Pompeii stands as one of the world’s most historically significant places, preserved from time through its volcanic eruption that covered it in layers of ash and pumice.
Machu Picchu, located in Peruvian Andes, is famous for its terraced classical dry stone buildings and views of jagged peaks. However, its Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo) stands out as a star attraction used for astronomical calculations.
1. Petra
Petra is an incredible city that stands as one of the world’s most notable archaeological sites. Constructed partly from rock carving and construction techniques, Petra features rose-red cliffs dotted with tombs, temples, and palaces carved by Nabataeans into its surface rock layers.
Petra flourished around 200 BCE, boasting an astoundingly dense population of some 30,000–an incredible feat achieved despite an arid climate through sophisticated engineering. Channels cut into rock carried winter rain into hundreds of massive cisterns to store it as rainwater collected throughout its existence.
Petra became home to not only exotic goods, but also new ideas. Historian Strabo observed that Nabateans stood out among ancient cultures because of their anti-slavery views and prominent place women played in political life.
2. The Acropolis
The Acropolis was an oasis of religious and military significance to ancient Greece, housing some of its most iconic structures such as Propylaia and Parthenon.
The Acropolis dates back to Neolithic times (4th millennium BC). Since then, its remains have become a powerful showcase of Athens’ best architects and sculptors.
Today, the Acropolis remains mesmerizing. Even after 2,500 years of wars, invasions, bombardments, looting by Scottish diplomat Lord Elgin, and looting (particularly by himself! ), its structures still stand. A testament to human creativity that has endured through time; make sure you visit it!
3. Easter Island
Easter Island (first discovered by Dutch explorer Roggeveen on Easter Day of 1722) is best-known for its 900 moai statues – or giant heads made out of volcanic rock – which remain a puzzle today.
Moai statues are thought to represent deified ancestors. They stand on platforms called ahus which may have once housed tombs; but scholars have yet to ascertain why this island society collapsed.
Visit Versailles is like walking into a period drama complete with lavish sets and power struggles between Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette–an allegory to the price of hubris.
4. The Colosseum
The Colosseum stands as one of the greatest feats in Roman history and made it onto the New 7 Wonders list in 2007. It remains popular today and continues to draw thousands to Rome each year to visit this massive amphitheater.
The arena was constructed on the site of Nero’s Golden Palace, which had been destroyed during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius between A.D. 70-72. Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty opened it with 100 days of gladiator fights and wild animal hunts as its inaugural event.
The stadium held up to 50,000 spectators who sat according to their rank or occupation; senators were allocated the best seats; next were equestrians or government officials with ranking positions; followed by ordinary Roman men, women, and slaves; there were 160 exits at every level so crowds could quickly evacuate should fight scenes become chaotic or out-of-hand.
5. The Taj Mahal
From its shimmering domes to its intricate marble screens and gardens, the Taj Mahal is a triumph of architecture that stands as an impressive monument of eternal love. UNESCO considers it to be one of the world’s greatest architectural works of art.
Construction of this colossal mausoleum to honor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal took 20,000 workers over 12 years. These skilled craftspeople included masons, stone-cutter, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers and dome builders – as well as mason’s apprentices who served as stone cutters; stone cutters; inlayers; carvers; inlayers, carvers; dome builders as well as dome builders and dome assemblers used marble agate carnelian lapis lazuli amongst others to craft its intricate patterns and motifs which makes the Taj so remarkable to look upon.
But, despite its beauty, the Taj was not immune from damage when British invaders captured India. They stole silver doors and candlesticks as well as attempted to sell some of the white marble from it.
