5 Remarkable Ancient Ruins Around the World
From Peru to Egypt, and Greece to China and so on, where do you begin when wanting to visit the amazing ancient ruins across the globe. These ruins give us a glimpse into past worlds and ideologies, and are one of the few places where we can truly feel their presence and discover the mysteries of the people of our past. And oh, the questions we would ask them if we could!
Ta Prohm, Cambodia the Jungle Temple
This extraordinary 12th century temple is located near Siem Reap, Cambodia and built in dedication to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. The Cambodian jungle has been undeviating while growing through the architecture since it lay dormant. The chaos of the jungle has created a beautiful scene that resembles something right out of a book. The best time to visit to avoid heavy tourism is May through October. And to accentuate this breathtaking wonder even further, coming at sunrise or sunset is highly recommended by visitors if you don’t mind the crowds.
Bagan, Myanmar
The historic city of Bagan is located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar in southeast Asia. Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Empire until 1297 and visited by many scholars of other ancient civilizations. Given the name ‘sea of temples’ because of the thousands within its grounds, the incredibly vast architecture makes this spot one of a kind in the world. Its colossal size and endless sights also make it a great place for tourists to visit year around. And be sure to take a ride in the hot air balloons while you’re here.
Borobudur
The Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, resting mystically on a hill located in Indonesia on the island of Java. It was built during the Syailendra Dynasty in the 8th and 9th centuries AD and rediscovered under volcanic ash in 1815. This temple still stands beautifully and brings in 5 million visitors a year, with the best time to visit being May through October. Be sure to wake up early to watch the aurora over the temple and experience a view suited for the Gods!
Petra
Often referred to as the Lost City, Petra is an undeniable sight located in Jordan. Built into a mountainous rock and constructed to honor the alignment of the sun this city was rediscovered in 1812 after being suppressed for thousands of years. It is believed by modern archaeologists that we still have yet to uncover over 90% of it. The city is home to more than 1,000 tombs so you are sure to feel the energy of the ancient Nabataeans as you walk through these desert grounds. The best time to visit is during the cooler seasons such as spring and autumn.
Docletian’s Palace
Located in Split, Croatia this opulent palace was built for Roman emperor Diocletian and also served as a military garrison where nearly 3,000 people resided at once. In 284 A.D., this dominating general seized power and declared himself the new emperor. He ruled for more than 20 years and is remembered for resuscitating the perishing city through various economic and military reforms. The best times to visit are September and October, and while you’re in Split don’t forget to check out the historic Saint Domnius Cathedral.
“I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realizes an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don’t have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.”
-Virginia Woolf
