The Osirieon

Through the rear door of the temple is the Osirieon, the only visible tomb at this site, which was built before the main temple. Much of the damage to the Osirieon has been from flooding, as it was built at water level, yet it is not much diminished. Red Aswan granite pillars, each weighing about a hundred tons apiece, support equally massive archways. This temple was built as a symbol of Seti's closeness to Osiris and contains a sarcophagus, though Seti was not buried here. Seti's actual tomb is in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. This was a fairly common practice among many of the pharaohs, having "public" tombs in one location, but actually being buried in another. The Osirieon is currently inaccessible because of the rising sand and the flooding that has occurred. Excavation has been done on the south side passage, which revealed texts from The Book of the Gates and The Book of What is in the Duat. This section was begun by Seti and finished by his grandson, Merneptah. It is a complete tomb structure, all ready to receive the mummy of a king, yet it does not appear ever to have been used so.
Abydos does have a reputation for these "false tombs" or cenotaphs. Some theorists state that Abydos does not even have a single actual tomb in it, but that all the dead who have tombs at Abydos are actually buried elsewhere. The cemeteries of northern Saqqara certainly have a great number of royal mastabas, of which many have been linked to the Archaic rulers. It is very possible that actual burials of kings and high-ranking officials were carried out at Saqqara, which is near Memphis, the new court city. Thus the monuments at Abydos are precisely that : monuments. It is fairly simple to see why this might be so. The rulers would no doubt have a desire to be buried near the place they ruled, but Abydos was also a powerful site because of its religious ties, as well as being deep in the ancient homelands. Thus, the rulers arranged to have themselves "buried" in both places. The body at Saqqara or another site, and a cenotaph built at Abydos. Of course, the reverse could be true, with Abydos as the true burial site and all the tombs at Saqqara are cenotaphs. Or perhaps the explanation involves a little bit of both, with some rulers desiring to be buried near Memphis, and others at Abydos, but each ruler building two tombs, one in each location.
It would be rather unusual for the rulers to remain as visible as possible in their new capital during life, and then at death, simply passing from view. Thus much of the current consensus is that Saqqara is the actual burial site and that Abydos is the site of the royal monuments. The tombs at Saqqara as a whole are larger and more luxurious than those at Abydos (with the exception of the valley "temples" of Abydos which are immense and have no known Saqqaran counterparts), suggesting that Saqqara is the true burial site.

The Temple of Osiris

The original Temple of Osiris was built by Seti I, who came to power 29 years after the collapse of the regime of Akhenaten. Seti wished to restore the beliefs in the traditional gods and so built this temple to show his devotion. The way leading into the temple had two courts and a pylon, which were built by Ramesses II. The way these courts and pylon were positioned gave the entrance the illusion of sloping upwards. Sadly, this entrance has been mostly destroyed. The front of the temple is now 12 rectangular pillars, covered with sacred images welcoming Osiris, Isis, and Horus. The first (outer) hypostyle hall was built by Ramesses, but the quality of the decorations on the columns are not as impressive as those found in the second (inner) hall, which Seti built. It is widely thought that Ramesses used the best craftsmen in building his own temple, but used lower quality workers on this temple after the death of Seti. Just beyond the second hall are the seven separate sanctuaries dedicated to Seti I, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amen, Mut, and Khensu. Originally, seven doors led to the sanctuaries, but Ramesses, for reasons still unknown, had all but one covered over. When the temple was in use, each of the sanctuaries would have contained the god's barque (sacred boat), and would have had a stele placed in front of a false door. The sanctuaries were locked and only the high priests of each god could enter, as the Egyptians believed that the gods actually lived inside their sanctuaries. The sanctuaries are highly decorated with bas-relief paintings dedicated to the several gods of the temple. Many of the bas-reliefs in the sanctuaries still have their coloring, but the best decorations are the masterful unpainted moldings. One scene in Seti's sanctuary shows him being crowned by the goddess of Upper and Lower Egypt, but by far the most incredible paintings are the ones found in Osiris' sanctuary. The temple also possesses a King's Gallery, a room that lists all over its walls the names of the gods along with over 70 of Seti's predecessors (minus some omitted for political reasons such as Akhenaten and Hatsheosut), making it an invaluable resource for historians.

Abydos (Abtu)

Location :
Suhag, EgyptSituated on the West Bank of the Nile, 12 km south-east of Al-Ballyana, it was the chief center for worshipping the god Osiris.
How to get there : By daily air conditioned trains, scheduled at regular hours. By private vehicles, taxis and tourist buses. For information and reservation contact the Upper Egypt Bus Company which organizes excursions to Al-Minya. Tel : +20-2-2609304/9297/8.
Description
On the west bank of the Nile, 90 miles (145 km) north of Luxor, lies the Temple of Abydos. Abydos is linked to the earliest dynasties recorded, and in 1993, the earliest known tomb was found here, along with some of the oldest hieroglyphics ever discovered. The Temple dates to around 3150 BC, and the records have provided scholars with much of what is known about the earliest periods of recorded history. This area, sacred to Osiris, was a very powerful location to those who believed in the next world. The ancient Egyptians said that at sunset, the area looked like a golden staircase leading to the afterlife, and thus many people wished to be buried here. It was here, too, that Osiris, after being killed by his brother Seth, returned to power. Seth had killed Osiris and scattered the pieces of his body all over Egypt. Osiris' wife and sister, Isis, gathered the pieces one by one, put them back together, and restored life to her husband. It was said that Abydos was where the final piece, his head, was buried, and so it was here that Osiris was brought back to life to become the judge of the dead and lord of the netherworld.

Abu Simbel

Not only are the two temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction was an historic event in itself. When the temples (280 km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam, the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a world wide appeal. During the salvage operation which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 meters up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before. Here they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain. Most of the joins in the stone have now been filled by antiquity experts, but inside the temples it is still possible to see where the blocks were cut. You can also go inside the man made dome and see an exhibition of photographs showing the different stages of the massive removal project.
Abu Simbel was first reported by J. L. Burckhardt in 1813, when he came over the mountain and only saw the facade of the great temple as he was preparing to leave that area via the Nile. The two temples, that of Ramesses II primarily dedicated to Re-Harakhte, and that of his wife, Nefertari dedicated to Hathor, became a must see for Victorians visiting Egypt, even though it required a trip up the Nile, and often they were covered deeply in sand, as they were when Burckhardt found them.

Moen-Jo-Daro Sindh Pakistan:The City Of Deads

We had a memorable trip to Moen-jo-Daro.Moen-jo Daro means the city of Dead. It is located in the District of Larkana,Sindh.The city depicts a picture of ruins however the remnants of the city verifies that once it was a remarkable city with outstanding planning and infra-structure. These historical remnants are about 4000 years old. The inhabitants were very intelligent planners. A time period of approximately 4000 years ago when the technological development was zero they managed to sort out a well planned city.
Each house was made of large baked bricks and had a bathroom and servant quarter too. Covered drain ran beside the streets. Even these were built of baked bricks. This showed how well organized those people were in those times. Carts and other forms of transport could come right to the centre of the town.
If you have an opportunity to visit this place you can still see the great hall where the grains were stored. There is a wide road in the middle of which was the shopping centre with shops on both sides. The city of Moen-Jo-Daro was found when a team of excavators under the leadership of Sir Mortimer Wheeler reached to the place.
During the excavation process, some objects were found that provided guidance about the city. These interesting historical objects are placed in Museum. These include seals of various animals, terra cota figurines,designed ornaments, toys and painted pottery. A metal statue of a dancing girl has also been discovered. It is because of these metal objects the probable age of these historical ruins have been estimated. There is no proof of how the city got destroyed however some objects indicate them to met their destiny by the attack of Aryans, who plundered their for food and shelter.

Historic Places -- China - Photos

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Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges region in China has long been famous for its scenery – towering green cliffs and the shimmering Yangtze River surround the area, swallowing the afternoon sky. But the controversial addition of the 3 Gorges Dam in China has made the area an even greater tourist attraction. Just 25 miles upstream from the city of Yichang in central China, the Three Gorges Dam China is one of the top spots to visit in the often overlooked Hubei province. The controversy is over the dam's affect on the neighboring environment. It's not just one of the biggest dams in China , it's the largest hydroelectric dam in the entire world – and its construction has displaced thousands and thousands of humans and animals, unbalancing a delicate ecosystem that has been in place for decades. As wide as the Golden Gate Bridge, and almost twice as tall, the Three Gorges Dam China is a monumental structure, overpowering everything around it. Spillways and powerhouses choke the river where the endangered dolphins used to play. Archaeologists have complained that millions of artifacts were submerged to create just another of the many dams in China. Despite some public outcry, however, the dam provides a number of positive effects on the country as a whole. The 3 Gorges Dam in China will severely cut down on pollution throughout the country. Ability to control the waterline will also prevent uncontrolled flooding, thereby lessening the effects of erosion on the nearby ecosystem. As tourism grows in China, so does the popularity of the 3 Gorges Dam in China. The views are unchanged, even if the cliffs look smaller, jutting a little less magnificently above the new waterline. The observation tower on the dam allows tourists one of the very best views in all of China, looking out into the lush hills that surround the peaceful area. Watching ships pass through the intricately laid out locks is another highlight of a trip this China dam. But you don't have to stick around the whole time - it takes over three hours to pass through. The Three Gorges Dam China has also increased riverboat traffic, allowing more and more visitors to traverse serene stretches of the Yangtze River, as long as you are looking upstream from the most overwhelming of the dams in China.

Terra Cotta Warriors

The central region of Shaanxi was not always the most well-traveled. The capital city Xi'an was semi-popular, but despite being one of the oldest settled regions in the country, Shaanxi was for years best known as the area that birthed the formation of the Chinese communist party. High in the hills, the horrid conditions that the nearby peasants lived in gave strength to the party, and the beginning of the revolution was born. But in 1974, the region became known for something else completely. The digging of a well turned out to unearth something much more significant than just water – an underground vault containing thousands of perfectly crafted sculptures, the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi'an. Each one life size, each one holding a weapon, many on horseback, each one surprisingly well-preserved for spending 2000 years beneath the ground. The following years resulted in the excavation of two nearby vaults. Though smaller in size, the amount of Terra Cotta Warriors found now numbered past 6000. And what was once a sleepy, unremarkable section of China is now home to one of the most famous tourist attractions in the entire country. The formation of the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi'an is shrouded in speculation –but archaeologists believe there to be plenty more still sleeping in the hills outside the capital city. What they have already found, though, is impressive enough. Three rows of warriors with a variety of bows lead a collection of armored soldiers carrying daggers, swords, spears and axes. Pulling up the rear are the horse-drawn chariots, though the vehicles themselves were constructed out of wood and disintegrated years ago. The weapons were constructed out of early bronze, thus remaining resistant to the onset of time – though most of them have been collected and kept out of the current exhibition for safety reasons. More recently, bronze chariots and horses have been found, though they are also kept away from the rest of the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi'an, instead housed in the nearby Qinyong museum just yards away from the stoic soldiers.

Temple Of Heaven

There are plenty of temples in China – but none are larger than the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It's hard to miss this complex, located in the southerly Chongwen district, about four miles away from the city's epicenter. Even though the many temples of Beijing have equally inspiring titles – the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Temple of the Earth – the pinnacle of these buildings is the Temple of Heaven. Constructed in the early 15th century, the Temple of Heaven of China and its surroundings covers an area over five times the size of the nearby Forbidden City. The main purpose of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing was demonstrated during harvest season. The emperors fell upon the temple to pray for a better harvest than the last. Though steeped in tradition and history, the only people that visit the temple nowadays are tourists and locals who gather beneath the grounds' numerous cypress trees. But its sense of the past is palpable, which is why is has been elevated to one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. The architecture of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a magnificent display, and consists of four main structures - the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the imperial Vault of Heaven, the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest survives on the four large pillars at its center. Known as the dragon well pillars, each one represents one of the four seasons. There is no steel, no concrete in this well-aged palace. The walls and ceiling are a multitude of wooden bars and brackets, of sheltering eaves and impressive colors.

Great Wall of China

There is little that can be said about the Great Wall of China that has not been stated over and over again throughout the wall's 2000 year history. Construction of the Great Wall started in 221 BC to defend the Middle Kingdom from Mongol soldiers. But many of the sections were already in place, built by a series of independent kingdoms stretched across the land, from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert – Emperor Qin Shihuang merely oversaw the joining of these walls. The first chapter in the history of the Great Wall of China ended in 207 BC, when the last of the over 6 billion cubic feet of compacted earth was set into place. The Great Wall was only moderately effective in carrying out its purpose, even after it was faced with bricks and stones. It's real value came in the way it eased transportation throughout the land – acting as a kind of elevated thruway, equipment, goods and passengers could more easily traverse the arduous mountainous wilderness that enveloped the Great Wall.

Historic Places -- China

Great Goose Pagoda - 210 feet high -- Xi'an, ChinaGREAT GOOSE PAGODA, Tang Dynasty, AD 652, houses sutras (scriptures of the sayings of the Buddha) in the form of scrolls brought from India in the 600s AD. A large group of Chinese scholars translated the sutras from Sanskrit into Chinese. The Tang Dynasty was a period of great expansion of the arts. -- Xi'an, ChinaCandles burn in the courtyard of the Great Goose Pagoda. -- Xi'an, ChinaIncense burner in the courtyard of the Great Goose Pagoda which also houses the Ci'en Temple of Grace, largest in Xi'an, China.Looking across the dig at the visitors observing the spectacle. Xi'an.Each soldier has unique facial features. Archeologists say that each stature represented the person who modeled for the artist. Xi'an.They were originally brightly painted. You can see traces of the color in this photo. Xi'anHorses and 1 soldier. Xi'an, China

Chowkundi - Pakistan

Perhaps, you have never heard of people who thought like this strange ideas, but this was precisely how the people, who built Chowkundi Tombs, did. They built magnificent tombs and spent their life-long earnings on them, but hardly ever planned their living quarters with the same care and interest:"There is no need of cities and towns either. Nothing, but graves. Graves to house their remains after death: Beautiful, ornate and lasting".There is hardly any trace of their residential quarters today but, even after centuries, their tombs and graveyards continue to cast their solemn shadows across these vast stretches of wasteland.Four miles around the site known as Chowkundi Tombs, there are no traces or remains of any ancient human settlement or habitation. Eighteen miles from Karachi, on Karachi-Thatta Highway, this grave yard had already been there for ages, when Karachi was non-existent.Similar in the case of other such cities, of which there are no more than 20 in Sind and Baluchistan. Normally, graveyards are adjunct to cities or towns, but here the case is different. That is the whole essence of the mystery of Chowkundi site and others of this kind.In inviting attention to this treasure of art, one need not march into the corridors of history or fly into the labyrinths of legends. It stands on its own merits. The site presents beauty of design, patter and craftsmanship of days gone by, so perfectly well-preserved even after hundreds of years.Thousands of charcoal and crayon rubbings of the motifs of these tombs have been flown to Europe and America by great number of foreign visitors as gifts. This testifies to the appeal the excellence of designs make on the minds of Western connoisseurs.In fact, Chowkundi is one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Pakistan. Craftsmen, who built tombs and carved and engraved them were remarkable for their sense of beauty and their devotion to their rich, inherited art. Not one, two or three, but hundreds of tombs, built of angular stone slabs placed one upon another and tapering upwards, like the tombs of Cyrus in Iranian Valley or Murghan, can be seen here at Chowkundi.These tombs appeal to the aesthetic sense of the visitor from the monument he sees these golden sandstone slabs, beautified by art and craftsmanship. And for curious mind, they offer lot of material to observe and reflect upon. The encrusted superficial layers could be scratched to perhaps establish some very interesting facts. The obvious impression, which one gets is that no poor people could have afforded such splendors.There a myriad types of floral patterns and geometrical designs, carved out in the huge slabs of stone with such supreme craftsmanship and precision as if done on silk. The best specimens of line and form, tombs present at intricate network of various patterns, incorporating triangles, rectangles, squares and circles, forming well-balanced and charming symmetrical designs. Patterns, resembling lotuses and sunflowers, profusely adorn the designs. Some of the tombs, also, have verses from Koran.Prominent crown-like figures on the tomb immediately distinguish tombs of men from those of women, which are flat-topped. Their patterns also differ. Sword and shield, bow and arrow, flying horse rider and similar item symbolizing courage and bravery adorn men's tombs; but women's tombs have patterns and designs of delicate and beautiful ornaments, such as necklaces, earrings, rings "kangans" and "jhumkas" etc.Inviting and enchanting, Chowkundi whispers mysteries of past and seems ever ready to disclose its secrets to the discerning, imaginative mind. For the lovers of art and crafts, as well as antiquarians and archaeologists, tombs are of special interest. Here, poet's mind conjures up the lives of those master craftsmen, who have left the mark of their skill on these tombs, as well as those who lie buried beneath them.

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

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Zamzama Gun, Lahore

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Walking alone

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Shalamar Gardens, Lahore

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Hiran Minar

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Sheikhupura, Pakistan

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Lahore Fort

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Top Ten Historical Sites in the World

The world is filled with amazing things to see- both natural and man made. But here are the top ten historical sites in the world- places you must go visit. Places so great flocks of people fly all around the world. That’s what makes these historical sites special. So old but still so interesting.
Machu PicchuLocated in southern Peru, this fascinating city lies on top of a mountain that’s accessible by train or 4 day trek. It was an important center for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish came and is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists has led to limitations on tourists there, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
TikalThis Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best preserved ruins of the civilization. Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner-Indy early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. Tikal was a dominant force in the Mayan world and is a dominate force in archeology today. It’s a wonderful place to explore and deserves at least two days and is easy accessible from neighboring Belize.
The Pyramids at GizaOver 3,000 years old and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they built them or how Egyptians got them so precise. The Pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain vast chambers we still haven’t opened. They are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu. Also in this area is the Sphinx, another historical site that baffles researchers with its own mysteries.
Angkor WatThis ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire went extinct but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years. Though this place is packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. Temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple group. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three or five day pass.
PetraCarved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by Indiana Jones’ third movie. It was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. Prior to that, it was unknown to the western world. Though its founding is not known, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century B.C. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named on of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
StonehengeLocated near Salisbury, England this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old and its stones coming all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how they got the stones from Wales and have tried to replicate the feat with dismal results. The attraction is now fenced off and you can no longer go into the circle. Visitors now can only walk around the attraction. It’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and the really good audio tour.
Colosseum/ForumThe Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the area where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages and much of it is restricted, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. There is also a good museum there too. The forum is great to walk around (and it’s free!!), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill, where Rome’s elite used to live.
ParthenonThough currently getting a face lift, the Parthenon is still amazing. The ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power of Athens and a testament to Greek Civilization. Moreover, it provides a great view of Athens and nearby ruins. The surrounding ruins, temples, and buildings are equally as wondrous. Built in the 5th century BC, the temple used to house the treasury. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands…at least for now.
Easter IslandLocated out in the Pacific ocean and special territory of Chile, these statues are the only thing left of culture that once lived here. These gigantic and amazingly craved heads are just another reminder that primitive people are not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash and many still remain in the quarry, left by the settlers as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to war that finally killed them off.
Taj MahalBuilt in the 1600s, this building is a testament to undying love. Located in Agra, India, this white marble tomb built for a Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must see for everyone. in 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually. There have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat to the site is the air pollution that is destroying the white marble the building is constructed of. It too was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Abune Petros Memorial:

Just West of Addis Ababa's impressive City Hall, down the hill on the main road to the Merkato district is Abune Petros Square with it's imposing statue. Abune Petros, the Ethiopian Orthodox Bishop of Wello who was executed by the Italians at the edge of this very square. Abune Petros was one of the four first native Ethiopians who were anointed as bishops by the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria to serve under the Coptic born Archbishop Abune Kerllos of Ethiopia in 1932. Abune Petros was given the province of Wello as his diocese. In 1936, the Fascist armies of Benito Mussolini occupied much of Ethiopia, and Abune Petros traveled to the northern Shewan district of Menz to join the sons of Ras Kassa, Dejazmatches Wondwossen, Abera and Asfa Wossen Kassa and other resistance leaders to plan an attack on the Italians to drive them out of Addis Ababa. The attack failed in 1937, and the Bishop was captured. Defiantly refusing to submit to Italian rule, he was condemned to death. Shortly before his execution Abune Petros Bishop of Wello, dressed in his clerical robes, held up his hand cross and pronounced his anathema on the people and on the very earth of Ethiopia itself, if they were ever to submit to the invader. He was then shot to death in front of a horrified audience. Emperor Haile Selassie had the statue erected in the memory of this great Bishop upon his restoration to the throne. The spot of his execution on the western edge of this square is also marked by a memorial slab. Sadly, during the brutal rule of the Dergue regime, the bodies of many victims of the "Red Terror" were displayed in this square

The Lion of Judah Monument:

The Lion of Judah Monument stands in the square in front of Addis Ababa's train station. The golden colored statue of the Lion of Judah in it's complete glory stands on a black granite pedestal which is decorated with relief portraits of Emperors Menelik II and Haile Selassie I, and Empress Zewditu, as well as Ras Makonnen. It marks the foot of the city's widest and avenue, Churchill Road which has the impressive Addis Ababa City Hall at it's other end. The Lion of Judah statue has a very interesting history. Erected in 1930 just before Emperor Haile Selassie's coronation, it was looted by the Italian occupiers in 1935 and taken to Rome, where it was erected next to the Vittorio Emanuelle Monument. During the 4th anniversary celebrations of the proclomation of the Itlian Empire, Adolf Hitler chose to visit Rome, and attended the celebratory parades along side the Fascist Dictator Musollini and King Victor Emanuelle III. In the parade were numerous subjects of Italy's African Empire, including a young Eritrean named Zerai Deres. Zerai Deres was marching with other parade members carrying a ceremonial sword with which to salute the King, the Fuhrer, and el Duce, at the grandstand. As the parade marched past the Vittorio Emauelle monument, Zerai looked up and saw to his shock, the golden Lion of Judah, the symbol of the ancient monarchy to which his ancestors had long owed aliegence, erected as war booty in the heart of Rome. It was too much for him to bear, and he promptly drew his sword and with tears of anger running down his face he fell on the first Italian officer he could find. He killed and wounded numerous Italian military officers before he was killed. Zerai Deres is lionized to this day as a brave Ethiopian patriot. The monument remained in Rome for several decades, and was finally returned to Addis Ababa after long negotiations in the 1960's. When it was re-erected in it's square the day it arrived, the Emperor was present in military uniform to salute, and to pay tribute to Zerai Deres. Following the revolution in 1974, the Dergue regime decided to remove the statue once more as it was a monarchist symbol. However, the elderly war veterans association members appealed to the Dergue to consider the memory of Zerai Deres and his sacrifice that was inspired by this very symbol. This act saved the statue and it stood it all it's Imperial glory right through the Dergue era, and continues to stand today.
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Entoto Mariam Church
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National Theatre
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Patriots Memorial (Arat kilo)
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Taitu Hotel

Meyazia 27 Square (Arat Kilo):

Meyazia 27 Square is the official name of what is popularly known as Arat Kilo, a name that applies both to the square and the surrounding district of the city of Addis Ababa. The monument at the heart of the Square commemorates the victory over the fascist Italian invaders, and the struggle that preceded it (Meyazia 27 on the Ethiopian Calendar, May 5th on the Gregorian Calendar, is both the day that Addis Ababa was occupied by the Fascists, as well as the day that Emperor Haile Selassie returned to his capital in triumph exactly 5 years later). The original monument includes a relief of the Emperor Haile Selassie holding the national flag, which was altered during the reign of the Dergue regime into a representation of a guerrilla fighter holding the national flag. The EPRDF regime that deposed the Dergue restored the Emperor's face to the monument. The central obelisk, topped by a Lion of Judah, actually predates the fascist occupation, and the surrounding circle of relief figures and monumental panels was added after the war. The Arat Kilo monument stands at the heart of Addis Ababa's government district, and in front of the Ministry of Education building (not shown here). Holy Trinity Cathedral (whose dome can be seen in the background) and the Parliament building are nearby, as are the present office of the Prime Minister and the Imperial Palace. Also nearby are the Science College, the Holy Trinity Theological college, Emperor Menelik II High School and the Berhan Ena Selam Printing Press. Foreign Heads of State customarily lay a wreath at this monument during state visits. This square was the focus of Victory Day celebrations held on May 5th (Meyazia 27) every year when the Emperor would lay a wreath here following his attendance at Mass at Meskia Hazunan Medhane Alem Church (Church of the Savior of the World, Consoler of the Grieved). The Dergue regime changed the date of Victory Day to the day that General Cunningham and his British, South African and Nigerian Troops actually entered the city. The post Dergue government in Ethiopia has restored Victory Day to it's original date.

Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square (Sidist Kilo):

The Yekatit 12 Square (Sidist Kilo) monument stands in tribute to the thousands of innocent martyrs butchered by the Fascist Italian Occupiers on that date in in the Ethiopian Calender year of 1929 (1936 Gregorian Calendar). The massacre took place at the order of the Italian Vice-Roy Marshal Grazziani in response to an assassination attempt against him carried out by two pro-Ethiopia Eritreans. The monument is shown here during a religious procession of priests of the Orthodox Church, probably at Timkat (Epiphany). Wreaths were laid here by the Emperor to commemorate the massacre every year. Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam continued this practice during his rule, but for a time after the fall of the Dergue regime, only the Mayor of Addis carried out this practice. Recently, the President of the Federal Republic has taken over this task. The monument is in the form of a white obelisk with black bas reliefs of scenes of the massacre as well as scenes of the Imperial funeral accorded to the remains of the victims in the presence of the Emperor following the liberation around it. A Lion of Judah also decorates the face of the obelisk. Even though the image of the Lion of Judah and the Emperor Haile Selassie were removed from all over the city during the reign of the Dergue, they suprisingly did not touch this monument. The monument stands in the Sidist Kilo square infront of the Yekatit 12 Hospital (formerly Emperor Haile Selassie Hospital and known before that as the Beite Saida Hospital). Also facing the square are the southern gates of the Guenete Leul Palace, which today is the main campus of the Addis Ababa University (formerly Haile Selassie I University). Another major attraction adjoining the square is the old Imperial Lion Zoo, where many of the old Imperial lions and their decendents live. The Churches of Menbere Leul Kidus Markos (Altar of Princes St. Marks Church) and the Meskia Hazunan Medhane Alem are both nearby, as are the former palaces of the Crown Prince (later the Political Cadre's College during the Dergue Era), the Duke of Harrar (later the Headquarters of the Womens wing of the Workers Party of Ethiopia), and Princess Tenagnework (later the headquarters of the Ethiopian Navy), as well as the American and Greek Embassies.

Menelik IISquare:

In Menelik II Square stands the imposing equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, the victor of Adawa. The statue was erected by Emperor Haile Selassie and dedicated on the day before his coronation in 1930, in memory of his great predecessor. The square is located outside the main gates of St. George Cathedral (Genete Tsige Menagesha Kidus Giorgis), and is close to City Hall. The distance markers on all the highways in Ethiopia mark the distance to their location from the base of the statue of Emperor Menelik II in this Square. Every year, on the anniversary of the victory of the Battle of Adawa, the Emperor would lay a wreath at this statue after attending mass at St. George Cathedral (the victory had occurred on St. George's Day). Col. Mengistu continued laying a wreath here on the anniversary, but did not attend the church services as his regime was Marxist.

National Museum

The small National Museum is located at Han St / Kilo crossroads, just north of St Mary's Church. Guides are the only real source of information, since the exhibits are poorly labelled, but they vary in standard. The exhibits are varied, and include Lucy; the female fossil skeleton found in northeast Ethiopia in 1974, believed to be about three and a half million years old. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, some predating the Axumite civilization of Tigre. It also includes a selection of the more than 200 designs of crosses found in Ethiopia. It is open from 0830-1230 and 1330-1730.Near the museum are the Lion Cages, probably the only place in Ethiopia to see the Abyssinian lion. The cages are probably best not visited by animal lovers

Haile Selassie's Grand palace:

Haile Selassie's Grand palace is located north east of Churchill Ave at the end of Colsen St. The Emperor has a second residence, Jubilee Palace, on Menelik Ave, just north of the Ghion Hotel.

The Menelik Mausoleum

The Menelik Mausoleum, built in 1941 to serve as the tombs of emperors and princes, and the Trinity Cathedral, are located nearby St. George's. The Trinity Cathedral was built to commemorate Ethiopia's liberation from five years of Italian occupation.
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National Theatre
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Meskel Square
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The Lion of Judah Monument
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Sidist Kilo
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St George's Cathedral:

St George's Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral). lies at the north end of Churchill Rd. Built in 1896 in the traditional octagonal shape to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa, the Cathedral houses the work of Afewerk Tekle, the renowned Ethiopian artist responsible for the stained glass windows of the Africa Hall. Cathedral opens 0800-0900 and 1200-1400. There is a small museum in the compound.

Africa Hall:

Africa Hall is on Menelik 11 Ave - an imposing symbol of African independence and optimism. It houses the headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. The huge stained glass windows depict the suffering of the people of Africa.The Filwoha springs are just to the west of the Africa Hall. These springs, which have obviously lost some of their former beauty, prompted Queen Taytu to persuade her husband to establish his new capital at Addis Ababa. The thermal waters are now diverted to an adjacent bathing complex.Also next to the Africa Hall lies the huge Square a natural amphitheater where parades are held every September to mark the 1974 revolution. Portraits of Marx, Angels, Lenin and Comrade Mengistur used to adorn the square

Addis Ababa

DescriptionAddis Ababa (the name means 'new flower') is of fairly recent origin - Menelik 11 founded the city in 1887. Situated in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and standing 2,400 metres above sea level it is the third highest capital in the world. The city has a population of about two million. Before moving to the present site of Addis Ababa, Menelik had established temporary capitals at six different locations caused by exhausting the fuel wood at each of these sites. Addis itself was in danger of being abandoned until the introduction of fast-growing eucalyptus trees from Australia provided the city with a regular source of fuel.Addis Ababa is an important administrative centre not only for Ethiopia but also for the whole of Africa. The headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa was established here in 1958 and it is the site of the OAU's secretariat.
Getting There and Away By Air :Bole International Airport is 5 kilometres from the city centre and is undergoing major extensions, with a new International Passenger Terminal Building under construction:Ethiopian Airlines run a free shuttle bus into the city. Taxis and 'contract taxis' run to and from the city, and leave the city from Piazza areaBy Bus :The 2 main bus stations in Addis are the Autobus Terra near Mercato, and the smaller terminal on Ras Mekonin Ave near the railway station. All National buses, with the exception of buses to Nazret and Oebre Zeyi leave from the Autobus Terra. Buses to Nazret and Debre Zeyit depart from the terminal in Ras Mekonin Ave.
Getting Around Very few streets have names in Addis Ababa , and if they do may not be known by the names on the map. The exception to this is Churchill Avenue which is the main thoroughfare and shopping street in Addis. It is best to navigate by using landmarks like the Post Office (posto bet), Abiot (also known as Meskal), the station (la gare) and areas like Piazza and Mercato, which are shopping areas. Some roads have one name on the map and another in general use. For example Africa Avenue on the map is universally known as Bole Road, and Has Biru Avenue as Debre Zeit Road. There is a large and efficient network of blue and white minibuses which cover the town.
Attractions
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Addis Ababa Hilton
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Addis Ababa Sheraton
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Addis Train station
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Selassie (Trinity Church)

Juanqinzhai and the Qianlong Garden, the Forbidden City, Beijing

The Qianlong Emperor’s Juanqinzhai (Studio of Exhaustion from Diligent Service), an 18th-century jewel box tucked away in the northeast quadrant of the Forbidden City, is part of a decade-long, multimillion-dollar conservation initiative undertaken by the World Monuments Fund in partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing.Completion of the five-year restoration project was celebrated in November 2008. Juanqinzhai will be open to the public on a limited basis beginning in 2009. The two-story studio and its associated gardens and pavilions were commissioned by Qianlong, the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty, in 1771 for his planned retirement in 1796. The Qianlong Emperor had vowed that “if the Heavens blessed him to be on the throne for 60 years,” he would retire out of respect so as not to reign longer than his beloved grandfather, the Kangxi Emperor, China’s longest-reigning ruler.
The layout of the Qianlong District reflects that of the Forbidden City itself, with a central north-south axis and spaces dedicated to ceremony, living, and leisure. It is one of the largest areas in the Forbidden City to remain relatively untouched since imperial times.
Within the Studio, walls and screens are adorned with fine bamboo marquetry and white jade cartouches, trompe l’oeil paintings grace the walls and ceilings, and imperial sitting areas are upholstered in embroidered silk. The murals exhibit a clear Western influence and use of perspective that is unique in the Forbidden City and in China.
The restoration of all 27 structures of the Qianlong Garden is WMF’s most comprehensive project and the Palace Museum’s most significant partnership with an international organization for a historic site in the Forbidden City.
The restoration is bringing together resources and expertise from around the world in the fields of conservation, architecture, technical and craftsmanship training, and museum methodologies (planning, education, and interpretation). WMF and the Palace Museum expect this work to serve as a learning laboratory whose lessons can be applied in other areas of the Forbidden City and even elsewhere in China.
Visitors—who had only limited access to part of the Garden complex—will soon be able to enjoy the historic interiors and the emperor’s private garden, which have never been fully open to the public.

Lotus Temple - New Delhi, India

Bahai Temple or Lotus Temple is on of the most visited edifice in the world. Visitors to Bahai Temple have surpassed the numbers of the visitor's to Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal. The maximum numbers of visitors received in a day are 150,000.
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Lotus temple signifies peace and purity. Lotus is the manifestation of God. The pure lotus rising above the stag anent and muddy waters is the symbol of detachment from material things. Lotus is deeply attached to the mythology and culture of Hinduism. Visitors to Lotus Temple have admired the teachings of Bahai Faith and have also liked the structure of the temple. The outside structure of the house of worship, New Delhi, India is constructed into three ranks of nine petals. The structure of the House of Worship is composed of three ranks of nine petals each springing from a podium which elevates the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, constructed of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels, performed to surface profiles and patterns related to the geometry. The double-layered interior dome, modelled on the innermost portion of the lotus, is comprised of 54 ribs with concrete shells between. Nine arches that provide the main support for the superstructure ring the central hall. Nine reflecting pools surround the building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower. Indianvisit offers complete information about the best tourist spots in New Delhi, India. Indianvisit offers package tours for New Delhi, India.

Connaught Place - New Delhi, India

Connaught place is a creation of British in the last century. Connaught place is the business & shopping centre of New Delhi. It is a place where the banks, Airline offices, tour offices and hotels are located. It is designed in a circular form where the white-colonnade shopping district surrounds a green Park. It forms a full circle and is divided into blocs by seven radial roads. Connaugt place is the best shopping place in the city. It is considered as Delhi's posh shopping area. The Palika market is an underground market within Connaught place. During British period it was designed for elegant boutiques and specially for high society white people. Now it has been completely Indianised with shoe shiners sitting at every corner and beggars moving around. Connaught Place is very important for tourists as offices of most of the travel agencies, airlines and banks are located here. It is a lace where every thing you need is available.

Qutub Minar - New Delhi, India

Qutub Minar was built in 1199 AD by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. The purpose behind this was to use by Mu'zzin (crier) for giving calls for prayers. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. Each storey of Qutub Minar is surrounded by a balcony. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak had built only one story and later his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'din- Iltutmish had constructed two more stories. Attractions Within The Qutub Minar ComplexQuwwat-ul-Islam-Mosque -located at the north of Minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aiabak. It is built in a rectangular courtyard enclosed by Cloisters.Ala-I- Darwaza - The southern gateway of the mosque was built by Alau'd-Din Khilji. Tomb of Iltutumish - A plain square chamber built in AD 1222-36. Ala'I Minar - A minar located ate the North of Qutub Minar was commenced with An intention of making it twice the size of Qutub Minar. Indianvisit offers complete information about the best tourist spots in New Delhi. Qutub Minar New Delhi, India is one of the best tourist spots in New Delhi.

Red Fort - New Delhi, India

"If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this." These were the words written on the ceiling of Red Fort in golden letters just above the throne of emperor Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan is known not only for his leadership efficiency but also for the magnificent buildings built during his reign. In 1638 when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi he felt the need for a palace and thus the construction begun in 1640 and completed by 1648. Walls of red fort are built with red sandstone, on of the most admired material of Mughals. The walls of Red Fort are high upto 110 feet. From inside the palace is built with white marble and adorned with gold and precious stones. From inside it is built in the series of pavilions used for some specific purpose. Khas Mahal - a place with emperor's private quarters. Diwan-e-am - A place specified for public audiences. Diwan-e-Khas - It was for organising the private meetings by the emperor. Shah Burj - A place where secret meetings took place. Moti Masjit - Built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. Indianvisit offers complete information about best tourist spots in New Delhi, Indianvisit offers package tours for New Delhi, India.

India Gate - New Delhi, India

India gate is a symbol of the bravery and valour of the soldiers. A flame Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate kept alive since the place was built. India gate bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during the wars. Below the arch is the memorial of the unknown-soldier. The Amar Jawan Jyoti runs on gas was lit in 1971. India Gate was designed and built by Lutyens, originally known as All India War Memorial in memory of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Afghan War. India Gate is a major picnic spot for the people of Delhi. Largely stretched Lawns are the makes it suitable for picnic. Indianvisit offers complete information about best tourist spots in New Delhi. Indianvisit offers various package tours for New Delhi.