Complex civilisations, enormous metropolises, and various cultures abound in the ancient world. Numerous cities erected between around 3000 BC and 500 AD still survive — albeit in varying degrees of preservation. The world’s ancient cities are as diverse as they are numerous. Here are the top eight most incredible ancient cities to visit.
Rapa Nui National Park
Moai, massive carved stone statues dominate the terrain. These frightening statues depicting Rapa Nui ancestors ranged from 6 feet to 60 feet and were built between the 10th and 16th centuries. You must go to the world’s most distant inhabited island to see them. Therefore, it could be a good idea to charter a private flight to this part of the world.
Angkor Wat
The Khmer used their excellent knowledge of the known universe and attempted to replicate it in a microcosm in the 12th century. Angkor Wat was born, a vast metropolis with painstakingly planned moats and towers and walls adorned in breathtakingly detailed bas reliefs of Hindu deities. Angkor Wat occupies roughly 500 acres of Angkor Archeological Park, which covers an area of more than 150 square miles.
Tiwanaku
The Pre-Columbian adobe city of Tiwanaku, founded around 500 AD near Lake Titicaca in Western Bolivia, still survives. However, it now seems more like an art exhibit than the bustling metropolis it once was. Explore its ancient temples with a guide, including the sandstone Pyramid of Akapana, which stands about 60 feet tall.
Petra Monastery
Petra, often known as the Rose City because of its red, white, and pink stones, has been declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and is a must-see for any traveller. Petra, which was most likely inhabited between 9 B.C. and A.D. 40, was the capital of King Aretas IV’s Nabataean empire. This historic site served as a vital link for silk and spice commerce between China, India, southern Arabia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Petra has no shortage of fascinating sites to explore, thanks to its stunning stone architecture, complex water system, and a 4,000-seat theatre.
Cradle of Humankind
To go back in time millions of years, we must visit The Cradle of Humankind. It’s a one-of-a-kind location near Johannesburg in Africa, with some of the oldest hominid fossils. It has over 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils, including Mrs Ples, an Australopithecus Africanus who lived approximately 2.3 million years ago.
Mesa Verde National Park
The whole Colorado Plateau, which included Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, was a hub of civilisation. Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado is a classic example. There are approximately 600 cliff homes, kivas (religious monuments), and cliffside courtyards left. The park’s highlights are Cliff Palace and Balcony House. In the 1300s, the city was abandoned.
Giza
The Pyramids of Giza in Cairo are one of the most mysterious ancient structures. There’s a lot of discussion about how these massive tombs for Ancient Egypt’s pharaohs in the Fourth Dynasty were created. They are yet another astounding marvel of ancient Egyptian engineering, with precise and flawless detail.
Varanasi
Varanasi, another old city, dates back to the 11th century. It is also one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, located on the banks of the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. As the city is revered, Hindus from all over the world come to perform burial rites. It is also one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities.
Exploring the history of a place is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling. This can help us comprehend how it came to be what it is today. It can also assist us in challenging our own cultures and communities. What is certain is that seeing the world’s oldest sites may be an emotional experience. The magnitude of architectural ambition is frequently as impressive as the excellence of mosaics, statues, and pottery. The depth of history can be felt not just in foundations and ruins but also in current civilisations. There may be a deep admiration for the ancient in our contemporary society, which often fascinates the young and new.
Wandering among the relics of old empires and their achievements, whether in Inca ruins in Peru or busy streets in India, is remarkable. Touching historical relics and learning about ancient civilisations can enrich your trip. The only thing you need to do now is choosing which one of these eight takes your fancy.
