Ancient Places You Ought To Explore Now
There are places as old as time, and oddly the most inspiring ones ever. Ancient places are the ones that make us forget about the sophisticated world we live in now. Moreover, it makes us stop, rewind, and let us dip into the history of our ancestors who lived without the internet. So, read the article below to unfold the greatest existing ancient places on the planet earth. Do tell us your favorite oldies in the comment.
Petra, Jordan
Jordan is crucially popular among tourists in the world because of Petra. Perhaps, one may recall Petra in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, an adventure movie, as the entrance to the resting place of the Holy Grail. Or that it is a frequent topic amongst the books of ancient places as the rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans in Hellenistic and Roman times. It is majestically half-built, half-carved through the rock, and is enclosed by red sandstone mountains punctured with gorges and passages. The carved stones and tombs patented the pink color owing to its other name as the Rose City. Moreover, for its ethereal wonders, it makes its way to one of the new seven wonders of the world and is one of the UNESCO World heritage sites.
If you ever travel to Jerusalem, do not miss the chance to visit Petra.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, as we know now is a metropolitan city brimming with modern amenities. It dwells pretty on the western side of Portugal on the river Tagus’s estuary. It amazingly manifests as the country’s largest city, chief port, commercial, political, and the most sought tourists center. But did you know that this city humbly has the most significant historic past? In fact, it is one of the most ancient places in the world and the oldest city in western Europe.
Its history travels way back between the 8th and 6th century B.C. during the prime time of the Iberians, the Celts, the establishment of Greek and Phoenician trading posts. Lisbon is a modified name of the ancient Olisipo (Ulyssipo), and Its establishment owes to the legacy of Ulysses (Odysseus), the protagonist of The Odyssey. This very city beholds the most outstanding natural harbor, one of the most awe-inspiring ones. The city is truly a charming place to visit where one can see it breathes history vividly.
Varanasi, India
India, with all due admiration, cradles most of the ancient places in the world. One such city is Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, commonly known as the spiritual capital of the country. According to the legend, the city was established in the 17th century B.C. by Lord Shiva himself. Being the oldest destination in India, this city greatly influences Hindu pilgrims all over the world. Hence, the pilgrims flock here to perform rituals and dip in the Ganges River’s sacred waters that flow beside the holy city. The winding streets in the city lead to some 2000 temples and shrines, including Kashi Vishwanath dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Enlighten your stay in Varanasi with the spiritual vibes that send out a peaceful message upon your whole being. Let the morning aarti get you from your sweet slumbers. Get a splendid view of the priests and pilgrims on the riverbank getting ready for a dip in the sacred water. Moreover, the streets and the shines will keep you captivated throughout your visit.
Lake Baikal, Russia
25 to 30 million years old Lake Baikal is one of the sought-after ancient places in the world. It is a massive lake in the mountainous Russian region of Siberia. It is the deepest and the most picturesque lake the world has ever seen. The Baikal Mountains on the north shore, the Barguzin Range on the northeastern shore, and the Primorsky Range stretching along the western shore circumscribe the lake. One can find a beguiling network of hiking paths popularly known as the Great Baikal Trail. It is a wholesome and breathtaking activity to do while exploring the beauty of the lake.
The lake entirely takes a stunning appearance when it hit winter. The surface becomes hard with layers of ice, and boulders of ice attract the onlookers with their vivid turquoise color. And the most exciting part is underneath the sheet of ice, you can see fishes and aquatic creatures lurking in the crystal clear waters.
The Forbidden City, China
Apparently, it is not a city but the Forbidden City is an imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing, China. Numerous palatial gardens and temples including the Zhongshan park, the sacrificial Imperial Ancestral Temple, and various other opulent parks encircle this complex. It started its construction during the reign of the Ming Dynasty in 1406. Thereafter, the courts officially occupied the place in 1420.
Today, this imperial city has become one of the most visited ancient places with unparallel architecture. Moreover, UNESCO designated the compound as a world heritage site for its profound significance towards the Chinese power for five years. Additionally, the forbidden city upkeep the role as the Palace Museum of the empire’s history, artifacts, arts, and cultures.
The Pyramids at Giza, Egypt
The name might have already struck you with the image inside your head! Quite many of us may fancifully recall these humungous structures from two of The Mummy movie series. The most famous pyramids at Giza, Egypt, are the most iconic, yet oldest structures the world has witnessed throughout the passing centuries. It consists of three massive pyramids, three smaller pyramids, and the imposing structure of the Great Sphinx. It was once the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3800 years. The transition from the mosaic-like to a true smooth-sided pyramid was built as a tomb complex for the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu.
The construction was believed to start in the 26th century B.C. and took about 27 years to complete. The Great Pyramids at Giza ardently arouse the fascination of travelers and conquerors in the olden days. However, it continues to inspire travelers, scholars, architectures, mathematicians, and archeologists of today who explore, measure, visit and describe them at their best. Additionally, it still solidly stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the world.
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England is a spectacular prehistoric monument. The outer ring around the complex consists of vertical sarsen standing stones. Each standing stones are about 13 feet tall, 7 feet wide, and weigh about 25 tons. Connecting horizontal lintel stones topped the head of the standing stones. Further inside, a smaller ring appears with bluestones. Inside of it, there are free-standing trilithons, two bulkier vertical Sarsens joined by one lintel. The construction of this epic structure was believed to start from 3000 B.C. to 2000 B.C. The site was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites and is prominently the famous landmark in the UK. Consequently, it is regarded as a British cultural icon
Though you are no more allowed to enter inside the stone circle, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the megaliths pretty closely. Truthful it is one of the most beautiful and appealing ancient places to visit.
Colosseum, Italy
Fans of Gladiator might perhaps recognize Colosseum from the movie. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum is a giant structure, a Roman casting pride situated in the heart of Italy. It lives through and beyond the 72nd century C.E. as an entertainment center for the royal family and the Roman citizens.
Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian Dynasty completed the Colosseum, a freestanding structure of stone and concrete measuring 620 by 513 feet which easily became the largest amphitheater of all times. Titus, his son, hence hosted a celebration that included 100 days of various games.
Although the Colosseum has stayed inactive since the 6th century, it continues as a major attraction for tourists over the decades. It stands as a beacon of glorious historic achievements for visitors worldwide.
Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most talk-about ancient places in the world to visit. This iconic Chinese landmark took about a millennium to build starting from the 7th century BC. It is the largest construction project ever built in the world to this very day.
Each series of this breathtaking fortified structure is built and maintained by successive dynasties. The Ming Dynasty is vividly remembered for building part of the well-known sections of the wall. The main reason for building the wall was to protect the ancient Chinese State and Imperial China from the attacks of the nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.
The wall today is a marveling attraction among every living soul. Besides, it is the phenomenal sight of ancient engineering and conquest of human ingenuity
Athens, Greece
Athens in all grace and pride is one of the most ancient places ever to visit in the world. It is the capital and largest city of Greece dominating the Attica region. It was then the heart of Ancient Greece, a notable and powerful civilization and empire.
The city is almost about 7000 years old housing most of the epic 5th-century landmarks such as the Acropolis, a beautiful hilltop citadel. It is home to the most ancient philosophy and the birthplace of Western civilization. In fact, most renowned scholars such as Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato rise to their fame in the ancient days, inspiring us today as the most influential bunch of people.
Athens today is a sprawling metropolitan city with so many sensational things to see.
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