On the Bagan plain in central Myanmar there are around 4,000 temples in a 26 square mile area from the 11th and 12th centuries. Everywhere one looks there is some structure..some in good shape, others crumbling. We spent the next 2 days there.
This area was the center of a great civilization based on the adoption of the Theravada type of Buddhism which created a religious fervor that resulted in this proliferation of monuments. This lasted for 2 1/2 centuries until the Mongols stormed out of the north in the mid 13th century and eliminated the dynasty.
The size of the stupas and temples is quite varied from very grand to small. Many have interiors decorated with Buddhas and mural paintings many which have stayed in very good shape over the last 900 to 1,000 years. A great earthquake in 1975 caused damage to some of these structures.
A video will help give you an idea of the scope of this site:
Some pictures of well preserved interiors:
We happened to be in Bagan on the last weekend of the annual Pagoda Festival so there were folks there from many of the region's villages including Monks for a special offering event.
Did I tell you about the white stuff on the faces of most everyone in Myanmar? It is made from tree sap and is believed to be very good for the skin. Prevents sun damage, softens and moisturizes, and seems to be a form of playful decoration.
Making the skin cream:
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