There are 1,154 UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout the world. Each of them offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of complex civilizations, empires, and religions. This series offers an in-depth overview of five of the most intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites from around the world, from Iraq to Brazil. Each lavishly illustrated program goes far beyond the typical tourist experience by incorporating the insights of the latest scholarship and research.
Justin M. Jacobs, a professor of history at American University, is the author of several books, including The Compensations of Plunder: How China Lost Its Treasures. He recently completed a 24-episode series on UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the Great Courses and is currently conducting research on the voyages of Captain Cook in the Pacific.
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Philippine Rice Terraces of Ifugao
The photogenic rice terraces of Ifugao appear to rise endlessly into the clouds of the northern Philippine highlands and defy the laws of gravity. Yet their painstaking construction in a very short space of time speaks to the creative industry of hardy immigrants responding to new and unexpected pressures. Jacobs examines when and how the terraces were built, the social networks that guided their maintenance, and common misperceptions about their origins.
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