Civilizations & archaeology

Construction of Hōryū-ji Temple

607 CE

Horyu-ji is a Buddhist temple complex near Nara in Japan, traditionally said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku, the regent who promoted Buddhism in the early seventh century. The original temple was destroyed by fire, according to early chronicles, and was rebuilt, so that its present buildings date from the late seventh and early eighth centuries. They are considered the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world. The complex includes the Golden Hall and a five-storey pagoda, and it holds a rich collection of early Buddhist art. A fire in 1949 damaged the wall paintings in the Golden Hall, which led Japan to pass a law for the protection of cultural properties. It was Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

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This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 7th century.