Five Cool Ancient Places
1. Pompeii
The ancient town of Pompeii was located near Naples, Italy. In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius, a large volcano, erupted and the city and its inhabitants were buried under ash and volcanic rock. Around 16,000 people died. Pompeii was rediscovered in 1599 and again in 1748. Because the city was sealed off from moisture and air, many artifacts were well preserved. This site receives about 2.5 million visitors a year. To learn more, check out this documentary. |
2. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a ring of giant stones located in Wiltshire, England. Scientists believe the circle was constructed somewhere between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. No one is exactly sure what Stonehenge was used for, but the area seems to be some type of burial ground that probably had some ceremonial significance. Another mystery is how did people move and assemble these stones, some of which weigh around 40 tons? |
3. The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza, located near El Giza, Egypt, is truly one of man's most amazing feats. It was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. It took somewhere between 10 and 20 years to build and it was finally finished in 2560 BC. 2.3 million blocks were used in its construction. It stands roughly 480 feet tall and it is mostly intact. The pyramid has three inner chambers. To learn more about the Great Pyramid of Giza, click here. The pyramid is located near the Great Sphinx and other pyramids. |
4. Petra
Petra is a city in the governorate of Ma'an, Jordan that has been carved into the surrounding rose colored stone cliffs. The area seems to have been established as early as 312 BC, but was not discovered by the western world until 1812. Petra is located between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and therefore, it was an important city along the caravan route connecting Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. Watch this great little video to take a tour of the area. |
5. Angkor Wat
This sprawling temple complex was built during the 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the jungles of Angkor, Cambodia. It is surrounded by a moat and a wall. Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu temple, but later became a Buddhist temple. It's walls and towers are covered with delicate stone carvings of Hindu gods. To get a peek at the Angkor temples, click here. |