World history is rich with marvels that showcase humanity at its finest. From where Washington took his oath of office, to homes that inspired the Hudson River School of painting – these historical locations will take you back in time and transport you there!
But which are the best for your history tour?
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx of Egypt is one of the world’s most iconic monuments – an immense stone statue depicting a mythical creature with a body like that of a lion and human characteristics and located on Giza Plateau in Cairo, Egypt.
The Sphinx was revered god of ancient Egyptian culture. There existed a cult that associated its statue with Horus, the sun god. Both Herodotus and Pliny the Elder mention such practices.
The Sphinx was widely believed to have been constructed during Khafre’s (Chephren) reign; however, many Egyptologists and historians have since cast doubt upon this attribution. Furthermore, scholars outside of Egyptology have further asserted that its construction predated 4th Dynasty dates mainstream Egyptologists have claimed for it.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal stands as one of the premier examples of Islamic architecture. It draws from and expands on many design traditions, including Hindu, Ottoman, and earlier Mughal architecture – boasting an unparalleled interplay of mass and space that results in harmony and balance.
The white marble of the Taj takes on different hues throughout the day, further increasing its beauty. Furthermore, its gardens represent Islamic ideas of Paradise.
The Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists every year, which puts its preservation at risk due to industrial pollutants and excessive humidity. Though designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, political interference could still threaten this landmark monument.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most celebrated historical landmarks worldwide. Constructed over centuries by numerous dynasties over many centuries, its current appearance can largely be attributed to Ming Dynasty (1568-1644 CE).
Before the 7th century BC, individual Chinese states constructed defensive walls around their territories in order to defend them from northern nomadic invaders. Over time, these individual walls were connected together under Qin Shi Huang (221 BCE), who used rammed earth techniques in creating the massive structure.
This section of the Great Wall is famous for its well-preserved ruins, as well as a watchtower named Niangzi Pass (Ninth Pass Under Heaven). Hikers often enjoy visiting this magnificent part of the wall as you can often walk without encountering other people along its length.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and stands as the tallest man-made structure ever erected on earth. Constructed for Pharaoh Khufu, its construction included two smaller pyramids as well as the Sphinx; an enormous statue featuring two lions with human heads.
The pyramid features numerous passageways and chambers for burial of its ruler, as well as a sloping causeway leading to a valley temple. Initially covered with flat polished white limestone tiles, many cover stones have been removed over time to construct other buildings and its exact construction method remains unknown; it is likely paid skilled workers rather than slave labor constructed them using levers and hoists for lifting large blocks.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s enduring symbols. Conceived and built by Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domition to host public spectacles during public spectacles held there by their Flavian Dynasty successors (Emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domition), it became one of history’s largest amphitheaters with 80 entrances – twice as long as a football field! After being used as an amphitheater during public spectacles it became used as church services before becoming used as fortress for two prominent families before becoming quarry where marble and lead were extracted; these holes left by clamps can still be seen today from being extracted stone.
The arena could seat up to 50,000 spectators who were divided according to their social status and enjoyed watching gladiatorial battles between gladiators and wild animals, mock naval engagements and as a form of public execution gladiators who were forced either kill each other or be killed by lions or wild boars.
