World history is filled with incredible sites that enthrall humanity, from those created through human genius to places that offer unique windows into past lives. Here are five of these captivating historical locations.
This 15th-century citadel located in the Andes Mountains is famous for its classical dry stone buildings and dramatic setting; as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. The Acropolis of Athens
Athens’ Acropolis features a large hilltop citadel atop a steep incline. It boasts stunning panoramic views from its high point in Athens, as well as boasting several ancient temples and structures that span millennia of history.
Early evidence of Acropolis occupation dates back to early and middle Neolithic periods. By Archaic time, it had developed into a ceremonial center complete with palace and walls protecting it from Cyclopian attack.
After Athenians defeated Persians, statesman Pericles initiated an extensive building program on the Acropolis. He created many temples including Parthenon, Propylaea and Erechtheion.
After Romans converted to Christianity, many temples were turned into churches. Later, during the 17th-century Morean War between Ottomans and Venetians, Acropolis served as a storehouse for gunpowder supplies.
2. Easter Island
Easter Island (officially Rapa Nui) is one of the world’s most remote and mysterious islands, boasting nearly 900 monumental stone statues known as moai that stand 13 feet (4 meters). Each moai weighs an estimated 13 tons. Carved from light porous rock containing volcanic ash deposits, these large busts were fashioned using traditional tools.
Even in its remoteness, this society created an impressive and original tradition of monumental sculpture and architecture that continues to attract worldwide admiration and fascination today. Their mysterious symbolism remains captivating even today.
There are various theories as to when and how fearless Polynesians settled on the island, yet their exact cause for leaving remains elusive; many details regarding their history remain hidden due to an inability of translating rongorongo tablets found on it.
3. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, one of the world’s iconic landmarks, was constructed to defend and unify Chinese territories against various nomadic tribes and remains one of the country’s primary symbols today. Stretching across Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin and Shanxi provinces as well as parts of Inner Mongolia and Gansu it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
When Emperor Qin unified China, he joined individual border fortifications into one continuous piece of land to form what we know today as The Great Wall. It sent a powerful political statement and provided security checkpoints for merchants that conducted trade.
4. The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an architectural wonder composed of white marble that holds the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, his beloved wife. These tombs are surrounded by lush gardens. Construction on this incredible structure began between 1632 and 1653.
Its signature features are its flawless symmetry and the use of white marble, along with black calligraphic inscriptions written in Thuluth script that include verses from Islam’s holy book: Quran.
The Taj Mahal attracts 2.5 million visitors yearly, as its beautiful appearance and romantic history make it one of the world’s most beloved monuments. However, pollution from nearby factories and increased humidity threaten its future; since UNESCO listed it on their World Heritage List in 1983, Archaeological Survey of India has taken steps to safeguard this world-renowned structure.
5. The Colosseum
The Colosseum stands as an impressive monument from ancient Rome and an astounding piece of architectural and building genius. Also known as Anfiteatro Flavio, its construction began between 72-80 AD under Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.
This building was often used for gladiator fights and other public spectacles, making it one of the world’s most iconic structures.
Concrete with travertine coating was used for this stadium, featuring an enormous arena at its core and booths for spectators on all sides of it. There were also cages for animals as well as an underground gallery reserved for slaves.
The Colosseum served as an event and performance space, yet between the 14th and 18th centuries it fell into decay, being used as a source of building materials, often scraped away for reuse in other construction projects in Rome such as Palazzo Barberini or Saint Peter’s Basilica.
