15 Most ASTONISHING Ancient Structures
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00:00Hey everybody, we're gonna explore the top 15 most astonishing ancient structures, starting
00:05with number 15, Lalabela's Rakhun Churches.
00:09Ethiopia, it's home to 11 monolithic Rakhun churches, the largest of their kind in the
00:14world, which have been standing for at least 800 years.
00:18These are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and while much is known about their history, there
00:22are still many unanswered questions about their construction.
00:26Historians speak of an angel who requested their creation, while modern-day archaeologists
00:30are baffled by the tools and techniques used to create them.
00:34The 11 monolithic churches of Lalabela are divided into two main groups, with the northern
00:39group consisting of six churches and the southern consisting of four.
00:43The remaining church, St. George's Church, is situated on its own, a short distance away
00:47from the others.
00:48They are all characterized by their impressive rock-cut architecture, with some of the structures
00:53featuring elaborate facades, pillars, and archways.
00:56The interiors are equally impressive, with intricate carvings, frescoes, and religious
01:01artifacts.
01:02Among these structures, the largest church, Bet Mahan Alem, stands at a height of 33 feet,
01:07and it's 108 feet long and 72 feet wide.
01:10These churches of Lalabela are considered to be some of the world's greatest wonders,
01:15and they're a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Ethiopians.
01:18Despite being carved from solid rock, these churches have stood the test of time, and
01:23they remain in remarkably good condition to this day.
01:2614.
01:28Van Fortress The Fortress of Van, also known as Van Citadel,
01:33is a monumental stone fortification constructed by the ancient kingdom of Eratu between the
01:379th and 7th centuries BC.
01:40This fortress is located just west of the modern city of Van and east of Lake Van in
01:44the Van province of Turkey.
01:46Overlooking the ruins of Tushpa, the ancient Eurasian capital, the fortress stands as the
01:51largest example of its kind and offers a glimpse into the complex history of the region.
01:56The fortress is not an isolated marvel, but part of a broader network of fortifications
02:00built throughout the kingdom, which spans areas of present-day Armenia, Turkey, and
02:04Iran.
02:05These fortresses were typically carved into the hillsides and rocky outcrops, serving
02:09as centers for regional control, rather than solely as defenses.
02:13They're constructed primarily from unmortared basalt at its lower sections and mud bricks
02:18for the upper parts.
02:19Van Citadel exemplifies the ancient building techniques of the Eurasians.
02:24The massive walls, though partially in ruin, still convey a sense of formidable strength
02:28that once characterized the fortress.
02:30Within, the fortress also features a royal stable carved directly into the rock.
02:35The stable measures 65 feet in length, 30 feet in width, and 8 feet in height.
02:39It was used to house oxen and sheep intended for sacrificial offerings to the gods, as
02:44indicated by inscriptions found at the site.
02:4813.
02:49The Sanchi Stupa The Sanchi Stupa, located on a hilltop in
02:53Sanchi Town within the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh in India, stands as an example
02:58of ancient Indian architecture and Buddhist heritage.
03:02Commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the nucleus of the Great
03:06Stupa was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of Buddha.
03:11Crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolizing high rank, this stupa was intended
03:16to honor and shelter those sacred relics.
03:19In the 1st century BCE, this Great Stupa underwent significant enhancements.
03:23Four elaborately carved gateways and balustrade encircling the entire structure were added,
03:29transforming it into a grand architectural marvel.
03:32These toranas are masterpieces of art, adorned with intricate carvings depicting various
03:37scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, which are the stories of Buddha's
03:41previous lives.
03:42The Sanchi Stupa built during the Mauryan period were originally made of bricks, but
03:46the complex flourished until the 11th century, seeing numerous additions and modifications
03:51which helped make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
03:5512.
03:56Konark Sun Temple The Konark Sun Temple, located in the eastern
04:00state of Odisha, India, stands as a beautiful example of architecture and cultural heritage.
04:06According to the Hindu legends, one of Krishna's sons built this impressive temple to honor
04:11the solar deity Surya for healing him.
04:14While the temple was actually constructed during the 13th century, it was conceived
04:17as a monumental representation of the chariot of Surya, the sun god.
04:22Commissioned by the ruler of East Ganja dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th
04:27century AD to commemorate the king's military victories against Muslim invaders.
04:31The emperor, a devout worshipper of Surya, envisioned the temple in the form of the god's
04:36chariot, resulting in an amazing structure that has captivated visitors for centuries.
04:41The temple is often referred to as the Black Pagoda by European sailors who used it as
04:45a prominent landmark during their voyages along India's eastern coast, a name derived
04:50from the black stones used in its construction.
04:53The temple is designed to resemble a colossal chariot with 12 pairs of intricately carved
04:58wheels, each measuring around 10 feet in diameter on its north and south sides.
05:03These wheels, complete with a set of eight spokes each, serve as sundials.
05:07Interpretations vary, though, with some suggesting that the 24 wheels represent the hours of
05:11the day, while others propose that each pair of wheels signifies a month of the year.
05:16The chariot is drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the days of the week, further enhancing the
05:21temple's symbolic representation of the sun god's celestial vehicle.
05:2611.
05:27Rani Kivav Rani Kivav, located in Patan, Gujarat, is an
05:31exquisite step well that stands as an example of architectural prowess of ancient India.
05:38Constructed in the 11th century AD, this step well was built to honor and worship the sacred
05:42waters of the Saraswati River.
05:45Celebrated for its intricate design and historical significance, Rani Kivav is a stunning example
05:50of underground construction and is a symbol of reverence for water as a life-sustaining
05:55force.
05:56Stretching 210 feet in length, 65 feet in width, and plunging to a depth of about 90
06:01Rani Kivav is a grand architectural feat.
06:04The step well descends through seven levels of terraces adorned with more than 500 sculptures,
06:09each representing various deities, nymphs, and mythical figures.
06:13The primary focus of these carvings is the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, each depicted
06:18with remarkable detail and artistry.
06:20The craftsmanship here is evident in the intricate mudras and the expressive faces on the figures,
06:26which bring the stone carvings to life.
06:28While legends add a layer of mystery, it's said that the step well contains a secret
06:33tunnel extending some 20 miles, connecting it to the nearby town of Sidpur.
06:38This tunnel was purportedly used by the king as an escape route, adding to the mystique
06:42and historical narrative of this site.
06:4510.
06:46NUSHEBAD Nestled just north of Kashan, in the small
06:50town of Nushebad in Iran, lies an extraordinary sprawling underground city that remained hidden
06:55from the world until just a decade ago.
06:58This ancient city, uncovered accidentally by a resident digging a sewage ditch in his
07:03home, revealed an extensive network of subterranean passageways and chambers that date back around
07:081,500 years.
07:10This underground city is situated between 10 to 60 feet below the surface.
07:14Its construction dates back to the Sasanian Empire, which ruled from 224 to 651 AD.
07:20The Sasanians, also known as the Neo-Persians, were renowned for their advancements in art,
07:25architecture, and engineering, and the subterranean city of Nushebad is a prime example of that
07:30ingenuity.
07:31The primary purpose of this man-made underground city was to serve as a refuge during times
07:35of war and invasion.
07:37The residents of Nushebad dug these underground chambers as hideouts, particularly for women,
07:42children, and the elderly, to protect them from foreign invaders.
07:46Over the years, these individual chambers were interconnected, creating a vast and complex
07:50underground sanctuary.
07:52This city was equipped with air ducts, water pipes, storage spaces, and even toilets, ensuring
07:57that it was a sustainable refuge even during prolonged conflict.
08:01The ingenious design here allowed for more efficient movement and communication within
08:05the underground network, while also providing the necessary amenities for daily living.
08:10The presence of the air ducts, though, ensured proper ventilation and water channels facilitated
08:14a reliable supply of water, making this underground city a fully functional living space.
08:219. Nimrud Taci
08:24The fall of Alexander the Great's vast empire left a power vacuum that led to the rise of
08:29smaller kingdoms, each striving to establish their own dominance.
08:34One such kingdom was Camagene, located in what is now modern-day Turkey.
08:38Founded in the 2nd century BCE, Camagene experienced a turbulent history, marked by its fluctuating
08:44independence and eventual absorption into the powerful Roman Empire in the 1st century.
08:49This site, full of massive tumulus and mausoleums, was dedicated to the most famous king of Camagene,
08:55Antiochus I Theos.
08:57He ruled during the mid-1st century BCE, and his reign was commemorated through an impressive
09:02array of statuary and sandstone reliefs atop Mount Nimrud.
09:06The mountain itself towers more than 6,500 feet above the surrounding landscape, offering
09:10amazing views during the ascent.
09:12And at the summit, visitors are greeted by the dismembered heads of giant statues scattered
09:16all across the hill.
09:18These statues depict the Hellenistic Age kings of Camagene with great detail, illustrating
09:23the significance of this site.
09:25The sheer number and scale of the statues underscore the importance of this place as
09:29a sanctuary and as a burial site.
09:32While it is believed that Nimrud Daji holds the remains of Antiochus I, mid-20th century
09:37explorations fail to locate his burial chamber.
09:40Despite this, though, the surrounding statues and reliefs provide a rich narrative of the
09:44kingdom of Camagene and offer insights into an often-overlooked ancient civilization.
09:49And as you can probably guess, all of this has made Nimrud Daji a UNESCO World Heritage
09:54Site.
09:558.
09:56Aquae Sulis The Roman bath system was one of the most
10:00intricate and complex of the ancient world, serving as a source of hygiene and culture.
10:06Among these, Aquae Sulis in modern-day Bath, Somerset in England, stands out as one of
10:11the largest and most renowned Roman baths outside Italy.
10:15It highlights the Roman synchronization of the Celtic tribes and exemplifies the sophistication
10:20of Roman bath systems beyond Rome, but it is much more than just a stone structure.
10:25It is dedicated to the goddess Sul, or Sulis, represents a unique blend of Roman and Celtic
10:29religious cultural practices.
10:31This site illustrates the merging of Sulis, a Celtic goddess of water, healing, and fertility,
10:37with Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, battle strategy, and health.
10:41Before the arrival of Minerva, Sulis was already revered by the Celts, who believed
10:45the hot springs had natural rejuvenating properties.
10:49Archaeological records suggest that the use of the hot spring began around 10,000 years
10:52ago, with the Celts arriving around 700 BCE.
10:55While the specifics of the Celtic healing practices at the site remain unclear, evidence
11:00indicates that presenting curse requests to the goddess was a common ritual.
11:04However, by 43 CE, the Romans began to take an interest in the area, initiating its transformation
11:09into a full-functioning bath facility as part of their syncretization process.
11:14This syncretization process allows for a relatively smooth integration of Celtic and Roman ideals
11:20and deities.
11:21Instead of eradicating Celtic culture, the Romans preserved the worship of Sulis, allowing
11:26her to continue thriving in the community and preventing the complete cultural assimilation
11:30of the Celts.
11:32Moving on to number 7, Chan Chan.
11:35Chan Chan, also known as Chimor, was the capital city of the Chimor Kingdom, and it is now
11:40an archaeological site located in the Department of La Libertad, three miles west of Trujillo,
11:46Peru.
11:47It was the largest city of the pre-Columbian era in South America, and it is an example
11:51of the advanced nature of the Chimu culture.
11:53It is situated at the mouth of the Moche Valley.
11:56Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimor Empire from about 900 to 1470 CE, until it was conquered
12:02and incorporated into the Inca Empire.
12:05The city is in an arid section of the coastal desert of northern Peru, where the primary
12:09source of non-salted water was the rivers carrying runoff from the Andes.
12:13That runoff allowed Chimu to develop sophisticated irrigation systems, enabling them to control
12:18the land and water resources effectively.
12:21The city also has about 10 citadels, of which only four have been recovered.
12:25These citadels were about 40 feet tall and had only one entrance, and they were lavishly
12:29decorated, serving as palaces for gods or rulers.
12:33Chan Chan is triangular in shape, surrounded by walls that are about 50 to 60 feet high.
12:38What sets it apart from other ancient structures is its scale, the sophistication of its design,
12:43and its intricate carvings.
12:44The city is a marvel of ancient engineering.
12:47Its irrigation systems, defensive walls, and ornate architectural details, its proximity
12:51to the Pacific Ocean, and the way it integrated natural elements into its design further distinguish
12:56it.
12:57The remains of this place provide a window into the Chimu culture, their social hierarchy,
13:01and their artistic achievements, making it not just one of the most fascinating ancient
13:05sites in the world, but of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
13:10Number 6.
13:11Koyikrylgenkala Koyikrylgenkala, also known as the Fortress
13:16of the Lost Rams, is a remarkable structure located in the Khorizm steppes.
13:22Discovered in 1938 by archaeologists on an expedition, this fortress stands out due to
13:27its unique architecture and significance.
13:30Unlike typical square or rectangular fortresses of Khorizm, the Koyikrylgenkala is distinguished
13:35by its circular design.
13:37This powerful citadel, with its remnants of a protective wall, forms a perfect circle.
13:42The central building of the fortress has a diameter of 138 feet, and the entire structure
13:47spans 295 feet in diameter.
13:50The central building rises to a height of approximately 26 feet in its best-preserved
13:55spots.
13:56Surrounding the citadel is an external fortification equipped with towers, and the space between
14:00the central building and the outer wall, referred to as the ring, was completely built up with
14:04structures.
14:05Now, this was a formidable fortress with multiple protective walls, some of which have been
14:09lost to time, but can still be traced in certain areas.
14:13The population of the fortress consisted of Zoroastrians, who worshipped Anahita, the
14:17goddess of waters and rivers, and Siavush, the god of the sun.
14:21The site is littered with thousands of fragments of pottery, along with other artifacts such
14:26as bronze arrow tips, which helped archaeologists date the fortress.
14:31Excavations in 1950 revealed two stages of development, the earlier stage dating back
14:35to the 4th century BCE and the later stage to the 1st century CE.
14:39It was found that a central part of the fortress had been destroyed by a fire, though.
14:43Whether this was due to arson or accidental blaze still remains a mystery.
14:48Number 5.
14:49Gumusla Monastery The Gumusla Monastery, also known as Old
14:54Silver Monastery, is a Byzantine-era cave monastery located in the small town of Gumusla,
15:00about 6 miles northeast of Ngide province in Turkey.
15:04Easily accessible by bus from Ngide, the historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into the
15:09monastic and artistic traditions of the Byzantine period.
15:12It was rediscovered in 1962 and its frescoes were subsequently restored by a team of archaeologists.
15:18In 1973, it was declared a protected archaeological site, highlighting its cultural significance.
15:24The monastery and associated underground settlement were constructed in the 10th century, during
15:29which time the area was known as the Takkayas.
15:31The monastery is carved out of a large rock formation and it is one of the best preserved
15:35and largest cut rock monasteries in the Cappadocia region.
15:39Scholars categorize Cappadocia's numerous rock-cut monasteries into two main types, those
15:43with dining halls and those with open courtyards.
15:47This monastery belongs to the latter category, with various sections opening off a central
15:51courtyard.
15:52The most important part is the church, situated in the north of the courtyard.
15:56This church features four freestanding closed aisles based on Greek cross plan, with the
16:01northern aisle containing a niche with two tombs.
16:04The main apse contains three bands of paintings, the highest depicts Christ enthroned with
16:09two angels on his right, the symbols of the gospel writers, and the diocese with Mary
16:14and the disciples.
16:15The lowest band features the Cappadocian fathers of the church, St. Basil the Great
16:20of Caesare, Gregory of Nicaea, and Gregory of Nazianzus.
16:24One of the most intriguing frescoes is that of the Virgin Mary, who appears to be smiling,
16:29a rare depiction that is thought to be the result of careless restoration rather than
16:33an intentional design.
16:35Additionally, the walls of the room above the narthex are painted with images from Aesop's
16:39Fables, a unique feature for Cappadocia that adds to the site's distinctiveness.
16:454.
16:46Medinet-Habum Medinet-Habum, an archaeological site on
16:50the west bank of the Nile River opposite Luxor, stands as a testament of the grandeur of the
16:55ancient Egyptian civilization.
16:58This site was dominated by the lavish mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses III.
17:02It's one of the most awe-inspiring ancient structures, offering a unique glimpse into
17:06the power, prestige, and daily life of ancient Egypt.
17:10Although the centuries have not been kind to Medinet-Habum, a good degree of preservation
17:15remains, with many valuable inscriptions, carvings, and scenes that present in detail
17:19the life of Ramses III and his times.
17:22The temple precinct measures approximately 690 feet by 1,000 feet, and it contains more
17:27than 75,000 square feet of decorated wall relief.
17:31The staggering number highlights the lengths to which the ancient Egyptians went to preserve
17:36their beliefs and history, carving them into stone.
17:39One of the most remarkable features here is the wealth of those reliefs.
17:43Every wall, pillar, and cranny bears a relief or inscription covering a wide array of subjects.
17:49These include scenes of Ramses III's wars with Libyans and the Sea Peoples, his regnal
17:54duties, depictions of gods and goddesses, and illustrations of daily life in ancient
17:59Egypt.
18:00These carvings provide invaluable insights into the historical events of the time.
18:06Medinet-Habum also played a critical role in understanding the invasions of the Sea
18:09Peoples, which Ramses III fought.
18:12Scenes from these wars are depicted on the temple walls, offering historians and archaeologists
18:16valuable information about those conflicts and the broader geopolitical context of one
18:21of the most interesting and most studied periods of time.
18:253.
18:26Coquino Observatory
18:28The science of observing the sky and measuring time based on celestial changes is as ancient
18:34as civilization itself.
18:36In 2001, the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement were discovered outside the small North Macedonian
18:41village of Coquino.
18:43Amid the remnants of daily life such as pieces of vessels and weapons, researchers found
18:48giant stones arranged in puzzling patterns at an elevation of over 3,300 feet.
18:54These stones were soon identified as markers used to track the sun and moon, revealing
18:58the site to be an ancient megalithic observatory dating back nearly 3,800 years.
19:04It consists of two platforms separated by a height of about 62 feet.
19:08The lower platform features four massive stone thrones facing east, while the higher
19:13platform includes markers carved into andesite rocks.
19:16These markers indicate significant astronomical events like the summer and winter solstices
19:21and the spring and autumn equinoxes.
19:23The thrones, particularly the second one, were strategically positioned to allow the
19:27observer to witness the exact moment of light during these key days.
19:32The most powerful member of the community would sit on this special seat, observing
19:35the light streaming through the carved markers and soaking in the sun's energy.
19:40Information about the change in seasons was conveyed to the surrounding population through
19:43a huge fire visible from afar.
19:46This blaze signaled time for planting, plowing, or harvesting, enabling the community to plan
19:51their agricultural calendar.
19:53Coquino's significance lies not only in its age and function, but also in its implications
19:58for our modern understanding of the stars.
20:01It provides valuable insights on how ancient societies observed celestial patterns to inform
20:07their agricultural practices and religious rituals.
20:10The observatory's dual role as a scientific and ritual site makes it a point of great
20:15interest for archaeoastronomy researchers who study the sky-based rituals of ancient
20:19cultures through the combined lenses of anthropology and modern astronomy.
20:252.
20:26Sigiriya Rising 650 feet above the Sri Lankan landscape,
20:31Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that captures fascinations of visitors and scholars.
20:36It is located in the Matale district.
20:38The site is a cultural world heritage site, celebrated for its rich history and archaeological
20:44features.
20:45The area surrounding this place has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of
20:49human presence dating back to the Mesolithic period, nearly 5,000 years ago.
20:54By the 3rd century BC, the site was still being used by Buddhist monks and ascetics,
20:59attesting to its long-standing spiritual significance.
21:02However, its most dramatic chapter unfolded in the 5th century, when King Kashyapa, having
21:07seized the throne through the murder of his father, King Datusena, transformed this towering
21:12rock into a fortified palace and pleasure garden.
21:15Kashyapa's reign ended in tragedy when he took his own life following the defeat of
21:19his brother, after which the site reverted to a Buddhist monastery, which it remained
21:24for many centuries.
21:25Sigiriya is not just renowned for its compelling history, but also for its remarkable engineering.
21:30The complex featured an advanced water management system, demonstrating sophisticated hydraulic
21:35technologies.
21:36These systems, still functional today, highlight the ingenuity of these ancient builders.
21:41The fortress is also known as Lion Rock, a name derived from the massive lion gateway
21:46that once stood at the entrance to the final ascent, leading visitors through the lion's
21:50mouth.
21:51Surrounding the rock are remnants of intricate frescoes and once a massive mural depicting
21:55over 500 women, believed to be celestial nymphs.
21:59This artwork is originally covering an area of about 460 feet by 130 feet.
22:04It remains one of the world's largest murals and continues to mystify historians regarding
22:09its purpose and origin.
22:11Locally, Sigiriya is thought to be a divine creation, mirroring the mythical place of
22:16Kuvera, the god of wealth.
22:18This legend underscores the importance of Sigiriya, and often referred to as the Palace
22:22in the Sky, and it reflects the profound impact it had on those who visit or study this majestic
22:27monument.
22:281.
22:29Chandabauri Chandabauri, located in the village of Abaneri
22:34near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is a mesmerizing step well that ranks as one of India's most
22:39astonishing ancient architectural feats.
22:42The famous French traveler Louis Rousselet described it in 1864 as a vast sheet of water
22:48covered with lotuses, surrounded by jungle greenery akin to a large pond.
22:53In the arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, where water scarcity poses a significant challenge,
22:59step wells were developed as innovative solutions.
23:02These regions experience intense monsoons followed by scorching summers, with temperatures
23:06often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
23:09Step wells not only provide essential water storage, but also serve as a communal gathering
23:13place for bathing, prayer, and relief from the heat.
23:16Dating back to around 550 CE, with the peak construction period in medieval times, Chandabauri
23:21was built in the 10th century, and it's celebrated as one of the largest and most architecturally
23:26unique step wells.
23:28This four-sided structure plunges 13 stories deep, with 3,500 terrace steps in a mesmerizing
23:34pattern leading down to the water at a depth of 100 feet.
23:38It features a vast temple dedicated to Harshadmata, the goddess of joy and happiness, enhancing
23:44its spiritual significance.
23:46Step wells hold a sacred place in Hindu cosmology, representing tirthas, or crossings between
23:52heaven and earth.
23:53They serve as not only practical water sources, but also as a spiritual sanctuary.
23:58Many were adorned with intricate carvings and bright, enduring lime-based paints, featuring
24:03temples and areas for rest, making them not just functional, but also places of beauty.
24:08However, the advent of the British Raj saw a decline in the use of step wells, with the
24:13British deeming them unsanitary and promoting the use of pumps and pipes, eventually leading
24:18to the prohibition of step wells in some regions.
24:21Despite this, many step wells have survived, albeit in various states of preservation.
24:26Some are dry, while others continue to be vital water sources.
24:30In places, local children use the remaining water for diving, showcasing the step well's
24:34lasting utility and their allure.
24:37These ancient structures, embodying both practicality and enchantment, continue to
24:42captivate those who visit them.