The fact that the ancient monuments built hundreds or even thousands of years ago, are still standing, seem incredible. To visit such places is like a journey through time and seeing what life was like there many years ago. From Roman baths in Britain to the caves of Ajanta in India, we have collected for you 26 majestic ancient ruins that are worth seeing.
1. Machu Picchu in Peru dates back to the 15-16 th century. Once it was a sacred place for all the Inca religioun , a haven for Inca leaders. On the territory of Machu Picchu there is more than 150 stone buildings with more than 3,000 steps. Despite its enormous size, Machu Picchu was discovered only in 1911. For many years the holy city was lost after the Spanish conquistadors destroyed the Inca civilization.
2. Pompeii was a prosperous ancient Roman city located near modern Naples, but in 79 AD after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius the city was buried under the ashes. The eruption killed 2,000 people, but the city remained intact under layers of ash up to 1748, when it was discovered in the excavations.
3. Each year the legendary Stonehenge attracts more than a million tourists. This world-famous megalithic structure is a hundred of mysterious boulders standing in a circle. According to recent studies, based on radiocarbon analysis, our ancestors from the Neolithic erected this enigmatic monument about 1,500 years.
4. Sacred place of Chichen Itza in the Mexican city Tinum has a rich 1000-year history and the title of one of the main centers of the ancient Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula. The first human settlement in this place dates back to 415-455 years. BC
5. Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, covers more territory than all five boroughs of New York City (600 square kilometers). In 9-15 centuries, there were many of the capital of the Khmer empire. Church of the 12th century Angkor Wat – one of the most revered in Cambodia. It is even presented on the flag of the country.
6. The location where the famous gladiator fights took place, the Roman Coliseum, was built by Emperor Vespasian in 70-72 years. BC as a gift to the Roman people, who were thirsty for “bread and circuses”.
7. Although the first human settlements in the Greek city of Mycenae date from the early and mid Bronze Age, specifically the palace was built in the 14th century. The tombs of Mycenaean were found with many artifacts and works of art.
8. 3700 km from the west coast of Chile is Easter Island, where next to the volcano Rano Raraku are mysterious moai statues. They are 900 stone statues, 13 tons each, scattered throughout the island. The purpose of their creation is still unknown.
9. In the fantastic city of Cappadocia in modern Turkey was once based the Hittite Empire. The history of this region goes back to the 6th century BC. Unique light poles Cappadocia is the foundation for both houses, and for churches.
10. Between the Red and Dead seas in Jordan is Petra, which in prehistoric times has joined Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Surrounded by mountains and carved into the amazing red rock, this ancient city is truly unique.
