Indonesian Heritage – Vol 01 – Ancient History

Indonesia’s record of human activity spans one million years of time; it’s territory covers 1/8th of the earth equator – a 5,000-kilometre-wide swath of space. In this lush environment some of mankind’s oldest ancestors first walked. In the forests, seas and soils of the archipelago, early Indonesians found a wealth of resources which they exploited to create rich artistic traditions. Archeologists have discovered here some of the oldest examples of Asian art. By 2,000 years ago, the islands were linked in complex and cosmopolitan maritime networks. Ancient Indonesian civilisation constructed monuments and statues which are among the masterpieces of world art. The gradual introduction of Islam beginning in the 13th century added further further complexity and depth to Indoensians culture. This book presents a picture of the ancient historical unity which underlies the unsurpassed cultural diversity of this emerging world power, the world’s fourth most populous nation.