Asia has seen the rise and fall of many ancient civilisations. This continent is home to diverse ethnical groups and the birthplace of all major religions. This means there are many Asian countries with ancient civilisations. Moreover, Asia has a lot to offer history buffs who want to experience human history first-hand. The landmass spreads over 44,579,000 square kilometres and has great cultural diversity. Prominent cultural influence includes European, Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Central Asian. In this article, we will explore the ancient civilisations preserved by six Asian countries and why you should travel to these places to experience the history and cultural influences of the past. Also, check out, https://www.fissionwriter.com/top-5-countries-to-visit-in-south-asia/
The countries included in this list are;
China
India
Japan
Indonesia
Pakistan
Cambodia
These countries are not arranged according to how old their civilization is. Although, there is a detailed explanation of why you should add these countries to your travel list.
6 Asian countries with Ancient civilizations:
1. China:
China is the most populous country with a recorded history of over 3500 years. Lived about 1.7 million years ago, China’s earliest primitive human, “Yuanmou Man,” was discovered in Yunnan province. There remains a fragment of the ancient history of a dynasty called the Xia Dynasty, which started in 2070 BC. With a history of thousands of years, China has many historical sites. Most significant are the Great Wall, the Mogao Grottoes, the Terracotta Army, the Forbidden City, the Potala Palace, the Summer Palace, and the three Confucian sites. All of these sites are considered UNESCO’s world heritage sites. When it comes to history, China offers alot to its visitors. The ancient civilisation influences the lives of many that live there. This should put China on a bucket list for anyone looking for an ultimate historical experience.
The Great Wall:
Great Wall Of China is the most significant defense structure in the world, stretching thousands of miles along the northern Chinese border.
The Terracotta Army:
Life-size terracotta soldiers in battle array, With the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Built to protect the Emperor in the afterlife (210-209 BCE). Also checkout, Terracotta Army: China’s War Awaiting Soldiers.
The Forbidden City:
For over 500 years, The forbidden city was China’s political and ritual centre. The 9999 rooms of the palace housed the families of 24 emperors, along with their servants. The layout of the palace is according to the Chinese Fengshui theory.
The Three Confucian Sites:
Located in Qufu, Shondang province. The Three Confucion Sites include, the Confucius Family Mansion (Kong Fu), Confucius Temple (Kong Miao) and Confucius Cemetery (Kong Lin). Qufu is the birthplace of famous philosopher Confucius.
2. INDIA:
India is a land of ancient civilisations. Whose social and cultural configurations are the products of regional expansion. India’s history began with the birth of the Indus Valley civilization and the coming of Aryans. Multiple sites in present-day India give glimpses of its glorious past. A reason why I have included India in my Asian countries with the oldest civilisation list. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya. Bhiranna, Rakhigarhi, Taj Mahal, Agra. Qutub Minar, Delhi. Amer Fort, Rajasthan. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. Konark Temple, Odisha, and Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, are some of the historical sites to visit in India.
Bhirrana:
Bhirrana, Haryana, is considered the oldest Indus Valley Civilization Site. Additionally, Some of the oldest mounds date back to 7500 B.C.E.
Mahabodhi Temple:
The Mahabodhi temple, or “The Great Awakening Temple,” is an ancient Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya. The site contains a descendant of the Bodhi tree. Under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Emperor Asoka built the first temple complex in the 3rd century B.C.
Rakhigarhi:
Rakhigarhi is the largest settlement of the ancient Indus-Valley Civilization. It dates back to 2600-1900 B.C.E. It is present in Hisar district of Haryana, India.
3. Japan:
Next on the list of ancient Asian civilisations is Japan. In ancient times, migrants from the mainland came and settled in Japan. Since then, many empires have risen and fallen. Japan has seen the rule of samurai warriors. A quest for expansion in Asia. Its downfall and rebirth. All of this moulded the socio-economic and cultural configuration of modern-day Japan. Furthermore, It left behind many historical sites that give us a glimpse into Japan’s fascinating past. Sannai-Maruyama, Goshono Jomon Site, Ofune, Yakushima, Yoshinogari, Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, Ise Jingu, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails, and Horyu-Ji Temple are some of the many fascinating sites to visit in Japan.
Sannai-Maruyama:
Located in Aomori City, Sannai-Maruyama is a 5000-year-old pre-historic town. Moreover, Sannai-Maruyama is believed to date back to the Jomon era. Accidentally discovered in 1992, many tourists now visit this site.
Yakushima:
Home to Jomon Sogi( 7000 years old), The oldest tree in Japan. Yakushima is a fascinating forested Island. And an integral part of Japan’s ancient civilisation.
Yoshinogari:
A settlement from Japan’s Yayoi period, also known as country’s Iron Age. Yoshinogari is a sight to behold. It spreads over an area of 100 acres, and divided into four different zones; from which The Moat Encircled Zone stands out the most ( Most of the village sit in this zone).
4. Indonesia:
Indonesia is an Archipelago country that comprises 17,500 Islands. Moreover, Remains of Homo-Erectus found on the land suggested that Human Ancestors inhabited it about 1.7 million years ago. These Hominids are also known as ‘The Java Man.’ The knowledge of Indonesian history expands from ‘The Java Man’ to organized Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms. However, the country’s religion shifted to Islam when Gujrati and Persian merchants introduced the religion.
Another fascinating thing about the country is its deep connection with the sea, often depicted in written and oral traditions. Humans continuously inhabited Indonesia. A reason why it has a very ancient and deep history. Some cool places to visit includes; Prambanan Temple, Borobudur Temple, Taman Sari, Muara Takus, Sangiran Early Man Site, Trowulan Archeological Site and Kalibukbuk Buddhist Temple.
Muara Takus:
Sriwijaya Empire built this temple in the 11th century. Muara Takus is a Buddhist complex. It is situated in Sumatra, Indonesia. The temple was believed to be used as a religious and trading centre by the Sriwijaya Empire.
Borobudur Temple:
Built during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty, the Borobudur temple is a sight to behold. It dates back to the 8th-9th century and is located in central Java, Indonesia. More than 500 life-sized statues are placed in the temple. Moreover, it has been said that all statues are carved from a single stone. Fascinating!! Right?
Sangiran Early Man Site:
If you are interested in human evolution, Sangiran is the right place for you. Almost 50 % of hominid fossil were discovered in Sangiran. As I mentioned, This land was inhabited by humans continuously for 1.5 million years. You can learn a lot from this place.
5. Pakistan:
Home to many ancient civilizations, Pakistan is quite a spectacular country with a rich history. However, Pakistan is famous for its mountains. Yet, there is much to see for history lovers who want to experience the past in its purest form. Indus Valley Civilization sites, Gandhara Civilization sites, Mehrgarh Civilization site, and the silk road connecting east Asia to South Asia and beyond is enough to put Pakistan on my list of ancient civilizations in Asia. Also, Check out, https://www.fissionwriter.com/least-visited-tourist-destinations-in-pakistan/
Mohenjo-daro:
Located on the right bank of the Indus River in Sindh, Pakistan. Mohenjo-daro, Also known as the mound of the dead, is the largest settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. Indus Valley Civilization is the largest of the three advanced civilizations rose in eastern sphere. Other two being, The Egyptian Civilization and the Mesopotamian civilization. You can learn more about Indus valley civilization here: https://www.worldhistory.org/Indus_Valley_Civilization/
The most fascinating things about Mohenjo-Daro were its elaborate drainage system, The great bath, great granaries, urban life, fashion, and solid baked brick buildings. It was quite advanced, considering the settlement dates back to 26–25th century BCE.
Mehrgarh:
Mehrgarh is a stone age archeological site dating back to ( 7000 BCE- 2500/2000 BCE). It is located in Kacchi plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. Archeologists believe Mehrgarh was a highly develop society. The artifacts unearth from the site support this claim. Hafeez Ahmed Jamal, a karachi based anthropologist even suggest that some of the cultural practices still prevail in Balochistan.
Gandhara Civilization Site:
Gandhara was once a center of Buddhism. It existed in present day Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. The road carvings on ancient silk road, and archaeological finds in Taxila, Swat and Takht Bhai showcase the recorded History of the civilization. The main center Taxila, is almost 3000 years old.
6. Cambodia:
Lastly, on the list of Asian Countries with Ancient civilisations is Cambodia. It is an East-Asian country with well preserved Khmer Culture. Although, Most of the country is a tropical forest. Cambodia still attracts many visitors across the globe due to its well-preserved ancient history. From untouched ancient ruins hidden in thick jungles to Lost cities from the pre-Angkorian period, Cambodia proves a wonderful country and hidden gem for history lovers. Beng Mealea, Preah Vihear, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, Phnom Chisor and Sambor Prei Kuk are some must-visit places in the country.
Beng Mealea:
Beng Mealea, also known as the ” Temple of Lotus pond,” is a Hindu temple from the Angkor Wat period. It is located northeast of Siem Reap and lies in the heart of a jungle. The fascinating thing about the temple is its structure. With almost no restoration work done on the temple, Its sandstone galleries covered with thick moss stands out the most.
Sambor Prei Kuk:
Samber Prei Kuk is a complex of 100 temples, 10 of which are unique to South-East Asia. It dates back to 7th century, and archeological finds suggest that it belonged to Chenla Civilization. Prasat Chrey, small tower covered with an ancient tree, is the most fascinating sight of the complex.
Koh Ker:
The temples of Koh Ker can be considered the finest remains of the Angkorian Empire. This site is almost 1000 years old and is completely enveloped by a dense jungle. Koh Ker is considered the capital of the Angkorian Empire, with 42 major structures.
This concludes our list of amazing Asian Countries with Ancient Civilizations.
So, which country and civilization fascinated you the most? Comment down in the section below to let me know. Cheers!!
By
Fatima Mateen
