There are numerous historical places in the world that have stood the test of time, giving visitors an insight into the past and proving themselves worthy of any travel enthusiast’s visit. These landmarks can give a window into history and should not be missed!
At its center lies this enormous amphitheatre in Rome that served as a venue for gladiatorial contests, public executions and battle reenactments as well as concerts and theatre performances.
1. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu served many purposes. While opinions regarding its purpose vary widely, one thing is certain – it was an ancient ceremonial, agricultural and astronomical center. At first it was believed to be Pachacuti’s palace; however this theory has since been disproved due to studies of graves which showed most inhabitants were female.
Machu Picchu (meaning “old peak” in Quechua) was constructed by the Incas as a hidden sanctuary and escape route from invaders, consisting of finely hewed granite blocks fashioned into houses, temples, storehouses, plazas clinging to steep mountain sides. Discovered by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911 as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Machu Picchu remains one of the world’s premier archaeological sites today.
2. Pompeii
Pompeii provides a snapshot of life in Roman Italy during Roman rule: moss cover crumbling walls of houses; shrubbery sprout from cracked marble pedestals; and stray dogs greet visitors by barking or snapping at passersby.
Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, covering Pompeii, Herculaneum and other towns with a blanket of ash and pumice, saving their ancient remains from vandalism and decay over centuries.
Since excavation began in 1748, scientists have learned much about life on this ancient site. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for added protection and exploration today, this landmark remains fascinatingly captivating to visit.
3. San Jacinto
One of the world’s pivotal battles, San Jacinto was an American victory that ended the Texas War for Independence and led to its annexation, altering sovereignty of over one million square miles of territory.
The Battle of San Jacinto lasted only 18 minutes, yet its impact changed Texas history forever. Under General Sam Houston, Texas defeated Mexico and captured General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna – thus striking a knockout blow against its influence in North America.
Today, San Jacinto serves as an important historical monument that commemorates this pivotal battle and serves as both a state park and National Historic Landmark. Additionally, its museum explores regional history while encouraging friendship among Texas, Mexico, Spain and Latin America.
4. Petra
Red Rose City (Petra in Arabic) is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the world’s most stunning ancient cities, carved into rock by Nabateans who used it as a hub for trade with silk from China and spices from India, Petra stands out as an international attraction.
Petra’s tombs–such as Khaznah (“Treasury”) and Al-Dayr (“Monastery”)–and cultic altars like the High Place of Sacrifice–reveal an astonishing combination of Hellenistic and Eastern traditions, yet by the fourth century A.D. it began its decline.
Before Joukowsky’s work, archaeologists had considered Petra little more than an empty tomb town. Her excavations, along with those by Swiss teams and another American group, have unearthed around 2 percent of Petra while most remains hidden under mounds of rubble.
5. Federal Hall
Federal Hall is of immense historical significance in New York, being the site of George Washington’s inaugural address and first official capitol building of this nation.
As soon as the Stamp Act Congress convened here in 1765 to protest “taxation without representation”, resistance against English colonialism spread rapidly throughout North America. Subsequently, the Bill of Rights was adopted and a federal court system established.
The building that exists today isn’t the original structure, which was torn down when Philadelphia became the capital in 1812. Instead, this one opened as a Custom House in 1842 and became one of six United States sub-treasuries storing millions of dollars’ worth of precious metals until 1920.
