6 Prominent Historical Places in the World – Part 1

The World had been inhabited by various civilizations, each with its unique rituals, customs, traditions, and heritage. The monuments, buildings, archaeological and astronomical structures speak volumes about the lives, thoughts, brilliance, and innovative minds of the ancient people. Historians and archaeologists have explored the artifacts and remains of the yesteryears to study and analyze the habitat, and evolution of mankind. Visiting such prominent historical places in the world can transport human minds back into the life of early human beings and their ways and means of leading life. In this article, I would like to provide a short virtual tour of the 6 prominent historical places in the world that you must surely visit in your lifetime.

Colosseum, Rome

While you are in Rome, the ancient historic capital city in Italy, a visit to the Colosseum in mandatory. The gigantic amphitheater is the most popular among the prominent historical places in the world. It is one of the seven wonders of the world, alluring millions of tourists every year. With an extravagant capacity of housing 50,000 to 80,000 spectators; it was phenomenal in hosting several dramas, animal battles and enactment of the famous battles fought in those years.

Colosseum was constructed by the rulers of Rome's Flavian dynasty, opened to the public during AD 80. Built of limestone, it showcases the skill and talent of the artisans in creating an amazing structure; robust enough to hold such a huge crowd in its foundation. Moreover, the amphitheater had facilities for providing a channel of water, an underground chamber, and numerous tunnels. And for those who remember watching the legendary film “Gladiator”; Colosseum is an extremely familiar name as the blood-shed battles were held in its arena.  

Acropolis, Athens

Ruins of ancient buildings and monuments have always been a passion of historians and archaeologists as they dig up the tales hidden within them. Its intriguing to learn about the old civilizations, the rules of the era, the famous battles, their extraordinary craftsmanship and the methods and means for living life. Acropolis in the city of Athens, Greece is one such prominent historical places in the world that occupies a center stage when it comes to discovering the ancient times.

Acropolis is essentially a fortress or a citadel you might say, resting atop a flat rock. The key attraction of the place is Parthenon, an old temple created as a divine devotion to Goddess Athena. Studies and researches relate its construction to either the Middle or the Earlier Neolithic period. You can visit the museum too as part of your tour, to catch a glimpse of the ancient artefacts.

Petra, Jordan

An ancient magnificent fortress and center for commercial trade, Petra in Jordan is one of the spectacular historical places in the world. Based on the exclusive and deep dive research in 2016, the construction of the city dates back to as old as 150 BCE. It served as a hub for emerging trade and business for the Nabataeans, inhabitants dwelling in the city.

The Nabateans had invested a lot in controlling and storing water supply as preventive measures against droughts; thus enabling and flourishing the demand and supply in the area. Walking through the entrance of the city fortress through the deep gorge is an amazing and thrilling experience. The gorge is named Siq, stretching across a length of about 1.2 km. The architectural beauty of the city is remarkable with its impressive rock cuts and carvings.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Stonehenge has been a center of constructive analysis and debate among historians and astronomers. In terms of its historical significance, the structures belong to the Neolithic and Bronze age in the UK; dating back to 3000 BC to 2000 BC. The iconic landmark is a center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. It comprises stones standing in the form of a ring. The excavations have dealt with the fact that the ground on which the Stonehenge stands, was a burial ground.

Astronomers believe that the ring of standing stones was used as an astronomical clock in ancient times. The stones were used to study the movements of the sun and the moon, the discoveries on eclipses, and even the change of seasons. The unique combination of ancient architecture and astronomical beliefs definitely ranks it high among the prominent historical places in the world.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

A religious symbol of Cambodia, with its spectacular rendezvous of Hinduism and Buddhist temples; Angkor Wat is one of the pious and prominent historical places in the world. Spreading across a sprawling area of 162.2 hectares; it consists of temples built in dedication to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu and then later on for Lord Buddha and his deities. Such is its popularity and significance that the temple complex can be seen on the national flag of Cambodia.

The architectural beauty of the temple is unique of its kind, with intricate carvings and exclusive designs. The walls are adorned with the sculptures of the gods and goddesses. The style and pattern of the temples belong to that of the Khmer Empire, using sandstone. You can find figures of animals and human beings finely carved on the ceilings and the pillar columns. A key attraction of the temples is the reflecting pond. Tourists flock in large numbers near the pond to watch the sun rise and its golden reflection on the water.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo

The Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo, Egypt is one of the seven wonders of the world. The grand structure is believed to have been constructed by piling massive stones one above the other. Egyptians believed in preserving the bodies of the dead in the form of a mummy and placing them inside a pyramid as an honor. The pyramid of Giza was built in the honor of the Egyptian Pharaoh King, Khufu.

The pyramid consists of three chambers; comprising of chambers for Khufu, his wives, two temples, and small tombs dedicated to some prominent Egyptians of the ancient era. Hemon, the chief officient of Khufu, was instrumental in constructing the pyramid in the honor of his master. It bears testimony to the faith, respect and love of the people for their beloved kings and queens.