There are 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout the world. Each of them offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of complex civilizations, empires, and religions. Historian Justin M. Jacobs offers an in-depth overview of two particularly intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Wall of China and the sacred Buddhist landscape of Bagan. Each lavishly illustrated program goes far beyond the typical tourist experience by incorporating the insights of the latest scholarship and research.
Jacobs, associate professor of history at American University, is the author of several books, including The Compensations of Plunder: How China Lost Its Treasures. He is also the host of a 24-episode series on UNESCO World Heritage Sites for The Great Courses.
Session Information
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a marvel of human engineering and ingenuity, but its history is shrouded in myth and misinformation. Jacobs sifts through the legends to provide a more historically accurate understanding of just where, when, and why the Great Wall was built, how it was built and used, and how our perceptions of its utility have evolved over the past several centuries.
Additional Sessions
Patron Information
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