15 of the World’s Most Mind Blowing Ancient Ruins

You’ve probably heard of the Seven Wonders of the World, well there are actually more than seven. Throughout the world there are ancient ruins that have been preserved and maintained for one simple reason, they are truly mind blowing. These ancient ruins have awed millions of tourists because of their size and beauty and will continue to do so over the years. Here 15 of the most mind blowing ancient ruins throughout the world.

Stonehenge 

Located in Wiltshire, England this historical monument dates back to 3000-2000 BC. One of the most profound monuments in England, many believe that Stonehenge might have been an ancient burial ground. Others believe that Stonehenge wasn’t built by people at all, but whatever theory you believe this historical site is still extremely impressive. Experts claim that Stonehenge’s construction spanned over 1500 years and could have possibly taken 6500 years to build.

Chichén Itzá 

Considered one of the largest Mayan cities, Chichén Itzá dates back to the Late Classic and Early Postclassic periods. Located in Yucatán State, Mexico, Chichén Itzá is one of the most visited historical sites in Mexico bringing in over one million tourists every year. The city is believed to be built by the Mayan people, but architectural styles from various parts of Mexico are used throughout the ruins, hinting that city may have been one of the most diverse Mayan cities.

Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes is located in Hénán Province, China, and is considered one of the most notable grottoes in the country. This extravagant ruin houses thousands of Buddha statues and his various disciples.

Pyramids 

Believed to be built by an architect named Imhotep to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh Djoser, the earliest Egyptian pyramids can be found in Saqqara. These pyramids were built during the third dynasty and are considered some of the oldest structures in the entire world. The most frequently visited pyramids are located in Giza, these are also considered the biggest ancient structures to ever be built.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is considered one of the largest ancient amphitheaters in the world. It’s massive structure was constructed with concrete and sand in 72 AD by the Roman emperor Vespasian. Estimating around 65,000 audience members on average the Colosseum had the ability to hold 80,000 people. The Colosseum is still considered one of the most iconic ancient ruins in the world.

Bagan

Located in Myanmar, this ancient city dates all the way back to the 9th century. The cities capital, Kingdom of Pagan, housed over 10,000 Buddhist temples by the 13th century. Over 2,000 temples and pagodas still exist today and can are visited by tourists from all around the world. 

Petra

Also known as the Rose City, Petra is located in the country Jordan. Petra is known for it’s impressive rock architecture as well as a water conduit system. During ancient times Petra was used to control commercial routes that passed through Gaza and Bosra.

Montezuma Castle

Located near Camp Verde, Arizona, this structure was built by the Sinagua people during 1100 AD. Montezuma Castle includes five stories and around 20 rooms that housed its inhabitants. The castle is located 90 above the ground on a limestone cliff and is around 4,000 square feet.

Pompeii 

Pompeii is considered one of the most famous ancient ruins around the world, this ancient Roman city is located near Naples, Italy. When Vesuvius erupted it killed all the inhabitants of Pompeii, preserving the city for centuries. People from all over the world visit Pompeii to see the ash covered city.

Roman Baths

If you’ve read any Jane Austen novel, you’re probably familiar with Bath. The Roman Baths are located near Somerset, England. This extravagant site features a hot spring that can reach temperatures between 156 to 204 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts believe that the Roman Baths were originally used by the Celts as early as 836 BC. Eventually the Roman leader Emperor Claudius ordered a complex to be built around the springs in 60 AD, and so the popularity of the Roman Bath began. Today millions of visitors gather to see Bath, however, one may not actually enter the water.

Ephesus

Located in Turkey, Ephesus was an ancient city that was built during the 10th century. Ephesus contained close to 56,000 inhabitants during it’s prime. Known for the famous Temple of Artemis, the temple was destroyed in 268 AD, some believe that the temple may have been rebuilt, but there is no historical proof.

Tikal

Another beautiful ancient city, Tikal is located within a rainforest in Guatemala. Tikal was considered an extremely powerful kingdom in ancient Maya. The architecture for the extravagant monument dates back to the 4th century BC. Tikal eventually fell to it’s knees when the city was conquered by Teotihuacan centuries later. Many experts believe that the other palaces were burnt down and it’s inhabitants began to abandon the site around the 10th century.

Angkor Wat

This beautiful temple is located in Cambodia, many consider Angkor Wat to be one of the largest religious structures in the entire world. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman the second, the temple was originally meant to be a Hindu Temple. Over time the temple gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple.

Machu Picchu

Located high above the Sacred Valley in Peru, Machu Picchu sits over 7,000 feet above sea level. Built by the Incas in 1450, but abandoned a century later, Machu Picchu still stands today. Many structures around the historical site have been reconstructed and restored to allow visitors to see what the site originally looked like. Today restoration continues and Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Whitby Abbey

One of the lesser known ruins, Whitby Abbey is located in North Yorkshire, England. Whitby Abbey was a well known monastery until 1540, during this time Henry VIII had the monastery disestablished. The site became famous after the author Bram Stoker mentioned the ruin in his legendary novel, Dracula.