As amusing as it is to visit the newest theme park or latest hotel to add over-water bungalows, there's nothing like the goosebumps you get from something that has existed for thousands of years. Here are 24 of the oldest places you can visit around the world.
We got used to our technological world so much that we often forget what it took us to create it. Wheel, light bulb, electricity, sophisticated mechanisms, megalopolises, skyscrapers, wi-fi, Internet, social media, credit cards, airplanes...we tend to take it all for granted. In fact, it took us thousands of years to come to these inventions and we owe everything we have to visionaries who lived before us and who are living among us today.
Needless to say, life in the past wasn't easy. Just imagine yourself living in the Middle Ages when your village could be burnt to the ground at any moment. Or imagine yourself a prehistoric hunter, who has no home and is destined to wander for the whole life gathering food and looking for shelter. Maybe it's interesting to imagine these things, but most certainly you wouldn't want to experience them.
Fortunately for us, we can now see many of the ancient places of the world, learn their history and try to feel their spirit, without being threatened by the hazards of times when they were established.
There are many world-famous ancient places which most of us have heard of. They include: Chichén Itzá (Mexico, 500 A.D.), The Great Wall of China (construction started 3rd century B.C. in China), Roman Forum (constructions started to appear in 800 B.C in Rome, Italy), Athens in Greece (earliest inhabitants settled in 1,400 B.C.), Pyramids of Giza (Egypt, 2,500 B.C.), Stonehenge (United Kingdom, 3,000 B.C.).
In this article, we will take a look at less popular, but no less interesting places the age of which starts with 200 B.C. and ends with 3.4 billion years old. Ready for a little time travel? Let's go!
1. THE PYRAMIDS AT GIZA IN EGYPT
They’re over 3,000 years old, and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they were built or how the Egyptians made them so precise (were aliens involved?). The three pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain tons of chambers that still haven’t been (and cannot be) opened. I mean, how did they create those little chambers where people can’t even crawl through? The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu and has limited access to it. The Pyramids are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. (You will also find the Sphinx nearby, another historical site whose mysteries baffle researchers and are the subject of many conspiracy theories.)
2. MACHU PICCHU IN PERU
Located in southern Peru, this ruined city lies on top of a mountain that’s only accessible by train or a four-day trek. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it was an important cultural center for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish invaded the region. (It is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” though that is actually Vilcabamba). The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists have led to limitations on how many people can enter the site, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. Hopefully, they will limit it even more so this site can last for hundreds of years more.
3. TIKAL IN GUATEMALA
This Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best-preserved ruins of that civilization and was a dominant force in the Mayan world during the Classic Period (200-900 AD). Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner Indiana Jones early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. It is very serene, and that made for one of the best travel memories I have. Be sure to spend the night in the park, as you then really get to see it without the crowds. I particularly enjoyed seeing the sunrise from atop the temples. (Random trivia: The city at the end of Star Wars: A New Hope? Tikal!)
4. ANGKOR WAT IN CAMBODIA
This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire fell into decline, but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were later reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years.
Though Angkor Wat is packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. And the temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple grouping. (Though admittedly, some of them are simply piles of stone rubble now.)
The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom, and they always have crowds. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three- or five-day pass. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the big tour groups arrive and stay late after they have gone.
5. STONEHENGE IN ENGLAND
Located near Salisbury, this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how the builders got the stones there and have tried to replicate the feat, with dismal results. Moreover, we only have a vague idea of its purpose (we’re basically just guessing). Stonehenge is now fenced off, and you can no longer go into the circle; visitors can only walk around the attraction. But it’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and an excellent and detailed audio tour.
6. VOLUBILIS, MOROCCO
A major trading center and the southernmost settlement during Roman times, Volubilis in Morocco is one of the best-preserved (and least frequented) ruins of its kind in the world. I found it empty of tourists, not built up, and open in a way that really lets you get up close and see the structures without being behind ten feet of barriers and jostled by crowds. Most of the city is still unexcavated, so the site has a very raw feel to it. I’ve been to a lot of Roman ruins in my travels, but I love this one the best. It’s a lovely day trip away from the crowds and noise of Fez. Entry is 20 MAD (Moroccan dirhams), or about 5 USD.
7. SIGIRIYA, SRI LANKA
This enormous rock located over 656 feet high is also known as Lion Rock and served as a capital in the 5th century. King Kasyapa commanded the construction of this royal palace, but later it was converted into a Buddhist monastery.
8. PETRA IN JORDAN
Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by the third Indiana Jones film when he went to find the Holy Grail. The site was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer who followed some local tribesmen there; prior to that, it had been forgotten to the Western world. Though its founding is unknown, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century BC. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
9. THE COLOSSEUM IN ITALY
The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other in Rome, so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the known world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but also for their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the arena where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages, and much of it is restricted now, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. The Forum is great to walk around (and it’s free), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill. I would definitely get a guided tour because the information presented by the authorities doesn’t go into much detail.
10. TAJ MAHAL IN INDIA
Built in the 1600s, this building in Agra, India, is a testament to undying love. This white marble tomb built for Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must-see for everyone. In 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and also has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually, so there have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat is the air pollution that is destroying the marble.
11. THE PARTHENON IN GREECE
Though it’s currently (and seemingly has been forever) getting a face-lift, the Parthenon is still astounding and breathtaking. This ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power of Athens and a testament to Greek civilization. Moreover, it provides a sweeping view of Athens and nearby ruins, whose temples and buildings are equally as wondrous. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands… at least for now. Note that there is scaffolding along the right side of the structure; considering it has been there for over five years, I doubt it is going anywhere anytime soon. They do things slowly in Greece.
12. THE ALHAMBRA IN SPAIN
The Alhambra is Granada’s — and Europe’s — love letter to Moorish culture, a place where fountains trickle, leaves rustle, and ancient spirits seem to mysteriously linger. Part palace, part fort, part World Heritage site, part lesson in medieval architecture, the Alhambra has long enchanted a never-ending line of expectant visitors. During the Napoleonic occupation, the Alhambra was used as a barracks and nearly blown up. What you see today has been heavily but respectfully restored. This is a beautiful site with so many various gardens and buildings, and its view of the historic area of Granada is second to none.
13. CHICHÉN ITZÁ IN MEXICO
Chichén Itzá, meaning “at the mouth of the well of Itzá,” is the second most visited archeological site in Mexico and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s one of the most important Mayan historical structures in the Americas and has been restored greatly in the last few years.
14. THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
The Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications. It was originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (ca. 259–210 BC) in the third century BC as a means of keeping out the Mongol hordes invading the country. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries, during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Though the Great Wall never effectively prevented invaders from entering China, it’s still a massive engineering and construction feat and personal accomplishment.
15. Easter Island
Located out in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, a special territory of Chile, is home to Moai statues that are the only thing left of a culture that once lived here. These gigantic and impressively carved heads are just another reminder that primitive people were not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash; many still remain in the quarry, left behind by the inhabitants as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to wars that finally killed 'em.
16. ĠGANTIJA TEMPLES, MALTA
Around 3600 BC, the ancient temples of Ġgantija were built and are now some of the oldest Neolithic structures in the world. In fact, they're even older than the pyramids of Egypt.
17. ARGOS, GREECE
This city was built between two hills back in 5,000 BC and was the birthplace of many soldiers who fought in the Trojan War. It also hosted the Panhellenic Games around 400 BC, which today we know as the Olympics.
18. BAGAN, MYANMAR
“The kingdoms of Bagan date to the early second century BC, yet the region entered its golden age much later, during the region of King Anawrahta in 1057.”
The Bagan kings and Theravada Buddhism followers built over 10,000 stupas between the 9th and 13th centuries A.D. Unfortunately the kingdom has fallen under the fierce attacks of Mongols in the 13th century. The temples that you can visit now are only 1/5 of the original number. Nevertheless, visitors say that temples of Bagan can easily compete with beauty and majesty of Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.
19. JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
It is believed that Jerusalem has ancient origins and was created between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. But most of the people know Jerusalem as a nexus of the world's most influential religions, rather than a truly ancient city. In fact, it's both and while being in Jerusalem you can visit various holy places and feel the incredible age of this place.
Unfortunately, because of the modern-day urban development, cultural turmoil and an excessive number of tourists, Jerusalem's Old City was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger.
20. SIDON, LEBANON
Today, Sidon is the third-largest city in Lebanon located on the Mediterranean coast, 40 kilometers south of the country's capital, Beirut. The name of the city has Biblical origins, because, in the Book of Genesis, Sidon was the first-born son of Canaan, who was Ham's son, which makes Sidon a great-grandson of Noah.
The history of this city dates back to 8,800 - 7,000 B.C. when it was first inhabited. Since 5,000 - 4,000 B.C. it was continuously occupied. Sidon is credited with the origin of the Phoenician alphabet, the predecessor of modern Hebrew.
21. LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lisbon, Portugal is one of the most visited cities in Europe, but did you know that its origins are that ancient? In fact, it's one of the oldest cities in western Europe. Its history stretches back to indigenous Iberians, the Celts, and the eventual establishment of Greek and Phoenician trading posts between the 8th and 6th century B.C.
The city was named after the legacy of Ulysses, protagonist of The Odyssey and it was considered to be the edge of the world until the 16th century. Unfortunately, you can't see the remains from the B.C. era Lisbon today, because almost all of the ancient architecture was destroyed by a big earthquake in the 18th century. However, the modern city is very beautiful too and it still breathes history.
22. PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
Earlier, we have traveled to one of the most ancient cities in Western Europe, Lisbon in Portugal, but there's a city in Eastern Europe which is much older than Lisbon. The first evidence of habitation in Plovdiv, Bulgaria date back to 6,000 B.C. Nebel Tepe is one of the hills of the city where the ancient town was founded 4,000 B.C. The sight was first settled by Thracians, but later became a part of the Roman empire and was subsequently invaded by Persians, Celts, Goths, Greeks, Slavs, Huns, Crusaders and Turks. Today it's the second largest city in Bulgaria, with beautiful architecture, attractions and an Old Town where you can feel the glory of its old days.
23. SUKHOTHAI IN THAILAND
Back in 1238, this city was founded to serve as the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years. As of recently, 193 temples have been excavated and partly reconstructed, including this unbelievable alter Buddha.
24. JERICHO, PALESTINE
We're getting closer to the most ancient places on Earth and one of them is Jericho which has been constantly inhabited for more than 10,000 years. It is situated not far from Jordan River and because of water supplies and warm climate it started attracting hunting tribes thousands of years ago.
You can still find the remains of ancient civilizations around Jericho today. It includes the archaeological ruins at Tell es-Sultan and the Mount of Temptation Monastery. The protective wall of Jericho was built 10,000 years ago, and it's the oldest wall of such kind on our planet.
