Modern technologies and innovative developments allow architects and builders to realize truly impressive projects. However, most of them still fail to compare with the architectural wonders of the Ancient World. Many buildings of that era are shrouded in mystery: how could people erect such “engines” without hoisting cranes, a bulldozer and even cement, how did these buildings survive to this day? Historians have found the answer to some questions, others, most likely, will remain a mystery to us. So, we have prepared for you a list of 10 impressive architectural monuments built in the era of the Ancient World.
1
The great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is considered the largest architectural monument in the world. It was built over several centuries to protect against invasions of nomadic warlike peoples. The total length of the building exceeds 21 thousand kilometers. The first stage of construction took place in the III century BC. e. She was to clearly outline the northern border of the Chinese state. It is noteworthy that about 20% of the then population of China took part in the construction.
At that time, China was divided into several separate states with its ruling clans, therefore, sections of the wall were built separately, but over time, adobe “cuts” were interconnected. After the unification of the country into a single empire, it reached the peak of its power and wealth (II century BC. E.). With the expansion of the territory, better protection was required, so Emperor Qin Shihuang decided to make the wall longer. The Great Wall of China grew larger and larger, and the last "extension" was made in the period from the XIV to XVII centuries BC. e.
It is noteworthy that this is the only man-made structure that can be seen from space without the use of optics.
2
Megalithic temples of Malta
Megaliths are called constructions of the Late Neolithic and Eneolithic era, consisting of huge stone boulders. They are mainly found in Europe, Asia and Africa, but the most interesting architectural monuments of that era are on the island of Malta.
Maltese megalithic temples are among the historical monuments that are under the care of UNESCO. Archaeologists believe that the construction of the structure dates back to 3150 years BC. e. The oldest temple of the complex is considered to be Jgantia (built between 3600 and 3200 BC), located on the island of Gozo, adjacent to Malta. The complex also includes Hal-Saflieni (3300 - 3000 BC), although this temple has its own number in the list of monuments under the protection of UNESCO and Tarsien (3150 - 2500 BC).
Almost all the churches were built for religious rituals, namely worship of the fertility gods, accompanied by sacrifices. Hal Saflieni could also serve as a burial place. According to preliminary estimates by archaeologists, about 7 thousand ancient Maltese rest there.
3
Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is located among a complex of pyramids erected on the plateau of the same name. They were intended as the ancient "mausoleum" for the pharaoh Cheops (Khufu), so this name can often be found. Archaeologists claim that its construction took place between 2580 - 2560 years. BC e. To this day, the secret is not open to us how the Egyptians in such a short period of time were able to build a huge pyramid of boulders, each of which weighed several tons.
The Cheops pyramid is the most massive and magnificent of all the Egyptian pyramids. Next to it, the pyramid of Mikerin (Menkaur) and the pyramid of Chefren (Hafra) are also erected. For a long time it was the highest architectural structure of the planet. Interestingly, the Cheops pyramid was originally lined with radiant white limestone, casting off the glare of the Sun. However, after the looting of Cairo by the Arabs in the second half of the XII century, local residents removed white limestone from the pyramid to restore houses in the burned city.
By the way, on most-beauty.ru there is a very fascinating article about the mysterious pyramids, which confused scientists from all over the world.
4
Leaning Tower of Pisa
We all heard about the “falling” tower in the Italian city of Pisa. But what is the reason for its tilt? Previously, it was believed that this artificial fall, conceived during the construction, however, later, historians proved that the tower is sloping due to miscalculations of builders who established a small foundation 3 meters high on soft soil. The height of the tower at the highest point reaches 56.67 meters.
The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in the second half of the 12th century and lasted almost two centuries. An indirect “culprit” of the tower’s construction is the rich Italian Berta di Bernardo, who bequeathed to the church a certain amount for which the boulders included in the foundation were purchased. The first phase of construction was discontinued 5 years after the start of construction. At that time, 3 floors were built, noting that the tower was sloping, the builders abandoned the work for a good 20 years, taking up the strengthening of the soil. Interestingly, the bell tower was built separately from the tower (in the XIV century), and has a smaller slope. They could stop the tower from falling only at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries, having somewhat leveled the structure. If earlier the inclination angle exceeded 5º, now it is equal to 3.54 degrees. We hope that the tower will not be completely leveled, because in this case it will lose its charm.
Do not miss the interesting article on most-beauty.ru about the TOP-10 inclined towers that make up the competition for Pisa.
5
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is located in India, and combines the functions of a mausoleum and mosque. It is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The greatness of the Taj Mahal is spoken by the unspoken title "pearls of Muslim art."
Construction of the building began in the first half of the 17th century and took a little more than 20 years. The construction of the mausoleum was ordered by the padishahs Shah Jahan I. He built his wife, who died during childbirth. A few years later, the ruler of the Baburid Empire himself was buried here. The construction of the Taj Mahal worked the best architects of that time. Various kinds of work were carried out by 22 thousand builders from all parts of Asia. The rare materials needed during the construction of the mausoleum were delivered not only from remote parts of India, but also from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. Instead of bamboo scaffolding used at that time, brick scaffolding was used. The construction was so great that the architects were afraid, no matter how many years it took to disassemble it. Then the padishas allowed the peasants to take as many bricks as they could. During the night, the forests were demolished.
Unfortunately, in recent years the Taj Mahal has somewhat lost its whiteness - the facade turns yellow due to air pollution. Despite a number of measures taken to preserve the color of the mausoleum, it is forced to constantly “update” clay with light shades.
6
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
This magnificent mosque, built at the beginning of the 17th century, is a historical monument and a real treasure of world architecture. It is also called the Blue Mosque or the Sultanahmet Mosque. The construction of the mosque was a kind of gift to Allah, presented by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Ahmed I.
Three years before the start of construction, the Ottomans fought a war with two states at once: the Holy Roman Empire and the Safavid state. Having lost the war to the Europeans, the Sultan decided to appease the Almighty by building a magnificent mosque.
It is interesting that all previous rulers of the Ottoman Empire took money for the construction of mosques from military booty, however, Ahmed I was not a great military leader, so he had to pay for the Blue Mosque from his own pocket.
7
Alhambra Palace
The palace or castle of the Alhambra is part of the architectural ensemble of the same name, located in the southern part of Spain, the city of Granada. It impresses with both the beauty of the facade and the incredible richness of the interiors. This is truly an architectural wonder of the Ancient World.
The construction of the palace was carried out by several emirs of Granada for more than two centuries, until the city was captured by the Catholic kings (Isabella I and Ferdinand II). Near the mosque and the Emir’s palace, the Europeans erected several buildings, among which it is worth noting the Catholic Church and the palace of Charles V.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the French were going to destroy the Alhambra, but their plans were interrupted by their own soldier. According to legend, he put out with his body the burning cord that led to the explosives placed under the palace.
8
Stonehenge
This megalithic structure is located in the south of Britain, located near the town of Amesbury. Like all listed monuments, Stonehenge is one of the UNESCO sites. The structure consists of several huge boulders folded into a specific structure. The round shape of the structure enabled historians to suggest that Stonehenge was used as a clock or calendar. However, later scientists came to the conclusion that it is a burial ground, since human remains were discovered in the vicinity. The burial was carried out in the period from 3000 to 2500 BC. e.
It is believed that the construction of Stonehenge took place in several stages, stretching for almost a thousand years. Interestingly, along with the remains of people buried about 5 thousand years ago, human bones were also found in the vicinity of Stonehenge, the study of which showed that they belong to the XVIII - V centuries BC. e.
9
Borobudur
This religious building is located in Indonesia, and has the common name of the stupa, a feature of which is the hemispherical outlines of the "tops" of buildings. Also, Borobudur includes several temples built to worship the Buddha. The construction of the architectural monument, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, dates back to the VIII-IX centuries BC. e.
It is hard to believe, but such a magnificent architectural complex was simply forgotten at one time, and for hundreds of years was hiding in the jungle, covered with volcanic ash. The reason for oblivion is still a mystery. Some scientists suggest that the blame for the eruption of the volcano at the beginning of the XI century, others say that Borobudur was abandoned by people in the first half of the IX century 80 years before the eruption.
In the XIX century, the complex was subjected to frequent robberies by traders of ancient artifacts. At the beginning of the 20th century, Borobudur’s state was deplorable: soft soil, which underwent constant erosion, as well as dense vegetation that damaged walls, threatened to destroy the historical monument. Fortunately, in the years 70-80, a thorough restoration of Borobudur was carried out, which allowed to preserve the magnificent structure for posterity.
10
Chand baori
Initially, Chand Baori was called the “City of Brightness” or Abha Negri in the city of the same name, but over time the city was renamed Abaneri, giving a new name and architectural structure. Chand Baori is a multi-stage well. The depth of the well allows you to place a modern nine-story house (30 meters) in it. Chand Baori was built between the 9th and 11th centuries AD.
By the way, we wrote about this place in detail in our article about the most beautiful stairs in the world. It is highly recommended to look!
Inside the well, of course, there is water, however, it is so muddy that it is forbidden to swim in it. Tourists are only allowed to wash their limbs, however, often people (mostly locals) fall into the water, endangering their lives. Water in the well is so harmful that it can kill in just 3 days. To reduce the number of accidents, caretakers Chand Baori installed a railing that protects from the steps of the well, but does the railing stop an adventurer who wants to see Durga and Ganapati below with their own eyes?