Now whether you’re a history buff or not – there’s no denying that being present within the walls of an Ancient Civilisation evokes indescribable feelings.
The knowing that these were once thriving cities, economies, religious centres and often home to thousands – yet now lie empty, vacant of all life – is mind blowing. And truthfully, I don’t believe that one needs to be interested in (or have an understanding of) Ancient History to appreciate these structures.
It’s the unknown that’s most fascinating to me. I look at places like Machu Picchu; completely perplexed as to where all of that stone came from? And how they managed to carve such sophisticated dry-stone walls without the need for mortar?
Same thing with the statues of Easter Island (off the coast of Chile) – I am unable to comprehend how statues of that size and weight were transported?
The world is scattered with remains of ancient civilisations, abandoned religious monuments and statues that leave no explanation. And I want us to share in that mystery, to showcase just how remarkable our past is so that we can better appreciate our current landscape.
So here is a collection of Instagram pics that inspired me this week, triggering an innate desire to further explore our Ancient world…
Ciudad Perdida “The Lost City”, Colombia, South America
Founded 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City’ was discovered in 1972 by a group of local looters who stumbled across a series of stone steps that led high into the mountains. The site consists of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside and several circular plazas.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The largest religious monument in the world, originally constructed as a Hindu Temple before gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century.
Machu Picchu, Peru, South America
A part of the New 7 Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu, located high in the Andean Mountain Range, is the most familiar icon of Inca civilisation. The city was abandoned only 100 years following its completion at the time of the Spanish conquest.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
This large pre-Columbian city, built by the Mayans, now stands as the focal point for tourism in Mexico, with an estimated 1.2 million visitors per year.
Tikal, Guatemala
Located among tropical rainforest the city covers a whopping 16 square kilometres and includes approximately 3,000 structures.
Borobudur, Indonesia
The world’s largest Buddhist monument consists of nine stacked platforms (six square, three circular) and a central dome. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple has undergone significant restoration in its time.
Luxor Temple, Egypt
An ancient Egyptian Temple complex located on the banks of the Nile River, dedicated to the rejuvenation of Kingship.
Bagan, Burma
During the kingdoms height, over 10,000 religious monuments were constructed over an area of 104 square kilometres. Today only 2229 remain and make for a spectacular aerial display for those who choose to view the Bagan Plains by Hot Air Balloon.
Moai, Easter Island, Chile
The Rapa Nui People (of Easter Island) carved and transported 887 statues (some weighing up to 82 tons) to a variety of locations across the island – a feat that still perplexes Archaeologists today. A common misconception is that the statues face outward to the sea, but in fact they actually face inland (with the exception of Ahu Akivi) as their role was to watch over the villages and their people.
Petra, Jordan
Capital of the Nabataean Empire, the city prospered from the trade of frankincense, myrrh and spices however a change in trade routes, along with a devastating earthquake, later led to its abandonment. Petra is often referred to as the ‘rose city’ due to the colour of the stone from which it is carved.
What other ancient civilisations have you visited or would love to visit?
My kind of list! Have been to some, planning most of the others.
Any favourites? x
Petra is spectacular. Most photos simply show the Treasury but the site is huge, with a mix of Roman ruins, and many of the other carved buildings are beautiful.