Thinking of the Middle East, usually Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, or Iran come to mind. Yet quietly sitting between them lies the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
55km from Hoi An are the ancient ruins of the kingdom of Champa. A few impressive temples survived repeated pillaging over the centuries as well as sustained US aerial bombardment.
The Channakesava Temple at Belur is regarded as one of the most magnificent pieces of Hoysala Architecture. It is estimated that it took over a 100 years to build this temple complex.It was finally completed in 1116 AD.
Diagram of Mnajdra Temples not only indicating the astronomical alignment with the equinox and solstices but also the shape as seen from the air. The shape resembles the goddess of fertility, stone statues of which have been found in the temples and now on display at the Museum of Archaeology in the Capital Valletta.
Some of the megaliths at Mnajdra Temples have been decoratively pitted. These temples are thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes.