Our planet is filled with incredible places that highlight the genius and history of past civilisations, drawing in millions of visitors annually. These captivating historic spots serve as beacons to inspire wonder and amazement among us all.
At Petra and Ayuthaya, these incredible sites give us an incredible look back into history that remains timeless. But where exactly are some of the world’s most historical spots?
1. Petra
Petra is a stunning rose-red sandstone city built more than two millennia ago by Nabataean traders and became an important stop along caravan routes between Africa and Arabia until an earthquake destroyed much of it in 363 CE.
Petra’s main entrance, known as the Siq, is a one-kilometer gorge surrounded by towering rock formations. At its end lies Al Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra’s postcard-perfect mausoleum carved mausoleum.
Petra was one of the world’s grandest cities during its golden era from 1 BC to when its Nabataean kingdom was conquered by Roman forces in 106 CE, beginning as early as 1 BCE and lasting up to the Roman Conquest of Nabataea in 106 CE. Petra’s architects employed various styles from Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek (and even Indian!) architecture in creating their visionary masterpiece.
2. Palmyra
Palmyra flourished as part of an ancient trade route between India and Europe, hosting wealthy caravan owners who would stop off at its oasis settlement to rest, replenish supplies, and stock up. Their money helped give Palmyra its early grandeur.
Palmyra reached the pinnacle of its power during its prime. At that time, it controlled an extensive caravan trade with Dura-Europos on the eastern Mediterranean shore and Mesopotamia on its western flank across the Euphrates river. As part of Roman rule in the first century CE, its unique local culture became integrated into it but Palmyra maintained an outstanding degree of autonomy.
Early this year, The Telegraph reported that Syrian archaeologists working alongside experts from Moscow’s Pushkin Museum had begun piecing together statues and sculptures damaged by ISIS; yet it remains uncertain whether their city will open for visitors after war is over.
3. Giza Pyramids
Giza pyramids in Egypt stand proudly atop an oasis plateau and form the final two wonders of the ancient world – they and the Great Sphinx being the last two remaining. People have long been mesmerised by these structures, many speculating on their construction from mysticism (like space aliens) to absurd theories (such as alien invasion).
Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure of Ancient Egypt each constructed their own pyramid during the Fourth Dynasty to serve as tombs for burial purposes. Each was part of an intricate royal mortuary complex which served as a royal mortuary complex containing various tombs for royal mourning services and burial services.
Construction of the pyramids required thousands of workers, likely including paid rather than slave laborers. Some inscriptions found on pyramid blocks even allude to temporary crews supplementing year-round masons for additional construction efforts.
4. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most impressive ancient structures, consisting of long walls joined together with watchtowers that protect China’s northern frontier from marauding tribes. Constructed over millennia with sections from different dynasties connected, its construction took nearly millennia before finally coming together as an entire entity.
Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor to connect the various border fortifications across states into one network, which later improved by Ming Dynasty when Zhu Yuanzhang added distinct watchtowers.
Today, the Great Wall is an immensely popular tourist attraction. Visitors come to Simatai to view a section with beautiful lakeside views; night tours also take place here and feature illuminated walls.
5. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most historically important places, not just as an iconic tourist destination but as an impressive demonstration of how even impressive structures can have flaws. Unfortunately, architects failed to account for its sloped foundation while designing it and as a result it began leaning almost from day one of construction.
Building continued, even once it became evident the tower could never be structurally sound. Not only is Pisa Tower leaning; other structures in town, including San Nicol’s Octagonal Bell Tower and Church of San Michele degli Scalzi also show evidence of lean. Amazingly these buildings still stand today!
