Ancient ruins give us an excellent window into the past: how people used to live, the places they inhabited and their everyday lives. Historians, architects and travelers alike marvel at those remnants of the past. However, it’s often difficult to get a sense of what those magnificent buildings would've looked like at their peak. So, we stepped back in time and recreated some of your favorite ancient ruins in their original locations around the world.
The Parthenon
Back in ancient times, this beautiful temple sheltered a monumental golden statue of Athena, the famous Greek goddess of wisdom, craft, and war. Sitting on the top of the hill at the Acropolis, an ancient citadel in Athens, Greece, the Parthenon cuts an impressive shape. In 1687, it was seriously damaged during the Great Turkish War. However, much of the sturdy Doric architecture withheld the blast. A good chunk of it is still undamaged today. Nowadays it is a tourist hotspot attracting millions of visitors each year. Here it is, fully restored.
Nohoch Mul Pyramid (Coba)
Cobá is a Mayan ruin in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The site is considered to have been first settled between 100 BC and 100 AD and abandoned around 1550 once the Spanish conquistadors arrived. At 137 feet tall, Nohoch Mul is the tallest Mayan pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula and the second tallest Mayan pyramid worldwide. It was discovered back in the 1800s. However, the archaeological site was not opened to the public until 1973, since the thick jungle which surrounded it made it hard to find. It is off the beaten path, but you can get there by public transport or car nowadays.
Temple of Jupiter
Built in dedication to Jupiter, the god of the sky and thunder, that temple was the main center of religious life in Pompeii, an ancient small Roman town on the Bay of Naples. It stood dominant in the Forum, with Mount Vesuvius looming hauntingly behind it. A nearby volcano erupted in August of 79 AD and tragically destroyed Pompeii. The site was then rediscovered in the 16th century. Many years of excavation have allowed millions of annual visitors to have fantastic insight into the everyday life of this 1st-century Roman city.
Milecastle 39 (part of Hadrian’s Wall)
Stretching 73 miles across several of the most dramatic countrysides in England, Hadrian’s Wall dates back to the 1st century AD. Up until today, historians still debate the reasons for the construction of the wall. The most well-known theory is that on becoming Roman Emperor in 117 AD, Hadrian had the wall built to increase security: forts known as milecastles were placed along the wall at intervals of about one Roman mile. Here is one the milecastles recreated, so if you are planning a visit to the wall, why not try to locate it?
Luxor Temple
Since its inception, Luxor Temple, that took its name from the Arabic term, al-Uksur (“fortification”), has been a sacred site. Commissioned by Amenhotep III in 1380 BC, the temple was renovated by Rameses II approximately a hundred years later to incorporate an excellent pylon gateway as well as an open courtyard. It was once joined to the neighboring Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes, that guarded the temple gates. With epic obelisks and architraves, Luxor Temple represents ancient Egypt’s most historical stone architecture. It is a testimony to the country’s history and a must-see on any holiday in Egypt.
The Pyramid of the Sun – Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán was among the first urban centers in central Mexico, and it's now one of the most significant archeological sites in Mexico. It was constructed between the first and 7th centuries CE. However, we know very little about the people that built it and lived here. They constructed the first sophisticated cities in the area and then mysteriously vanished. The Pyramid of the Sun is the most massive building in Teotihuacan and among the oldest pyramids in central Mexico. As you can see from the reconstruction, it was a breathtaking structure.
Area Sacra di Largo Argentina – Temple B
That square in Rome houses four Roman temple ruins. It was found during construction work back in the 1920s. Temple B is the latest of the four temples, and six of its columns, the original flight of steps and the altar are all still untouched. Visitors to the area won't only find an amazing archaeological site, but also hundreds of adorable cats living among the ruins. Volunteers feed, clean and look after the animals. Visitors are encouraged even to adopt one of them. Here's what the temple would've looked like, minus the cats.
Amazing. I also suggest you examining this article.
ReplyDeleteI very much like your publications are always perfect. Helena
ReplyDelete