Tradition and its progress

  • 420 BCE

    Tradition throughout time

  • Hindu Epic Mahabharata
    420 BCE

    Hindu Epic Mahabharata

    Literature - Longest ever epic poem composed, teaches duty, family loyalty and moral tradition.
  • Qin Dynasty Terracotta Army
    221 BCE

    Qin Dynasty Terracotta Army

    Art History - Sculptures honoring ancestral and military traditions in China
  • Rome Colosseum
    70

    Rome Colosseum

    Architecture - Largest ancient amphitheater ever built. Pure Italian tradition.
  • Mayan Temple of Palenque
    692

    Mayan Temple of Palenque

    Architectural - Temple honoring kings and spiritual traditions in Maya culture
  • Kojiki Myth
    712

    Kojiki Myth

    Oral Shinto preserving Japanese creation traditions. Oldest historical text.
  • Celtic Illuminated Manuscripts
    800

    Celtic Illuminated Manuscripts

    Art History - Hand painted Christian texts preserving Irish religious tradition.
  • Chinese Guzheng Music
    960

    Chinese Guzheng Music

    Traditional instrument playing songs connected to nature and Confucian values.
  • Noh Theatre
    1180

    Noh Theatre

    Traditional masked drama preserving Japanese storytelling.
  • Yoruba Ifa Divination
    1400

    Yoruba Ifa Divination

    Philosophy - Oral wisdom system guiding life decisions and cultural customs.
  • Michelangelos Pieta
    1506

    Michelangelos Pieta

    Art - Sculpture honoring Christian mourning traditions.
  • Aztec Sun Stone
    1520

    Aztec Sun Stone

    History - Symbol of Aztec timekeeping and cosmic spiritual tradition.
  • Flamenco Tradition

    Flamenco Tradition

    Music - Music and dance reflecting gypsy, Arabic, and Spanish cultural roots.
  • Native American Iroquois Wampum Belts

    Native American Iroquois Wampum Belts

    History - Beads used to record treaties and tribal agreements.
  • Mariachi Tradition

    Mariachi Tradition

    Music - Folk music preserving
    Mexican rural stories and celebrations.
  • Mãori Haka Dance

    Mãori Haka Dance

    Theatre - War dance representing respect, strength, and tribal identity.
  • Russian Ballet Academy

    Russian Ballet Academy

    Theatre - Ballet became a national tradition shaping Russian culture.
  • Hula Recorded on Film

    Hula Recorded on Film

    Film - Early film helping preserve ancient
    Hawaiian dance and chants.
  • Lunch Atop a Skyscraper

    Lunch Atop a Skyscraper

    Photography - the photo appears to show the men casually eating lunch during construction of the Art Deco skyscraper at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
  • Indigenous Australian Dot Painting

    Indigenous Australian Dot Painting

    Art History - Traditional Aboriginal symbols used to pass down spiritual stories.
  • Bollywood Expands Worldwide

    Bollywood Expands Worldwide

    Music - Indian cinema spreading musical and cultural across the world.