Horyuji is not only one of the “Seven Great Temples of Nara” but also the most precious treasure of art in Japan. It has the oldest wooden structures in the world, given World Heritage Site ranking by UNESCO. There has been a controversy of long standing concerning the history of this temple, and its exact chronology is still unknown. According to the inscription on the image of Yakushi Nyorai enshrined in the Kondo Hall, Prince Shotoku, with the backing of Empress Suiko, had the image made and the temple erected in 607. There is a historical record of Horyuji Temple being destroyed by fire in 670 A.D. The present buildings have characteristics of Asuka period (552-645) architecture. This is where heated controversy arises as to the reliability of the two historical records and the actual construction date of the present buildings.