In a world where life seems so fast-paced and dynamic it is easy to forget about where we came from. Places are becoming more and more reachable because of the improvement in access to transportation. However, we still managed to find several places that have been considered as lost.
For this reason, Earthwonders will show you ancient cities that each tell a story of a past. They remind us that there were once upon a time, beacons of knowledge, culture, commerce and tradition. So next time you plan your vacation, instead of heading to a luxury beachside resort, think about spending some time at one of these places. You might feel surprised when you return with a renewed sense of wonder and inspiration.
As a result, below you can find the list of 11 ancient cities that are definitely worth checking out. Significantly, they will bring you back in time because of how they managed to survive the test of time and tell their story!
1. Rome, Italy
There was a time when all roads led to Rome. The mighty Roman Empire, stretching across Europe, Asia and North Africa, was the centre of power, art, fashion, science and commerce. Modern Rome still courts such a description, albeit for the smaller nation of Italy. On the other hand, there’s ancient history wherever you look. Besides the Coliseum, there’s the Trevi Fountain (throw a coin over your shoulder for luck), Piazza Navona, and of course, the Vatican. It’s not hard to imagine togas, centurions, and chariots, although in the heat of high-season summer, you’ll be just as happy to imagine an ice cream and air conditioning!
2. Choquequirao, Peru
High in the Andes, Choquequirao is a lost stone mountaintop city similar to Machu Picchu, yet largely undiscovered. In fact, archeologists have only unearthed 30% of it because the area is so remote. Moreover, visits rarely exceed 30 people a day. Plans for a tourist cable car are in the works, which means the ancient city won’t remain unspoiled for long.
3. Delphi, Greece
Greek God Apollo supposedly lived on this mountaintop perch, which explains its heavenly appeal. Stop by the 4th century B.C. Delphi Ruins and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where rooms display works that span from the Hellenistic period to the 5th century BC (look for the bronze incense burners and a 4th-century sculptural head from the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia).
4. Jerusalem, Israel
It’s hard to believe that modern Jerusalem is the Jerusalem mentioned in the Bible, a holy place for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. So much history has passed through the city it can be intoxicating. Old Town Jerusalem, circled by ancient walls and thick gates, is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, markets, sounds and smells. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a powerful display of emotions, in a city that has captured our imaginations for millennia.
5. Tiwanaku, Bolivia
Near Lake Titicaca in Western Bolivia, the Pre-Columbian adobe city of Tiwanaku—built circa 500 AD—still stands. However, today it looks much more like an art installation than the bustling empire it once was
6. Urfa, Turkey
Once known as Sanilurfa, this city in eastern Turkey is famous in history. From one vantage point, you can the cave where Abraham, founder of all three monotheistic religions, was born. It’s still possible to enter the cave, where you can reverently drink from the fountain that inspired his legendary longevity. Thousands of years of history, crammed into the city’s natural amphitheater.
7. Varanasi, India
“It is said that Benaras is older than history, older even than legend, older than tradition, and is easy as old as all of them put together.” These words by Mark Twain capture the essence of the Kashi of the olden days. The seat of Aryan religion and philosophy, Varanasi is not only a city of temples but is also famous for its silk, muslin, and brocade fabrics. A trip to this holy city is never complete with a dip in the Ganga.
8. Petra, Jordan
Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.
9. Xi’an, China
For millennia, Xi’an was the seat of China’s powerful ruling dynasties. Today, the bustling city of over 8 million people is a launch pad for tourists to see the Terracotta Warriors, but the city has its plenty to see. A 13km long fortress wall dating back to the 14th century rings the old city. Hire a bike or take a stroll to the various exhibits along the way, brought to life by historical re-enactors. It is a world away from the chaos and traffic of Beijing and Shanghai.
10. Cahokia, Illinois
If the St. Louis area doesn’t sound like the most ancient of locales, think twice. Just across the Mississippi in Illinois stands the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, Cahokia Mounds. Spread out across 2,200 acres, the landmark includes a prehistoric “earthwork” that towers nearly 100 feet high and once held a population upwards of 20,000. Keep your eye out for the reconstructed “Woodhenge,” a circle of wooden posts once used to track the stars.
11. Lopburi, Thailand
The “City of Monkeys” is about three hours away from Bangkok. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Thailand. Lopburi was one of the cities of the old Angkor Empire (now Cambodia), and it became the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 6th century A.D. Divided into old and new towns, visitors won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of things to see. One highlight of this ancient city is the Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple or “Monkey Temple.” Heat can be quite a bother, but visiting a beautiful example of Angkor or Khmer Empire architecture can be worth it.
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