula’s tropical growth. However, it is believed that some alteration was done to make it circular in shape.

Artifacts


Found in a depression, with dense vegetation that cuts out most of the air, Cenote Sagrado buzzes with insects all day. This brings out a hypnotic effect, which one can easily imagine and associate as a place for human sacrifice, including infants. On the cenote’s edge are some remains of what is, seemingly, a temple. This is because it resembles some of the temples found in Topoxte in Guatemala. This, together with the human skeletons and the items excavated, further confirms the use of this cenote as a place for sacrifice and ceremonies.

Being a named a wonder of the world, and also a UNESCO world heritage site with an immense cultural significance, Chichen Itza is a good place to visit, with the sacred cenote being one of the main attractions to be experienced.

April 17, 2013 at 4:38 pm | No comment

The Great Ball Court


The Great ball court of Chichen Itza
Photo by: Redeochic, Creative Commons

The Great Ball Court situated in the northern zone of Chichen Itza is 545 feet long and 225 feet wide. There is no vault or break between the walls and is open overhead. Each end consists of a raised temple area. A stone hoop which is engraved with intertwining feathered snakes, is embedded at the center of each wall near the top. The court’s essential design is the same in all Mesoamerica cities, although the proportion of the one at Chichen Itza is larger than the others. The court was built by the Mayans to play all their games.

Design

The Great Ball Court consists of: playing field, Upper temple of the Jaguar, Lower temple of the Jaguar, Northern and Southern temples. All courts are rectangular in shape, with an angled bench running at the longest lengths. These benches are richly curved with 3 panels showing detailed scenes of the players of the game.


The figures’ headdress design and the specific details of each player’s costume in the carvings are different. Behind the benches, are vertical walls with the ball court’s goals positioned out of the walls. The panels at the furthest end of the wall illustrate a vine and snake scrolls coming out of the players’ mouths, signifying speaking or singing as they all seem to march towards the center panel.

Myth

There is a modern myth that, the winner of each game was sacrificed however; there is no archeological evidence supporting this myth. Another belief is that the aim of the game was to pass the ball through a ring. The Great Ball Court’s two rings look like goals, so if the aim of the game was to pass the ball through the rings without the use of hands or legs then it would be quite an accomplishment.

The Court was intended to represent the act of creation, and the angled benches were intended to represent the crack at the top of creation mountain. The Mayan played the game to recreate the moment when the third creation came to an end, and the start of the one we are living in today, which is the forth one.

April 15, 2013 at 6:42 am | No comment

Technology that Made Stonehenge

17th century illustration of Stonehenge

How did the ancient Neolithic people of England build Stonehenge? It’s a mystery that scholars have been puzzling over for centuries. While no single Stonehenge construction theory yet offered can said to be the final answer, there are many suggested methodologies which have been backed up with actual experimentation to demonstrate how it could have been done.

Over the years

Keep in mind that Stonehenge dates back to at least 3100 B.C., long before the wheel was in use, or other tools we take for granted, such as pulleys, levers or other common devices. While the earliest incarnation of Stonehenge was known to be made of wood, in the centuries that followed, the massive stones which stand today were added. The actual work on Stonehenge is said to have been done in phases and perhaps even by different people in different eras – over a time comprising maybe 1,500 years.

But that’s not to say it took 1,500 years to build Stonehenge. The gigantic 4-ton sarsen stones and smaller cap stones were probably a project accomplished over a single generation, or perhaps two generations, although nothing is known for sure.

It is known that the some of the largest stones, known as “bluestones” were quarried in Wales, some 150 to 200 miles from the Salisbury plains in England where Stonehenge is located. A number of workable Stonehenge construction methods the ancients could have managed this feat have been suggested.

Theories on Construction

One is the ball bearing theory. Researchers at the University of Exeter, for example, noticed that a number of small stone balls have been found around other monolithic sites. The suggestions is that dozens of small ball bearing like stones were placed under the stone slabs to help roll them along. In fact, a retired Michigan construction worker by the name of Wally Wallington was able to do just that using walnut-sized rocks. He showed that he could move a 1-ton slab 300 per hour with the ball bearing method.

Another suggestion is that the ancients weaved gigantic wicker-like cages, or cradles, to encase the rocks, making it easier to pull or roll them along the ground, and also float them on rivers. This method was tested by a BBC documentary maker with some success, although he used only a 1-ton rock, and not a 4-ton behemoth.

There are many scholars who believe that the ancient may have used oxen for extra pulling power. Some have suggested that using oxen with people power – and large logs to roll the stones along – could have been the way the giant stones were moved over vast distances.

But transporting the rocks is only half the problem. The next challenge is to move them around, set them upright and arrange them in the precise astronomical alignments they are found in today. Here again, many techniques have been suggested. One is that pits were dug at the foot of the large rectangular stones, and then tipped upward and into them. The stones could have been leveraged upward gradually by just inches at a time using large beams to pry them. Small, flat rocks were wedged into those few inches between ground and stone – then more prying upward, then more stones, until they were raised high enough to tip.

Others have constructed A-frame devices made of gigantic logs that served as leveraging machines that could have helped raise the stones using gangs of people pulling on ropes. Some have even suggested that giant kites were used to generate lifting power!

Mystery

Naturally, the confounding enigma of how Stonehenge construction has given rise to many theories based on more magical or esoteric explanations. These are many and varied. Some say that vibration levitation methods, harkening back to the legendary city of Atlantis, may have been employed. Others prefer the ancient astronauts’ explanation.

The suggestion is that aliens from another planet or dimension assisted in the manipulation of the stones – and this would further explain the well-known astronomical configurations of Stonehenge. If they had help from “star people” why not build astronomical elements into the structure?

The only problem with mystical explanations is that they are utterly impossible to prove, and ultimately, unnecessary because the more mundane methods we have already talked about could have gotten the job done. It’s clear there are many conceivable methods that might have worked using Neolithic tools and resources, combined with human intelligence and will power to accomplish Stonehenge construction.

April 13, 2013 at 12:24 pm | No comment

Stonehenge History


Clear day at Stonehenge
Photo by: mark_whatmough, Creative Commons

Stonehenge is a large and impressive monument built by ancient people for what is thought to be for the purpose rituals associated with death and burial. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of several stones standing erect in a circular fashion and built on elevated mound, thus dominating the surrounding flat countryside.

There are also several giant capping stones or lintels. It has been learned in recent times that Stonehenge is at the center of many other similar monuments in the vicinity, where several hundred burial mounds have also been found. In common with many other Neolithic monuments, the monument has been astronomically aligned to precisely target the sun’s rays at the winter and summer solstices.

When was it built?

Stonehenge’s history is shrouded in mystery. The actual construction of the circles as they appear is said to have taken place several phases over thousands of years. Nobody can say for certain when construction began or when the site was first used as a sacred place. Every few years, new discoveries seem to occur that pushes the earliest date associated with Stonehenge back even further.

Archeologists working near the monument have unearthed wooden posts that have been dated to around 8000 BC.

Evidence

The first evidence of a monument when Stonehenge’s history began has been dated to about 3100 BC when a circular ditch lined with animal bones and small rocks was dug.

The first evidence in Stonehenge’s history of human burial and cremation at the site has been dated to approximately 3000BC. There are also excavations of numerous post holes which experts think held the supports of a wooden structure within the circle, but no wood remnants have been found as yet.

Wood to Stone

It seems that around 2600 BC the wooden structures were replaced by circles of standing stones, each of which weighs about 4 tons. At some point, these stones were removed and their support holes filled in. They were later re-introduced at some point after the building of the outer circle, but seem at various times to have been rearranged and removed yet again. 43 stones remain today, but it is thought there were up to 80 in the original build.

The next stage of development was the construction of the outer ring of 30 massive monoliths with a further 30 lintels on top. It is this outer ring which most people visualize when thinking of Stonehenge and it is believed this was erected between 2400 and 2600 BC.

Heavy

Each of these stones is are enormous, weighing about 25 tons and measuring 13 feet high, 3.5 feet thick and nearly 7 feet wide. There is clearly visible evidence that all these stones were worked on by skilled stonemasons. The lintels are curved to preserve the circular impression, and the uprights are broader at the top to help keep a standard perspective from the ground. Likewise, the stones were prepared for fitting together using joint types normally associated with carpentry, making the joins secure without the need for mortar.

Various modifications of less significance were made for another 1000 years, with the last known construction works taking place on the site around 1600 BC.

Where the rocks came from

The type of rock from which the original stones were made does not occur naturally in the Stonehenge region. The nearest source of similar rock is found in Wales in the Preseli Hills about 150 miles away and many experts believe that the stones were transported from there, although nobody has come up with a good suggestion as to how the logistics of transporting such massive stones would work.

Other experts believe that the stones were deposited much closer to Stonehenge as a result of glacial movement, but cannot really explain why other stones from the same source are not in evidence in the area.

Purpose

There are many theories as to why Stonehenge was built, but nobody can say for certain as there is no Stonehenge history or record from those who built it as to what it was for. It is generally accepted that it had some mystical or spiritual purpose, but it is unclear as to whether its primary purpose was as a place of celebration and hope or as a reminder of doom and death.

There are many unexplained mysteries associated with the site. Analysis of exhumed human remains shows that there were many burials there of people who had lived in other parts of Europe. This has led some to suggest that the site was a place of pilgrimage to which people with serious illnesses came in search of a miracle cure. Other evidence shows that bones buried there predated the tools used to bury them, indicating that people held on to these bones for some time before finally burying them at Stonehenge, maybe because they had to travel long distances to get there. It is unlikely we will ever know for certain what its purpose was.

Location

The monument itself is in an isolated rural area in Wiltshire in England, about 2 hours driving time west of London. It is not far from the village of Amesbury, which is about 2 miles away. The town of Salisbury is approximately 9 miles away.

The nearest principle road is the A303 which runs from Basingstoke to Exeter. Driving from London, take the M3 to Basingstoke and then the A303 sign-posted to Andover. Stay on this road and you will eventually see signs for Amesbury and Stonehenge. There is a large car park adjacent to the monument.

A bus service from London to Amesbury is available from Victoria Coach Station and Heathrow Airport. The nearest rail station is in Salisbury, to which trains depart from Waterloo Station in London.

Visit

The general public are not normally permitted to enter within the actual circles themselves. Access has been restricted to reduce the effects of erosion from millions of footsteps and mindless graffiti and souvenir taking, which became a problem when there were no restrictions. Instead, the public are permitted to walk around the outside of the stone circles. Audio guides are available in several languages explaining the monuments and facts about Stonehenge history.

The public are admitted to the circles on both the solstices, but numbers are restricted and visitors are allotted tickets by open lottery. Other exceptions are made for serious archeological, scientific or educational research. Such visits are by prior arrangement only.

April 12, 2013 at 12:07 pm | No comment

Purpose of Stonehenge

Stonehenge has become one of the world’s most interesting historical sites and has provided a great mystery over time. This popular site is located in the United Kingdom in the county of Wiltshire. This amazing work has drawn millions of people from all over the world and it is constantly visited each year.

It was also considered a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1986 and is maintained by the English Heritage. There are a lot of Stonehenge theories that brings people closer to this historical site. There has been a lot of mystery on how these stones were constructed and how they were used. Here are a few Stonehenge theories that have been gathered over time:

Early Supernatural Theories About The Stonehenge

Many historians and writers in the early period were influenced by folktales or supernatural stories when it comes to the construction of the Stonehenge. They believed that Merlin, a very famous wizard brought these stones into creation to help him with his magic. Others believe that he magically brought these stones from the Mt. Killaraus which is located in Ireland.

These associations of magic and the structure of the Stonehenge led to the making of medieval romance over time. There were a lot of arguments to how these stones were placed in its specific location and it wasn’t until the latter part of time that science was able to reveal more about this mysterious monument.

A Place For Pagan Ritual

In 1640 John Aubrey stated that the Stonehenge was the creation of Druids. A druid is a person in Ireland, Gaul or Britain who was part of the priestly class. There are no real accounts of the existence of these people since there has been no evidence of their works. They were just mentioned in literature or stories of the ancient people. Aubrey stated that the Stonehenge was made to assist the Druids with their pagan rituals. He received objections about these claims and this theory was later debunked.

The Calendar Theory

There are people who believe that these stones were created to give a sense of time for people in the early days. Precise calendar dates during the ancient time was needed for agriculture, social, religious reasons. The construction of the Stonehenge has a double level circle with a central stone.

It was believed that this is where the early people observed the rise of constellations in the sky. It was here that they were able to observe the seasons that come and goes. Since these stones were believed to have been built in 3100 BC and was finished in 1600 BC, there was no way that people had a standard calendar. It was in this stones that they were able to observe the sunrise and sunset for different seasons which helped them especially when it comes to hunting.

Theories for Healing

The Stonehenge was also believed to have magical properties that helped with healing rituals. It was Geoffrey Wainwright and Timothy Darvill who taught of this theory in September 22, 2008. They believed that the Stonehenge may have been a pilgrimage and healing site for people in the early times.

They also say that the stones were responsible for giving magic to the site which led them to believe that this place led the Neolithic world to seek refuge in it. They said that it was the bluestones that gathered in the Stonehenge that provided a healing property for everyone. Even if there maybe some truth to this theory by the two archeologists, a lot of people are disputing this since there is no scientific evidence in their claims.

A Burial Site

After all these Stonehenge theories, a lot of people seem to agree that this historical site used to be a burial site. They have found evidence of bones and other remains in the Stonehenge which was dated around 3000 BC. A lot of people also believe that this site was made for the elite people in the early times and it was these people who were buried in the Stonehenge.

These are just some of the Stonehenge theories that history have gathered. There are still a lot of theories that accompany this mysterious, historical site. We may never know the real purpose of these stones but it still gives people a new culture to immerse themselves in.

April 10, 2013 at 3:49 pm | No comment

Stonehenge Astronomy Theory


Stonehenge from the inside
Photo by: dannysullivan, Creative Commons

Stonehenge is said to have been constructed as an astronomical observatory. Although we have no way of knowing whether that was the prime purpose of the structure, it did somehow serve an important function.

“Decoded?”

In his famous study of the monument, ‘Stonehenge Decoded’, Gerald Hawkins , used a computer to check the sight lines (lines of site running from different locations at Stonehenge that run through important points on the stones themselves) and their relation to important celestial objects, most notably the sun and the moon.

The fact that drew people’s attention to the idea that Stonehenge might have been built as an observatory was its similarity in the direction of the middle path at Stonehenge, known today as the Avenue to the Heel Stone, to the direction the sun is found in during the summer solstice. The summer solstice is the day during the year at which the sun reaches the highest distance above the horizon. It is also the time of year when the day is longest (assuming we exclude polar regions where daytime can extend for longer than 24 hours).

Early Studies

We cannot be totally sure that Stonehenge was built as an observatory because there are many different sightlines. If you have enough sightlines, then some of them are bound to line up with important celestial objects at one time of year or another. The most commonly used locations to line up with the stones are the 56 chalk pits noted by John Aubrey in 1666, now know as Aubrey Holes. With so many stones available to line up with so many holes, we can generate thousands of site lines.

An additional problem in checking the site lines is that some of them may have been based on wooden posts driven into the ground, which obviously are no longer present. Also when you find a site line that lines up with a celestial object today, you must realize that the object was in a different apparent location at the time that Stonehenge was built.

Mathematics?

The fact that complex mathematics must have been used to compensate for the effects of the movements of the earth and the stars themselves, in order to account for their apparent positions at a given point in time, makes it less likely that amateur astronomers will accidentally discover what a particular site line was meant for. The fact that we don’t have the exact date that any given part of the monument was built, complicates the task even further.

In Conjunction with Seasons

However the fact that the main, central avenue almost lines up with the summer solstice, and the fact that the raised berm that Stonehenge is built upon (which helps compensates for geographic variations and other obstructions of the sky at the horizon), make most scholars agree that it was built as an astronomical observatory.

As you can see the task of figuring out the exact purpose of every site line at Stonehenge, is an enormous one that may take astronomers and archeologist many years of co-operation, if indeed they can ever fully unlock the puzzle.

April 10, 2013 at 3:46 pm | No comment

Who Built Stonehenge?

It’s one of the world’s greatest mysteries: Who built Stonehenge? After centuries of study, dozens of theories and thousands of archaeological digs and research projects, the answer today is that no one knows for sure who built this structure of stone monoliths located on the planes of Salisbury in modern-day England.

Potential Suspects

A lot of lip service has been given to theories about who built Stonehenge in popular culture, but these have no basis in reality. For example, many people think the ancient Druids built Stonehenge, or perhaps the ancient Celts, the Picts or some other indigenous tribe that was known to exist in the British Isles when the Romans invaded about 2,000 years ago. But it can’t be said that any of these groups built Stonehenge. It is almost certain that a culture even more ancient than the Druids established the site, and we may never know who they really were.

The latest archaeological data pushes the date of Stonehenge back to 3100 B.C. It is also understood that before the massive stones were set up in circular fashion, an earlier version of the structure made of wood was in use. This more ancient version of the mysterious site is sometimes called “Woodhenge.”

The Structure itself

Adding to the mystery of Stonehenge are many strange aspects of the structure. For example, it is known for sure that the massive stone slabs were quarried at a site in Wales more than 150 miles away, and they were somehow transported across the varied terrain of Wales and England to the present location. How did the ancients do it? The heaviest of the sarsen stones weighs more than four tons.

The enormity and difficulty of the feat has prompted supernatural theories, from ancient and forgotten levitation techniques to help from “ancient astronauts.” However, it has been rigorously shown that crude Neolithic technologies could have handled the job – it involved a lot of ropes, timber rollers and plain old gritty manpower to move and drag the stones.

Astronomy

Stonehenge is also suspected to be a kind of astronomical clock or calendar. If you stand inside the Stonehenge circle on the day of the summer solstice and face north-east, the sun can be seen to rise in an opening exactly above the “heel stone.” There are other astronomical alignments as well.

But some scholars have also posited that Stonehenge may have been a place of healing. British professors Geoffrey Wainwright and Timothy Darvill have pointed out that a high number of graves have been unearthed near Stonehenge and that many of these bodies show signs of deformity and disease. It may have been thought that healing energies were generated by the configuration of the stones — or it may have been strictly a ritual place to bury the dead.

Astronomical alignments, healing energies, a gateway for the dead into the afterlife are just a few of the theories surrounding Stonehenge; however, because the ancient peoples involved with the site left no written records means that researchers must rely on circumstantial evidence to draw conclusions. Who built Stonehenge?

We may never know exactly who these people were, what their language or culture was like, what they called themselves, or much of anything else. We only know they built the site, and it was an important center rich in multi-faceted meanings for centuries.

April 9, 2013 at 3:49 pm | No comment

Stonehenge Location

Stonehenge is a famous prehistoric site in the southern part of England and is located in Salisbury Plains in Wiltshire. If you are planning to visit this historical site then it is best to know its location.

Getting There

The best way to get to the Stonehenge is by bus or train. By train, you can just go to the Waterloo Station in London and get a train that will take you to Salisbury.

After getting off at the Salisbury Station, you can catch a local bus that will take you to this historical site.

If you want to travel by bus, you can go to the Victoria Coach Station or Heathrow Airport. The trip will take two hours before you get off at Amesbury.

You can then walk to the Stonehenge monoliths which are about 2 miles or you can just take a taxi to bring you there.

These are the simplest and easiest way of getting to the Stonehenge location.

Be sure to enjoy the beauty of the prehistoric stones that has brought mystery and awe to people all over the world.

March 23, 2013 at 12:56 am | No comment

Nogeyama Zoo


Nogeyama Zoo topiary
Photo by: simimasa, Creative Commons

There aren’t a lot of free zoos left, particularly when it comes to free zoos in the middle of a sprawling urban city. But Nogeyama Zoo in Yokohama, Japan is one of the world’s premier free zoos, and a must-see place when visiting Japan.

Located in the heart of the second largest city in Japan, Nogeyama Zoo was opened in April of 1951, and today still houses some of the world’s most popular animals.

Red Panda


One of the first animals you will see when you first enter the zoo are the red pandas. The Red Panda exhibit is also one of the most popular exhibits at the zoo. Because the Red Panda is considered a vulnerable species, the Nogeyama Zoo works hard to educate visitors on conservation as well as protects these cherished animals.

Assortment


The Nogeyama Zoo is also one of the first zoos to successfully house leopards. Because of their success in housing leopards, many zoos throughout the world look to the Nogeyama Zoo as a model to practice their own conservation efforts.

Aside from housing leopards and red pandas, the zoo also houses mandarin ducks, deer, owls, chimpanzees, tigers, lions, and many other animals one would expect to see when visiting a zoo. Animals which are considered native and indigenous to the United States are housed at the Nogeyama Zoo as rare and exotic animals.

There is also a Children’s Zoo within the Nogeyama Zoo. The Children’s Zoo was opened in the 1970’s, and is geared towards smaller animals and mammals. Small mammals such as mice, guinea pigs, and chickens are common to see within the children’s zoo and are extremely popular exhibits.

When visiting Yokohama, Japan, one of the must-see places is the zoo. Located on almost ten acres within a huge urban city, the free zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan.

December 20, 2012 at 3:54 pm | No comment

Tokyo Sea Life Park


Large aquarium with diver at Tokyo Sea Life Park
Photo by: e_chaya, Creative Commons

Tokyo’s largest aquarium is located at Sea Life Park, otherwise known as Kasai Rinkai Park, along the shore of Tokyo Bay. The landscaping of Kasai Rinkai Park is lush and beautiful. The location is about a five minute walk from the JR Kasai Rinkai Koen Train Station.

The park has a gift shop and a restaurant for your convenience. The park aquarium is a great place to spend an interesting day.

Underneath a large glass dome, this aquarium is home to an interesting variety of sea life from around the world. Features such as the Bullhead Notothen from the Polar Regions and the awesome penguin pool will delight visitors both young and old.

Other features include huge tanks of sharks and tuna. As you enter the escalator, Tokyo Sea Life Park presents exhibits showing Aquatic life from diverse locations throughout the world. The realistic exhibits are set up like the actual aquatic habitats of the sea life that are displayed.

The huge donut shaped tank that houses the Tuna, Hammerhead, and Eagle Ray is the largest tank in Sea Life Park. It holds 2,200 tons of water. This allows the fish to swim freely. It is quite dramatic as you watch these awesome fish live out there daily lives.

Another display is home to sea life from the Indian Ocean. This tank houses not only a variety of colorful fish but it is also home to the Leafy Sea Dragon.

Different Oceans

There are awesome habitats that feature fish from the Pacific Ocean, The Atlantic Ocean, The Caribbean Sea and the Seas of Tokyo. While you are there you will want to visit the water bird exhibition that is every bit as interesting and entertaining as the fish tanks.

The Kelp Forest exhibit is a real crowd pleaser with the live science show that takes place a few times each day. The giant kelp is brought from California.

When visiting the aquarium, arriving by train is preferable to driving especially on the holidays and weekends since there is very limited parking available and it is off site.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 9, 2012 at 3:34 pm | No comment

Hanayashiki Amusement Park


Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Photo by: Harry Vale, Creative Commons

If you are looking for a change from the regular sights of Tokyo and want to take a fun break, Hanayashiki Amusement Park is the place for you. It is, believe it or not, more than 150 years old! Originally a garden or as they call it a “flower park” back in 1853, at the tail end of the Edo era, it evolved into a major amusement park in the late nineteenth century.

Zoo

A wide variety of play equipment was purchased and installed in the park. It was also made into a zoo with several exotic animals and birds and is the birthplace of the first documented tiger quintuplets in the world. It also has the distinction of having the first Japanese lion being born there in 1931.

Attractions

You will enjoy the ride on the mini train and splashing about in the mini pool. Or if you would rather just lie around and watch TV or a movie, they have ‘picture-story shows’ to keep you entertained while you relax. You can also step into the Surprizing House, which has been ‘surprising’ thousands of visitors since 1949.

In addition to the 20 different amusement attractions, the Park has several lunchrooms so you don’t have to worry about food while you are there. Also, if you are in the mood for some shopping, the Park has several shops selling souvenirs and exclusive park items that you can take back home with you.

Access

You can easily reach the Hanayashiki Amusement Park from the Anasuka Station, which is just about a 5 minute walk. Admission and ride tickets are sold at the counter. Children under 4 years are admitted free of charge.

Whether you are in Tokyo to experience its culture or just for sightseeing, it wouldn’t be a complete experience unless you throw in a visit to this oldest, but very modern, amusement park in Japan.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 8, 2012 at 3:34 pm | No comment

Ghibli Museum


Entrance into the Ghibli Museum
Photo by: 氷鷺, Creative Commons

The Ghibli Museum was designed to entertain children through Japanese anime projects of the Ghibli Studio. It is a fine arts museum, but offers a more chaotic and thrilling experience than what you would normally expect. The interior confuses and surprise with its maze like appearance.

The museum lives up to its motto, “let’s lose our way together,” by transporting you into a world that is ethereal. This modern museum was opened eleven years ago in October 2001 and was designed, inspired by European architecture, by Hayao Miyazaki. The building in itself is a fine arts specimen and delightful to the eye.

Anime

This innovative museum has a couple of permanent exhibitions that can be viewed throughout the year. There are also several special exhibitions that showcase animation work that are not by Ghibli. ‘The View from the Cat Bus‘ and ‘The Boy’s Room‘ are favorites with visitors.

The building hosts the ‘Saturn Theatre‘ that shows animation movies. You will also enjoy the rooftop garden that has a huge statue of the robot from ‘Castle in the Sky‘. You will find souvenir and book shops that sell interesting items that you can take back home with you.

You must also step into the reading room ‘Tri Hawks’ where you are encouraged to see, touch, and feel mystery through books. ‘The Straw Hat Cafe‘ is the in-house restaurant and you will find restrooms where you can rest your feet for a few minutes.

The museum is very ‘handicapped friendly’. They not only have wheelchair access to all the three floors (except the rooftop garden), they also provide wheelchairs upon request. Guide dogs of blind visitors are also permitted.

Access

You can access the museum, which is located in the Mitaka Inokashira Park, from the Mitaka Station. You can catch the museum’s bus; the schedule for the bus is given on their website. You will need to pay an admission fee; children under 4 are allowed free admission.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 7, 2012 at 3:34 pm | No comment

Kaminarimon


Shops and gate of Kaminarimon
Photo by: MJ/TR (´・ω・), Creative Commons

The Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate” is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, Japan. It is the outer gate among two large entrances that lead to the Senso-ji, an ancient – and the largest – Buddhist temple in Tokyo, particularly in Asakusa, Taito.

The great gate that stands 11.4 meters wide and 11.7 meters tall is quite popular because of its statues and giant lantern. It was originally built by Taira no Kimnasa in the year 941. In 1635, it was rebuilt at its present location.

It is believed that the statues of Fujin and Raijin were added during that time. Throughout its history, this gate was subject to destruction several times. It has undergone restoration over the years. Some of its components were installed only in the 1950s.

As you pass the gate, you will behold its greatness. Many tourists love to take photographs of the giant red lantern. It is also common practice for tourists to take photographs of themselves with the great lantern behind them. After passing through the gate, you can tread along the shopping arcade that is called Nakamise.

At the end of the arcade, you will see the Hozomon, which is the main gate that leads to the Senso-ji. The Hozomon, which means Treasure House Gate, is famed for a giant straw sandal that hangs by its side and like the Kaminarimon; it is guarded by ferocious gods.

As you go beyond the Hozomon, you will reach the Kannondo or the Kannon Hall, as well as a stream of worshippers. They usually waft incense and troop among the steps to say their prayers and bestow their donations. Legends say that the Kannondo was built to house the statue of the goddess of Mercy, Kannon.

All of these attractions are waiting for you just behind the Thunder Gate. Your journey toward enlightenment about Japan’s ancient faith begins in Kaminarimon.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 6, 2012 at 3:34 pm | No comment

Hamarikyu Gardens


Hamarikyu Gardens as viewed from Shio-dome
Photo by: Chris 73, Creative Commons

Hamarikyu Gardens is a park in Tokyo, Japan that is open to the public. The park can be found alongside Tokyo bay at the mouth of Sumida River in Chuo-ku. Hamarikyu gardens was opened on April 1st, 1946.

This park features seawater ponds whose level changes with the tides. It also has a tea house in Nakashima in the middle of the pond where you can enjoy refreshments such as Japanese sweets and Matcha in Japanese style at a reasonable fee.

It has a pleasant atmosphere of tranquility which allows you to relax and just enjoy the wonderful scenery. At its entrance is the largest pine tree in Tokyo called Sanbyakunen no Matsu or 300 years old pine tree. This tree is believed to have been planted in the 17th century by the sixth Shogun Lenobu. This garden is traditionally styled contrasting the skyscrapers in the adjacent Shiodome district.

The Hamarikyu garden is attractive in any season. It has ginkgo, maple and other trees which display their lovely autumn colors in late November through early December, Plum blossoms in late February and from late March to early April comes the season of the cherry blossom. There are also other species of flowers that bloom in spring such as a field of peony and canola blossoms.

For visitors who do not understand Japanese, there is an English audio available for free that includes different self-guided walking courses around the garden. The walking courses can last between 1 to 1-1/2 hours. They use video and pictures to explain the different historical spots, trees and flowers that you will see along the way.

To access this beautiful park you can use either of the northern gates or take a 35 minute ride in the water bus from Asakusa. The fee for the water bus ticket include the admission fee to the park.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 4, 2012 at 1:47 am | No comment

Harajuku


The crowded streets of Harajuku welcomes people from all over.
Photo by: ukanda, Creative Commons

A visit to Tokyo will never be complete without walking through, and experiencing the urban flair of Harajuku. Translated, the name means “meadow lodging.” It is a common name that was given to an area near the Harajuku Station, Yamanote Line in Tokyo, Japan particularly in the Shibuya Ward.

The best day to visit Harajuku is on a Sunday. Every week, teenagers spend their day in the area socializing. But what is most exciting about this gathering is they come dressed in various styles reminiscent of different eras as well as those that resemble anime. Here you can see how the Japanese youth deviate from conformity by incorporating a touch of everything from a myriad of fashion styles.

To find out where the decadently fashionable youth converge, take a walk and go to the Jingu Bridge. This bridge that connects the area to the adjacent Meiji Shrine zone made for pedestrians.

The origin of the area dates back to the days when the Second World War was about to end, particularly when the Allied Forces occupied Japan. Civilians lived together with American soldiers in a housing area named Washington Heights. There, young people used to hang out with each other to satiate their curiosity and experience a culture that is different.

In 1958, the Central Apartments were built and were immediately filled with photographers, models and fashion designers. It is no wonder why the area became a converging point of different forms of art.

This small area in the heart of Tokyo has influenced some countries. In fact, the Opera Bastille in Paris became a meeting point of manga-inspired teenagers who follow the subculture called “emo.” In Colombia, the youth arranges meetings in the same Japanese manner in Bogota, particularly in Virgilio Barco Library. Make a lazy Sunday colorful by visiting Harajuku.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 3, 2012 at 2:57 pm | No comment

Edo-Tokyo Museum


Edo Tokyo Museum at Ryogoku, Tokyo
Photo by: Wiiii, Creative Commons

The Edo-Tokyo museum is the ideal place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the rich history of Japan’s prime city. Established in 1993 to preserve the heritage of Edo-Tokyo, the museum houses original artifacts and replicas that speak two halves of the Edo-Tokyo history.

Upon entering the 6th floor of the building, you will see the prime attraction of the museum: the life size replica of the Nihonbashi Bridge. This bridge that leads to Edo (Tokyo’s former name) is the silent witness of the city’s birth and growth. Tokugawa Ieyasu established Edo in 1590. Passing along this bridge to reach the main gallery is just the beginning of your historical journey.

A Walk in Time

As you reach the end of the bridge, the Edo Zone begins. You will be introduced to the political practices during the Edo Era. As you move down to the 5th level, you will see displays that showcase the life, economy and culture of the people who lived during that time. Perhaps the most interesting part of the zone is when Edo’s name was changed to Tokyo during the Meiji Era.

The Tokyo Zone begins during this transition. Through the displays, visitors can easily see the influences of the west, particularly from Europe and America. The modernization of the city marks the beginning of the Meiji Era. Here, you can see the events that transpired from the days when Japan participated in the 2nd World War. Items that remind the people how Japan reconstructed itself after the devastating war are also displayed in this zone.

Throughout the year, the museum conducts other exhibits and cultural shows. All visitors are recommended to get information from the Information Desk of the Museum so that you do not miss the current important attractions. This year from May to July, the Edo-Tokyo Museum will hold an exhibition to commemorate the great bridge.

Tokyo Famous Landmarks

December 2, 2012 at 2:57 pm | No comment