Top 20 Astonishing Ancient Constructions Worldwide

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In the vast expanse of human history, there are moments that stand out as testaments to the ingenuity, ambition, and craftsmanship of our ancestors. This article takes a journey through some of the most remarkable ancient structures that continue to captivate our imagination.

The Might of Persia: Persepolis Gate of Nations

Built in 470 B.C., the Persepolis Gate of Nations in Persia (now Iran) showcases the architectural prowess of the ancient Persian Empire. Adorned with imposing 52-foot columns, intricate engravings, and carved bulls and a lamassu deity at the entrance, the gate remains a symbol of the empire's grandeur.

The Great Wall of China: A Testament to Empires Past

Commissioned by Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century B.C., the Great Wall of China stretches nearly 4,000 miles, with another 1,500 miles of natural barriers. Made up of sections of walls, using stone, brick, wood, and earth, the wall is a testament to the engineering feats of the past.

Egypt's Ancient Pyramids: Symbols of Pharaonic Power

Built centuries around 2500 B.C., the Egyptian pyramids, such as the Great Pyramid of Khufu, showcased the might of Egypt's Old Kingdom. The Great Sphinx of Giza, built around 2530 B.C., stands as a symbol of pharaonic power and wisdom.

The Roman Coliseum: A Marvel of Ancient Architecture

Built in A.D. 80, the Roman Coliseum was the largest amphitheater of its time. With seating for 50,000 visitors in multiple seating configurations and levels, and its 80 awning-covered arches leading visitors into an arena that could be flooded with water to support aquatic events, the Coliseum remains a marvel of ancient architecture.

Bridges of Antiquity: Pons Fabricius and the Aqueduct of Segovia

Pons Fabricius in Rome, built in 62 B.C., is the second oldest bridge still in use. Spanning from the east bank of the Tiber River to Tiber Island, it displays a bit of fanciful design on its two marble pillars. The Aqueduct of Segovia in Spain, built around A.D. 50, is one of the best surviving examples of an ancient aqueduct, carrying water from the Frio River to the Spanish town of Segovia for over 1,500 years.

The Ming Dynasty and the Great Wall

The Ming dynasty in the 1300s started a building push that made the Great Wall the wonder it is today.

Ancient Sites in the Americas: Sechin Bajo, La Hougue Bie, and Tumulus of Bougon

The Sechin Bajo, an archaeological site in Peru, was one of the oldest in the Americas, dating back to 1300 B.C. The La Hougue Bie on the island of Jersey off the coast of Normandy, France, has two histories. It was first built as a passage grave around 3500 B.C. and later served as a command bunker during the German Occupation of World War II. The Tumulus of Bougon is an ancient mound in France, with a 90-ton capstone and monolithic pillars dividing the main chamber.

Gobekli Tepe: The World's First Temple

Located in Turkey, Gobekli Tepe contains at least 20 circular installations and is considered to be the world's first temple.

The Ancient Bougon Temple: Insights into Early Human Ritual Practices

Discovered in 1963, the ancient Bougon temple in France dates back to the Neolithic period, making it one of the oldest megalithic sanctuaries in Western Europe. This early dating provides crucial insights into early human ritual practices.

The Van Fortress: A Fortress of History

Started in around 900 B.C. and finished over a century later, the Van Fortress in Turkey sits on a steep bluff overlooking Tushpa, the ancient capital of Urartian, and has changed hands no less than a dozen times.

The Carnac Stones and Stonehenge: Mysteries of the Past

The Carnac Stones in France are the world's largest collection of standing stones, with some stones dating back to 4500 B.C. Stonehenge, built in England around 3000 B.C., is built from a mix of large sarsen stones and smaller bluestones.

The Sanchi Stupa: A Memorial of Buddhist History

The Sanchi Stupa in India, one of the oldest stone structures in the country, was built to shelter the remains of a Buddha. Carved gateways, doorways with storytelling carvings, additional staircases, and a top-level platform have been added in the hundreds of years since the memorial's initial construction in 300 B.C.

The Temple of Hera: A Testament to Ancient Greece

Built in Italy around 550 B.C., the Temple of Hera was a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Greece. Its limestone base and mud bricks forming the upper portion make it a significant structure in the study of ancient Greek architecture.

The Ancient Greek Parthenon: A Symbol of Ancient Greece

Built around 432 B.C., the Ancient Greek Parthenon on the Acropolis is a symbol of ancient Greece. Its limestone foundation and columns made from Pentelic marble make it a masterpiece of classical architecture.

Each of these ancient wonders stands as a testament to the ingenuity, ambition, and craftsmanship of our ancestors. They continue to captivate our imagination and provide valuable insights into the cultures, technologies, and beliefs of the past.

Top 20 Astonishing Ancient Constructions Worldwide