Visions of Magnitude

The five moments in this challenge

The scenes are shown below — tap a card to reveal its place and year.

1. 

   Round 1 · 1966

   Relocation of Abu Simbel Temples

   Aswan Governorate, Egypt

   Threatened by the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, this ancient rock-cut temple complex was meticulously sawn into massive blocks and reassembled on higher ground by an international team.

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2. 

   Round 2 · 1252

   Casting the Great Buddha of Kamakura

   Kamakura, Japan

   Replacing an earlier wooden statue destroyed by a severe storm, this monumental bronze Amida Buddha was cast in sections. The grand temple hall housing it was later washed away by tsunamis.

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3. 

   Round 3 · 1586

   Raising the Vatican Obelisk

   Rome, Italy

   Moving a 300-ton ancient Egyptian monolith to the center of St. Peter's Square required 900 men, 140 horses, and a massive timber tower equipped with complex winches designed by Domenico Fontana.

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4. 

   Round 4 · 1905

   Mutiny on the Battleship Potemkin

   Odesa, Ukraine

   Sparked by maggot-infested meat rations, sailors of the Black Sea Fleet rebelled and took control of their pre-dreadnought battleship. The ensuing naval crackdown in Odesa became a legendary precursor to revolution.

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5. 

   Round 5 · 1450

   Inca Festival of Inti Raymi

   Cusco, Peru

   To honor the sun god Inti at the winter solstice, tens of thousands of Inca subjects gathered at the massive fortress, celebrating with sacrifices, dances, and vibrant ceremonial textiles.

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