Tōdai-ji — North Gate Ancillary Kaidan (Nara)
Todai N Kaidan
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Multi-period temple culture·🇯🇵 Nara, Nara, Tōdai-ji, Japan
About
About Tōdai-ji — North Gate Ancillary Kaidan (Nara)
Tōdai-ji — North Gate Ancillary Kaidan (Nara) in Nara, Nara, Tōdai-ji, Japan is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) temple complex attributed to Multi-period temple culture. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 37.3 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Multi-period temple culture temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 100 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Relation to regional network
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period temple culture
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1070 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1885
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
On the ground
Structures & features
34.6900° N · 135.8400° E · 100 m · 3 mapped features
Main Temple Cella
cellaMain Temple Cella at Tōdai-ji — North Gate Ancillary Kaidan (Nara) — cella with stratified deposits
34.6886° N · 135.8401° ENorth Court Ancillary
courtNorth Court Ancillary at Tōdai-ji — North Gate Ancillary Kaidan (Nara) — court with stratified deposits
34.6880° N · 135.8387° EPylon Gate
pylonPylon Gate at Tōdai-ji — North Gate Ancillary Kaidan (Nara) — pylon with stratified deposits
34.6894° N · 135.8385° E