Isn't it amazing that we're about to enter a new decade? Let's explore the ruins of old locations where complex and intriguing cultures previously flourished before fading away. Several cultural and religious sites across the world have either survived the test of time or have been unearthed, and they now stand as famous monuments for travelers to marvel at.
Top 10 Archaeological Sites to Visit
1. Ancient Olympia: Located in the northwestern part of the Greek island of Zakynthos, the ancient Olympia has been around for about 4,000 years. This is an area where important happenings in Greek history were held, like the games and the festivals of the Olympians. The stadium, the sanctuary of Zeus, the main altar, the acropolis, the theater, and the Hippodrome are all cultural treasures that were once present on this small island.
2. Pompeii: Pompeii was founded in 81 A.D. and, since then, has been buried under volcanic ash for about 400 years. Located on the Italian island of Naples, Pompeii is often referred to as the most successful preserved city of antiquity. The archaeological site includes several well-preserved ruins.
Famous archaeological sites in Asia
Asia has been an essential part of the world for thousands of years. So, let's explore the biggest sites in that part of the world.
3. Angkor, Cambodia: For thousands of years, Angkor was one of the world's most powerful and influential civilizations. It thrived and flourished in an area of more than 200 square miles. Now, the most famous and the most visited archaeological site in Asia is slowly fading away. The ancient city of Angkor Wat, the religious temple, and other Khmer temples, such as the Preah Ang Keo, Sanam Pao, and Preah Damrei, remain in the city.
4. Bagan, Myanmar: Bagan, also known as Burma, is another cultural and religious treasure of the world. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan until 668 AD.
Famous archaeological sites in Africa
5. Hornbill Temples, Prambanan, Indonesia: Prambanan, in Central Java, is home to the most magnificent temples in Southeast Asia. Thousands of years ago, the temples stood at a distance of over a mile away from the present city. The ruins are constantly being excavated by archaeologists eager to learn more about how ancient Indonesians lived. These amazing ruins were recently featured in the "The Lost City of Z."
You can also read the fascinating story of how director James Gray went on a hunt to find the Prambanan. Moreover, the remains of the Gebel el Silsila temple in Timbuktu, Mali, are among the most breathtaking archeological landmarks in the world.
Famous archaeological sites in Europe
6. Karnak – The Valley of the Kings Located in Egypt: The Valley of the Kings was once home to ancient kings. The burial site is now home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Visitors can explore the tomb of Ramses II, where an incredible mummy of a male head lies preserved in the rock.
The site also includes the tomb of Queen Nefertiti, who became Egypt's first lady when she married King Akhenaten. The site can also be visited in the daytime if the weather permits, as it is only open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day.
7. The Temple of Artemis – Ephesus, Turkey: A local fisherman discovered in 1845 that the Temple of Artemis has become a major tourist attraction. The site of Ephesus in Turkey is mostly in ruins due to earthquakes and neglect. A major archaeological dig is underway, which will help to reveal new insights into how ancient people lived.
Famous archaeological sites in the Americas
The Americas are well-known for a multitude of diverse cultures. They often find themselves visited by travelers seeking to learn about the struggles of Native American and European settlers, with the western states being home to many Maya, Aztec and Inca ruins. You could spend the next decade traveling around and visiting these incredible places while making sure you find time to check out a few spots from the Old World.
Central America and the Caribbean
8. Monte Verde National Park, Bonao, Antigua: One of the most remote, untouched locations globally, Monte Verde National Park in Antigua is the oldest ecological reserve in Central America. It boasts a vast network of trails where visitors can admire the ruins of ancient indigenous peoples' settlements and still-standing walls made from black volcanic rock.
Moreover, Chenla Ruins, Hiva Oa, Tahiti Eco-tourism have come a long way since the discovery of ancient settlements in the vast oceans of Tahiti and Hiva Oa. Because of their remote and inaccessible locations, these two UNESCO World Heritage Sites remain relatively unexplored.
South America
9. Machu Picchu, Peru: If you've always wanted to visit Machu Picchu but never had the opportunity, now's your chance! This UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated the imaginations of millions of visitors for centuries, and the likelihood of you ever visiting a mountain village in the Peruvian Andes is very slim. However, there are still plenty of other options out there to explore, including this seven-day itinerary by Backpacker that takes you to the ancient site.
10. Jungle Kayak, Brazil: If you're into adventure travel and outdoor excursions, the Amazon Jungle is perhaps one of the fascinating places on Earth. This jungle excursion lets you travel Brazil's creeks, rivers, and waterfalls on an all-inclusive, seven-day trip.
Conclusion
It is critical to safeguard the artifacts and other materials found in archaeological sites. These relics have enormous historical importance, and as a result, they may be subject to theft by those who view them as valuable monetary assets.
You must be logged in to post a comment.