With the existence of
thousands of once thriving civilisations, you won’t believe the abundance of
ancient cities and temples that now lie in ruins longing to be appreciated…
1. Gebel Barkal – Sudan
At the heart of Sudan lies this small mountain which once formed
part of the collective empire of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III and has
since become a site of archaeological importance. Situated north of Khartoum,
at the bend in the Nile River, this site marked the primary trade route between
central Africa and Egypt and stands now as a silent testament to a great
ancient culture that flourished in this barren environment. The extensive
remains surrounding this location are said to include at least 13 temples and 3
palaces, with pyramids and tombs still visible today. Remaining as poignant
symbols of a lost civilisation, they are strongly associated with religious
traditions and folklore and as nature starts to reclaim the landscape, these sacred
creations have gradually started to merge into the scenery.
2. The Colosseum – Italy
Standing tall as a symbol of power and strength, The Colosseum
is admired for its exquisite Roman architecture and cultural significance. For
hundreds of years it provided an arena for gladiatorial contests, public
conquests and executions and has since been used as a fortress, a quarry and a
Christian shrine. As one of Rome’s most famous historical sites we flock to it
in drones, eager to immerse ourselves in such a prominent symbol of a lost
empire and there is much to admire. From its ornate structure of towering arches,
half columns and vast windows to the aura of a forgotten era exuded from the
inter-locking passageways that line the arena floor. In its entirety the
structure acts as a ghostly reminder of the fearless gladiators and exotic
animals from far flung destinations that fought and died in the name of
entertainment and celebration. Luckily for us this tradition ran its course and
we have settled for enjoying the blessing of life without rejoicing in the
bringing of death.
3. Petra – Jordan
Petra meaning ‘rock’, has been referred to as ‘a rose-red city
half as old as time’ due to the vibrant colour of the rocks from which the city
is carved. Revered by many as a sacred site its striking construction cut in to
the rock stands as a symbol of celestial greatness with some of the decoration
depicting carved statues of gods and goddesses. A man-made beauty enclosed by
the protective shield of rock, Petra held the advantages of a fortress and
controlled the main commercial routes to Gaza, Damascus and the Red Sea. Protruding
from the sandstone is Al Khazneh, also known as The Treasury, Petra’s most
elaborate ruin and the most breath-taking in appearance, with close
similarities to roman architecture in the form of curved pillars and straight
edged, symmetrical frames. The site also holds host to an elaborate
amphitheatre which has been cut in to the hillside, the Monastery; Petra’s
largest monument and several ancient tombs.
4.
Mesa Verde – USA
This National Park preserves a spectacular reminder of the
ancient civilisation of the Puebloans and their descendents who flourished here
for over 700 years. Contained and protected inside the park are over 4,000
known archaeological sites including the ruins of intricate cliff dwellings and the mesa top sites of pithouses,
pueblos, masonry towers and farming structures. These simple structures were
built beneath the overhanging cliffs and ranged in size from one room to
clusters of over a hundred. The Cliff Palace dwelling contained 150 rooms and
had a population of about 100 people. It is believed that it was a social,
administrative site with high ceremonial usage. Sheltered and encased amongst
the sand-coloured rock, these dwellings have been carefully preserved,
capturing fragments of a people no longer in existence. They compliment the
notion of nature and man residing together in a harmonious balance and after
taking a look at the size of the doorways it is clear to see that the people
were a lot shorter than we are today!
5.
San Ignacio Mini – Jesuit Mission Ruins -Argentina
Following the Spanish colonial period, this site was one of many
missions founded in 1632 by the Jesuits. By the 18th Century the
mission had a population of around 3,000 people and had a flourishing cultural
diversity which led to the development of an array of creative crafts and
elaborate architecture. These terra-cotta ruins were once small, economically
strong cities and are one of the best preserved sites across the whole of South
America, providing a unique insight in to the lives of a substantial faction of
indigenous people. Swallowed up in dense vegetation the ruins were uncovered
and later found to reveal a church, a cabildo or government administrative
building, a cemetery, a monastery and some houses. Scattered across Argentina,
Brazil and Paraguay, these ruins carved from local red sandstone stand as proud
tributes to an important historical and religious event, their scorched walls
prominent in contrast to the encroaching greenery that’s threatens to once
again consume them.
6.
Machu Picchu – Peru
Nestled high like a regal crown upon the tip of a mountain ridge
lies the most famous icon of the Incas. Machu Picchu is situated 2430 metres
above sea level, overlooking the Urubamba Valley in Peru. This lost city of the
Incas was once a thriving city and was built in the classical Inca style, with
polished dry stone walls and a tiered complex placed up on a pedestal beneath
the clouds. The city was comprised of three primary buildings the Intihuatana,
The Temple of the Sun and The Room of the Three Windows and they were located
in what archaeologists have called the Sacred District. Admired as a masterpiece
of ancient architecture and a sacred religious site, this ruined city remains
relatively intact as its remote location protected the cultural site from
invasion and plundering. The site has since become a historical sanctuary
bordered by a rich and vibrant environment of flora and fauna. Hike the Inca
trail and catch the first glimpse of the forgotten city in all its masterful
magnificence.
7.
Preah Khan Temple - Angkor, Cambodia.
Located northeast of Angkor Thom, this captivating temple has slowly merged with the surrounding landscape, elegantly intertwining the creeping roots of ancient trees with the crumbling stone of the sacred walls. The temple was once prosperous with almost 100,000 monks, students and teachers working and living within its walls and is said to have housed royalty on and off since its creation. Flat in design, it has a basic plan of successive rectangular galleries centred on a Buddhist sanctuary and small Hindu satellite temples. The intriguing name, Preah Khan, was taken from a sacred sword that is believed to safeguard all of Cambodia. This ruin is gradually starting to gain some high standing in the cultural world, due to its ornate architecture, and intricate decoration of lotus flowers and enigmatic Garudas, which serve as mythical guardians of the temple complex and are carved out of the stone walls in a celebration of tradition and unrelenting faith.
Located northeast of Angkor Thom, this captivating temple has slowly merged with the surrounding landscape, elegantly intertwining the creeping roots of ancient trees with the crumbling stone of the sacred walls. The temple was once prosperous with almost 100,000 monks, students and teachers working and living within its walls and is said to have housed royalty on and off since its creation. Flat in design, it has a basic plan of successive rectangular galleries centred on a Buddhist sanctuary and small Hindu satellite temples. The intriguing name, Preah Khan, was taken from a sacred sword that is believed to safeguard all of Cambodia. This ruin is gradually starting to gain some high standing in the cultural world, due to its ornate architecture, and intricate decoration of lotus flowers and enigmatic Garudas, which serve as mythical guardians of the temple complex and are carved out of the stone walls in a celebration of tradition and unrelenting faith.
8.
City of Ephesus - Turkey
Once an ancient Greek city and later the second largest city of the Roman Empire, this ruined city was famed for the Temple of Artemis and its large gladiators’ graveyard. Today this site contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean, and is believed to still have 85% of the city waiting to be excavated. Stretching out into the vast, dry landscape, the ruins provide an insight in to the original splendour of this once great city. The Library of Celsus stands as a stark reminder of the powerful civilisations that it was built to represent, cylindrical columns, curled, carved detailing and dominant frames blend to create a picture of superior architecture and majestic grace. The Tomb of John the Apostle and the prominent Gate of Augustus add further depth to this expansive city, where the ghostly presence of a lost generation emanates from the sand-coloured stone.
Once an ancient Greek city and later the second largest city of the Roman Empire, this ruined city was famed for the Temple of Artemis and its large gladiators’ graveyard. Today this site contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean, and is believed to still have 85% of the city waiting to be excavated. Stretching out into the vast, dry landscape, the ruins provide an insight in to the original splendour of this once great city. The Library of Celsus stands as a stark reminder of the powerful civilisations that it was built to represent, cylindrical columns, curled, carved detailing and dominant frames blend to create a picture of superior architecture and majestic grace. The Tomb of John the Apostle and the prominent Gate of Augustus add further depth to this expansive city, where the ghostly presence of a lost generation emanates from the sand-coloured stone.
9.
The Acropolis – Athens
This impressive ancient landmark is the best known acropolis in
the world, with its raised standing on a flat-topped rock which towers above
the city of Athens in an aura of celestial magnificence. The dominant structure
of the Parthenon, also referred to as the Temple of Athena, immediately
captures the attention of all who are lucky enough to see it, a grand building,
lining the surface of the rock, dominated by immense, symmetrical columns that
form the expansive walls and supportive base for the aging stone roof. Over the
years valuable ancient artefacts have been gathered and preserved within the
Acropolis Museum on the southern slope of the site saving them from being lost
to the elements and destruction of time. Every four years, as a celebration of
the sites cultural significance, the Athenians used to hold the festival of
Panathenaea which included a long procession through Athens and the placing of
a vast woollen robe upon the colossal ivory and gold statue of the goddess
Athena.
10.
Ruined city of Nan Madol – Micronesia
This little known ruin lies off the eastern coast of the island
of Pohnpei and is made up of a series of small artificial islands, connected by
a network of tidal canals that crisscross among the ruins. Often called the
‘Venice of the Pacific’ this remote coastal site was home to many chiefs and a
large number of commoners, with an elite centre for the local nobility and for
holding religious ceremonies. With a minimal population of about 1,000 people,
this city is rumoured to have had an escape tunnel which began at the centre of
Nan Madol and burrowed down through the surrounding reef to exit into the
ocean, although a complete tunnel has not yet been discovered. Local history
states that the creation of Nan Madol was aided by a powerful magician, who
flew in the huge stone logs and stone needed for the construction. An air of
mystery and intrigue seems to engage this mystical city with curious travellers
from all over the world, with elements that link to the myth of Atlantis, this
dishevelled city is slowly being conquered by the encroaching undergrowth and
the threatening water levels.
Can you think of any others that should be in the Top 10?
