The World's Fascinating Ancient Ruins
The world is home to many fascinating ancient ruins, from crumbling cities to temples that have withstood the test of time. Many of these ancient societies were incredibly innovative and forward-thinking, with meticulous city planning and incredible feats of engineering. Some of the most captivating ancient ruins are full of thousand-year-old mysteries that will boggle even the most curious minds.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, founded around 1350, is a historical city that began as a Khmer military and trading post. It became the ancient capital of Thailand and held onto this title for four centuries until Burmese invaders burned it down. While many of the temples and relics of the city were destroyed, around 50 stone relics and temples survived the fire and can still be seen today.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge, located in England, is easily one of the most recognized ancient ruins in the world. Dating back over 5,000 years, these curious stone rings are some of the oldest structures on the planet. The purpose of Stonehenge is still largely unknown, with theories suggesting it was used for religious rituals or to monitor the movements of the sun and moon.
Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park in the American Southwest houses a fascinating collection of 600 ancient cliff-top dwellings. The most famous of these dwellings is the Cliff Palace, the largest in North America. It contained over 150 rooms and 23 sacred kivas. These cliffside villages were suddenly abandoned in the 13th century after being lived in for nearly a century.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an ancient fortress carved into a 200-meter vertical rock face in Sri Lanka. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Kassapa and included:
A citadel.
A mirror wall with stunning colorful frescoes.
A gateway in the shape of a lion.
After the king's passing, the capital was abandoned and used as a Buddhist monastery. The climb to the top of Sigiriya offers breathtaking views of the ramparts, terraced gardens, and cave shrines.
Masada
The ancient fortress of Masada in Israel is perched on a cliff top overlooking the Judaean Desert and the Dead Sea. Dating over thousands of years, it was built as the palace of King Herod and saw the last stand of the Jewish revolt against the Romans. The views from the top of Masada are worth the challenging climb.
Hampi
Hampi was once one of India's wealthiest medieval cities and the Karnata Empire's former capital. Only crumbling ruins remain, including temples, palaces, and the House of Victory. The main temple is adorned with carvings of strange-looking sea creatures.
Pompeii
The ruins of Pompeii near Naples, Italy, were preserved by the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius. The ancient city, discovered in the 1950s, offers a glimpse into Roman life with its well-preserved stone houses, temples, bakeries, and even a brothel.
Tulum
Tulum in Mexico is the remains of an ancient cliff-top fortress built by the Mayans. Apart from the El Castillo pyramid, the main attraction, visitors can explore the beautiful mural inside the Temple of the Frescoes and enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Ephesus
Ephesus, located in Turkey, is one of Earth's most impressive Greek and Roman ruins. Unlike many other archaeological sites, visitors can touch, stand on, and walk through every part of the city. Highlights include ancient public toilets, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater of Ephesus.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves in India consist of caves, monasteries, and temples carved into a basalt cliff. The highlight is the Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the most giant monolithic sculpture in the world. Other notable sights include the Preaching Buddha and the Carpenter's Cave.
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army in China consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses. Discovered in the 1970s, these clay soldiers were hand-carved with unique faces and took over 40 years to craft. The Terracotta Army is enclosed within the Museum of the Terrace.
Top 13 Ancient Ruins to Explore
Acropolis
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a city of temples built in the 5th century BC. It is known for its iconic Parthenon and offers breathtaking city views.
Bagan
Bagan in Myanmar is a temple town once the capital of a powerful kingdom. It is home to over 2,000 temple ruins and is best appreciated from a hot air balloon ride.
Tikal
Tikal in Guatemala is a Mayan city known for its impressive ruins, including pyramids and temples. Climbing the Temple of the Two-Headed Snake offers incredible views of the rainforest.
Karnak
The Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt, is famous for its size and grandeur. It took over 2,000 years to build and features impressive structures such as the Great Hypostyle Hall.
Borobudur
Borobudur in Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It consists of six square platforms and offers a pathway of enlightenment through Buddhist cosmology.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan in Mexico is an ancient city with iconic pyramids, including the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. It was the largest city in the western hemisphere in its prime.
Moai Statues
The Moai statues on Easter Island are iconic and were carved by the Rapa Nui people. These enormous statues, weighing over 80 tonnes, have various theories surrounding their purpose.
Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, was an ancient gladiator arena. It is known for its impressive architecture and was used for various events, including gladiator battles.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the most extended artificial structure in the world. Built as a defense from invaders, it spans 15 Chinese provinces and offers stunning views.
Petra
Petra in Jordan is an ancient desert town carved from pink sandstone cliffs. It is famous for its two-story treasury and offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in Peru is a famous Incan city hidden in the mountains. It features advanced engineering and can only be reached by foot or train.
Angkor
Angkor in Cambodia was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. The Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious shrine on Earth, is a must-visit at sunrise.
Giza
The Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt, are some of Earth's most mysterious ancient sites. These iconic pyramids continue to captivate visitors with their rich history.
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