Take an adventure that would rival Indiana Jones or Nicholas Cage from National Treasure, exploring one of these astounding historical places. Each monument, ancient wonder and peaceful memorial provides an invaluable window into humanity’s rich past.
There is much beauty and wonder to discover around the globe; from China’s Great Wall of Defense to Stonehenge. Below are a few of the world’s most renowned historical sites:
1. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the longest manmade structure ever erected and stands as an icon of China’s strength and resilience. Constructing it required thousands of lives over decades, and was listed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1987 CE.
The wall was constructed by Chinese emperors to defend against northern nomadic tribes, and continues to play an integral part of Chinese culture and heritage today. It remains an iconic tourist destination and serves as an invaluable reminder of their country’s impressive past.
2. The Taj Mahal
A World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO, the Taj Mahal (meaning Crown of Palaces) is an extraordinary mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a monument in memory of Mumtaz Mahal – his third and final wife. Constructed with white marble from India and Iran, its white-marble structure bears Persian, Indian, and Islamic influence.
It’s an impressive monument that serves both as an engineering marvel and as a beautiful symbol of eternal love, yet its history also tells an emotional tale. Thus making this site one of the world’s most significant historical spots.
3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa became an economic powerhouse during the 12th Century, leading to its leaders investing their wealth into building grand structures – such as the Field of Miracles containing cathedral, Baptistery and Bell Tower.
Unfortunately, builders didn’t take soil type into account during construction and the result has been an ongoing tilt that has persisted for centuries.
Now, this iconic tower draws millions of visitors and stands as a testament to Italy’s culture and human creativity and perseverance, showing how flaws can become celebrated features.
4. The Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum stands as an iconic historical landmark in Rome, serving as a vast amphitheatre since 70-80 AD when Emperor Vespasian commissioned it. Used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles and animal hunts as well as reenactments and drama productions, its construction became one of the greatest feats ever accomplished in human history.
The Colosseum stood as a testament to Roman power and grandeur, while at the same time reflecting their practice of adopting elements from conquered territories’ cultures into its design. Additionally, its arena served as a platform for maintaining social hierarchies within Rome itself.
5. The City of Petra
Petra is an incredible rock-cut city built on ancient Nabataean trade routes. These ancient people amassed immense wealth that they used to craft Petra’s impressive architecture.
Al Khazneh, commonly referred to as the Treasury, stands out amongst many impressive buildings. Carved out of rock face, its name refers to legend that claims it once housed treasure from an Egyptian Pharaoh.
The Treasury can be reached through an impressive Siq, which offers breathtaking views to match its structure itself.
6. Pompeii
Pompeii is one of the world’s premier historical sites, providing us with insight into life prior to an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Pompeii was once an affluent city known for its grand homes. Additionally, there were many hortus (private gardens) as well as even a circus in this part of Italy. Before its volcano erupted it had many impressive houses as well as multiple hortus (private gardens) and even an elaborate circus.
Pompeii was a Roman colony dependent upon Rome for its political, social, and economic wellbeing. Although originally part of the Samnite League, after three wars Pompeii eventually came under direct Roman control.
7. Bagan
Bagan is often the highlight of many visitors’ trips to Burma. These temples and pagodas still serve as places of worship today and many are in excellent condition thanks to generations of monks who have cared for these structures over time.
Bagan reached its zenith during its time of peak popularity between the 11th and 13th centuries as a center of Buddhist learning. Despite pillaging by armies and natural disasters such as an earthquake in 1975, its architectural splendour managed to survive destruction; unfortunately however, such beauty may be lost to Myanmar’s military junta-sponsored restoration schemes.
8. Stonehenge
Stonehenge stands on Salisbury Plain in England and has long been a source of mystery to archaeologists. Every year millions of visitors flock to see this prehistoric ruin which attracts so much interest.
Neolithic Britons likely began their construction of Stonehenge in several stages. First they dug a circular ditch and bank known as a henge on the site before setting stones in an outer circle around it. Deep pits inside this henge – known as Aubrey Holes in reference to their discoverer from 17th-century England archaeologist – may have held upright bluestones.
