NextPrevious

Why is Borobudur considered one of the greatest Buddhist temples in the world?

India and Southeast Asia Read more from
Chapter The Medieval World, C. 400–1300

The mountain-like Borobudur is an enormous Buddhist temple built in the ninth century in Java, Indonesia, and not discovered by outsiders until the nineteenth century. Based on the stupa form, the temple is covered in ornate sculptures and staircases oriented to the points of the compass. The mountain form is no accident—it is in fact a key element of the temple’s complex symbolism.

Close

This is a web preview of the "The Handy Art History Answer Book" app. Many features only work on your mobile device. If you like what you see, we hope you will consider buying. Get the App