In with the Old, Out with the New

In today’s modern society, which places so much emphasis on the new, it’s refreshing to find ancient sites and wonders of the world still in existence.  You’ll find some of the most amazing ancient destinations listed below – everybody should see these for themselves!

 

Pyramids at Giza

The Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for the rich and famous as well as the Pharaohs of Egypt, and the oldest pyramids date back to 2630 BCE.  The sheer size and scale of the pyramids at Giza, just outside Cairo, stuns visitors – some of these pyramids are amongst the largest man-made structures ever built!  It’s estimated that as many as 100,000 workers may have been involved in the construction of the pyramids.  Of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’, the only surviving building is Pyramid Khufu at Giza.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome is a huge concrete and stone amphitheater, which was constructed in 70AD.  Holding up to 80,000 spectators at one time, the Coliseum hosted executions, battle re-enactments, and perhaps most famously, gladiator contests.  Today, visitors from across the globe come to admire the sheer size and splendor of this ancient Roman structure whilst having their photograph taken with one of the Roman Gladiators in full costume outside the amphitheater. Besides the Colosseum, of course there are many other great sites and things to do in Rome.

When traveling, you have to eat! Check out where to eat in Rome. 

The Great Wall of China

This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches for more than 5,000 miles from East to West China.  Although some sections are now in ruins, the Great Wall of China retains its appeal with visitors, pulling backpackers and walking enthusiasts from across the globe who come to trek its length or enjoy a guided tour.  Much of the surviving wall was constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and was originally used as a fortification for defence.  The original wall started life as several different walls, which were joined together at the request of Emperor Qin Shihuang to protect the area from invasion by the Huns.

The Nile

At 4,132 miles long, the River Nile in Egypt is the longest river in the world.  Many of Ancient Egypt’s historical sites are dotted along the riverbank, as well as the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Luxor.  Today, around half the population of Egypt live in the Nile Delta region, which is where the famous Rosetta Stone was found in 1787.  Now on display at the British Museum in London, this ancient Egyptian artifact played a key role in unravelling the mysteries of hieroglyphics.  The Nile has long been crucial to Egyptian life, playing an important role in sustenance and trading in the past and today.

Angkor Wat

The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is also the largest Hindu temple complex.  Built in the early 12^th century, Angkor Wat was the first temple to be dedicated to Vishnu rather than Shaivism.  The temple mountain and galleried temple were designed to represent Mount Meru, where the Devas of Hindu mythology resided, and today Angkor Wat appears on Cambodia’s national flag.  The modern name ‘Angkor Wat’ means ‘Temple City’ and this stunning, expansive monument certainly feels like a city, although today the temple is used by Theravada Buddhists rather than Hindus.  It continues to draw visitors from across the globe with its classic Khmer architecture and harmonious design.

 

Author Bio: Nicole Bailey is a traveller by nature who, when not chained to her desk, can be found exploring new places, learning different cultures and escaping the humdrum of the  9 to 5.