Top 10 Oldest Buildings In The World
Do you ever wonder what the top 10 oldest buildings in the world might look like and how they were built? Step back in time and explore the secrets of the ancient world with us as we uncover the top 10 oldest buildings in the world.
From the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt to The Minoan Palace of Knossos, Greece, these incredible structures have withstood the test of time and have remained standing for thousands of years.
Join us as we take a journey through history to reveal the secrets of these impressive and historic buildings.
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1. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The oldest building in the world is The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, which was constructed around 2560 BCE. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, it is part of a complex of three large pyramids built by the Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops). The pyramid is thought to have been built as a tomb for Khufu and it is estimated that over two million blocks of limestone and granite were used in its construction.
The Great Pyramid is considered one of the Wonders of the Ancient World and is still an awe-inspiring sight today. It stands 147 meters (481 ft) tall, making it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. It is also the most accurately aligned structure in the world, with the four sides of the pyramid all facing true north, south, east, and west.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is an incredible feat of ancient engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of the Ancient Egyptians. It is a symbol of their power and wealth and continues to draw visitors from around the world to marvel at its immense size and timeless beauty.
2. Dhamek Stupa, India – Top 10 Oldest Buildings In The World
The Dhamek Stupa is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the city of Sarnath, India. The stupa is believed to have been constructed during the 5th century CE and is said to be one of the oldest structures in the world. It stands at a height of 43 meters, making it the tallest stupa in India.
The Dhamek Stupa has a fascinating history. It is believed that this structure was built by Emperor Ashoka on the site of Lord Buddha’s sermon. According to legend, it was here that Buddha announced his Dharma or teachings to his five former associates who had been separated from him for six years.
The central dome of the Dhamek Stupa is built from red sandstone and has a diameter of 28 meters. The walls of the stupa are decorated with various symbols and images, including Buddhist symbols such as the Lotus and the Wheel of Life. There is also a staircase leading up to the top of the stupa. From the top, visitors can get an amazing view of Sarnath and the surrounding area.
Today, the Dhamek Stupa remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world. Visitors to the site can explore the impressive structure and learn more about its history. The area around the stupa also has many other attractions, including museums, temples, and beautiful gardens.
3. The Temple of Zeus, Greece
Located in the ancient city of Olympia, the Temple of Zeus is one of the oldest and most remarkable buildings in the world. This magnificent structure was built around 456 BC, making it nearly 2,500 years old.
The temple was dedicated to the god Zeus, the king of gods in Greek mythology. It was built with limestone and marble and features an impressive 6 columns on each side. The temple also features an impressive pediment with a relief sculpture depicting Zeus and various mythological creatures.
This impressive building has stood the test of time and still stands today, although it is much more deteriorated than when it was originally built. The original statues that filled the temple have been stolen and moved to other locations, but the architecture and artistry remain intact.
Visitors to the site can enjoy admiring this ancient structure and imagining what life would have been like in Ancient Greece. It is a reminder of how powerful the Ancient Greeks were and how timeless their culture is. Visitors can also explore the ruins of other nearby buildings, such as the Temple of Hera, the altar of Zeus, and a stadium.
4. Tarxien Temples, Malta – Top 10 Oldest Buildings In The World
The Tarxien Temples in Malta are one of the oldest buildings in the world, and they are among the most impressive monuments of their kind. Dating back to between 3600 and 2500 BC, the temples consist of three megalithic structures that were built over nearly 1000 years. The three temples are known as Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien.
The Tarxien Temple complex is believed to have been a place of worship for the ancient Maltese people. It contains many incredible features, including intricate carvings and sculptures of animals such as bulls and birds. The central temple is particularly impressive, with its large stone slabs, huge pillars, and imposing entrance. Inside, you’ll find several altars and other artifacts that have been preserved for centuries.
The site also contains a wide range of artifacts from the Neolithic period, including tools made from stone, pottery, and jewelry. It’s one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe and offers a fascinating insight into life in Malta thousands of years ago.
Today, the Tarxien Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are open to visitors all year round. The site is especially popular during the summer when it hosts various cultural events and festivals, making it an excellent spot for history buffs and culture lovers.
5. Sanchi Stupa, India
Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist monument that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The stupa was constructed by Emperor Ashoka and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The impressive stupa is the oldest stone structure in India and it’s believed to have been built to house relics of the Buddha.
The Sanchi Stupa stands at a height of 40 feet and is encircled by four gateways made of sandstone. The gateways are decorated with detailed carvings of scenes from the life of Buddha as well as mythical creatures like garuda and Makara. There are also several smaller structures located around the main stupa, including temples and monasteries.
Sanchi Stupa has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its cultural and historic importance. It serves as a reminder of India’s glorious past and its rich spiritual heritage. Every year, the stupa attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to pay homage to the Buddha and seek peace and solace.
6. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, Bulgaria – Top 10 Oldest Buildings In The World
The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is an ancient burial mound located in the village of Sveshtari, Bulgaria. It dates back to the 3rd century BC and is considered to be one of the oldest buildings in the world. The tomb has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and stands as a reminder of the long-lost Thracian civilization that flourished in the area centuries ago.
The tomb is composed of a single rectangular chamber with a diameter of 8.7 meters and a height of 3.3 meters. Its walls are covered with relief sculptures depicting two-headed eagles and bulls, as well as scenes from Thracian mythology. The tomb was constructed from stone and brick and is decorated with painted frescoes. It is believed that the tomb was used for ceremonial purposes, though its exact purpose remains unknown.
The tomb is believed to have been used for the burial of a Thracian aristocrat, as it was discovered along with many grave goods including weapons, pottery, and jewelry. This indicates that the tomb was not intended for just one person but rather a small group of people, which may have included family members or other important figures in the Thracian society.
Visitors today can admire the well-preserved carvings and frescoes that adorn the walls of the tomb, which offer a unique insight into the culture and beliefs of the ancient Thracians. A visit to the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is an amazing experience that allows visitors to explore this ancient structure and gain a deeper understanding of its long-lost inhabitants.
7. The Great Temple of Amun at Karnak, Egypt
The Great Temple of Amun at Karnak is one of the most ancient structures in the world, dating back to around 2000 BCE. It stands in the city of Luxor and was dedicated to the Theban Triad – Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
Located in Upper Egypt on the east bank of the Nile River, the temple is part of the huge Karnak Temple Complex which covers more than two square kilometers. The main temple building is the hypostyle hall, a grand hall that features 134 gigantic columns, some reaching heights of up to 24 meters. This impressive building was constructed during the 18th dynasty and has undergone several alterations over time.
The walls of the temple are filled with inscriptions and reliefs depicting various scenes from Ancient Egyptian history. There are depictions of numerous gods and goddesses as well as important battles and ritual ceremonies. The temple also includes a shrine dedicated to Amun, who was regarded as the most powerful god of Ancient Egypt.
In addition to its religious significance, the Great Temple of Amun at Karnak also holds great historical importance. It stands as a testament to the grandeur of Ancient Egyptian architecture and serves as an inspiring reminder of a bygone era.
8. The tomb of Cyrus the Great, Iran – Top 10 Oldest Buildings In The World
Situated in the ancient city of Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great is one of the oldest structures in the world. The tomb dates back to around 559 BC, making it over 2,500 years old. It is believed to have been built by King Cyrus II of Persia, who is credited with founding the Achaemenid Empire and creating the first unified Persian state.
The tomb is built from white limestone and measures 30 meters long, 13 meters wide, and 13 meters high. It features an impressive entrance flanked by two majestic winged bulls, which were commonly used as symbols of divine protection in ancient Persian architecture. Inside the tomb lies a stone chamber containing a simple wooden coffin. Although the coffin has long since disappeared, a golden inscription has been left behind, describing Cyrus as “the great king, the king of kings, the king of nations”.
The tomb of Cyrus is often considered a masterpiece of ancient Persian architecture. It serves as a reminder of the great king who founded an empire that spanned three continents and paved the way for many of the empires that followed. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an important part of Iranian culture and history.
9. The Stonehenge, United Kingdom
The Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the oldest and most mysterious buildings in the world. Located in Wiltshire, England, it’s a prehistoric monument that dates back to 3000 BC, making it nearly 5,000 years old! This World Heritage Site is believed to have been used as an ancient place of worship and celebration by the local Neolithic people. Its massive stones, which can be up to 5 meters high, weigh around 25 tonnes each and are thought to have been brought over from Wales and the Marlborough Downs.
The exact purpose of Stonehenge has yet to be determined; however, it’s believed that it was used as a sacred site by Druids and other ancient Britons. Many theories exist regarding its use and significance, such as its alignment with the rising and setting of the sun during the summer and winter solstices. Stonehenge also has astronomical alignments with the moon’s movements and certain star constellations.
Stonehenge stands as one of the greatest examples of prehistoric engineering, architecture, and art. It attracts more than 800,000 visitors each year who come to marvel at its mysterious beauty and uncover its secrets. Stonehenge is truly a remarkable testament to human creativity and ingenuity that will continue to captivate minds for years to come.
10. The Minoan Palace of Knossos, Greece – Top 10 Oldest Buildings In The World
Nestled in the ancient ruins of Knossos, the Minoan Palace is believed to be one of the oldest structures in the world, estimated to be over 4,000 years old. The palace is located on the Greek island of Crete and was once home to the powerful Minoan civilization. It is renowned for its iconic frescoes, which depict scenes from the Minoan culture and mythology.
The palace itself was constructed with ashlar masonry, a type of stone construction that is indicative of ancient Greek architecture. The main hall of the palace is said to have been a grand ceremonial space and the centerpiece of the complex. This impressive structure is decorated with intricate carvings and artworks from different periods, making it an archaeological gem.
The Minoan Palace’s history is fascinating and has been the source of much speculation. It is believed to have been destroyed by an earthquake in 1450 BC, leading to its abandonment until it was discovered by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in 1900. Since then, numerous excavations have been conducted, revealing new and exciting information about the palace and its inhabitants.
Today, the palace serves as a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the Minoan civilization. It stands as a testament to a society long gone but still remembered through its breathtaking architecture and ancient artworks.
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