Ancient Marvels That Have Withstood the Test of Time

From the Roman Colosseum to the Great Wall of China, many ancient structures still give archeologists pause. Some seem to defy explanation—feats of engineering deemed impossible given the tools of the time. But these magnificent marvels remain standing, offering us a glimpse into the ingenuity of those who came before us. If you're ready to be spellbound, here are 20 ancient architectural wonders that will boggle your mind.

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1. Borobudur

Known as the largest—and greatest—Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and contains more than 500 statues. It was constructed during the Shailendra dynasty but was buried under volcanic ash before being rediscovered in the early 1800s.

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2. Pyramids of Giza

Situated on rocky grounds along the Nile River, the Pyramids of Giza are three prominent structures that were designated to the respective kings they were built for: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. They were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and were once deemed one of the seven wonders of the world.

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3. Great Wall of China

Stretching 21,196 km (13,171 mi), the Great Wall of China is considered one of the world's greatest feats. Construction was believed to have spanned some 2,000 years, built between northern China and southern Mongolia as a defense barrier to protect the country from invasions and foreign influences.

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4. The Parthenon

Perched atop the hill of Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon is a breathtaking manmade structure built sometime in the mid-5th century BCE. It was dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos, which is why it's also commonly known as the Temple of Athena.

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5. The Colosseum

A former amphitheater built during Flavian rule, under Emperor Vespasian, the Roman Colosseum is one of the world's most famous and visited structures—and for good reason, given its history. Though the building was also used as a church in medieval times, it was mostly created as an entertainment venue, where gladiators would fight to the death within the arena.

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6. The Roman Aqueducts

Built around 145 BC, aqueducts were considered feats of engineering at the time, relying on pure gravity alone to transport fresh water. The Roman Aqueducts were particularly impressive considering their complex network and parts of it remain in great condition even today.

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7. Leaning Tower of Pisa

Construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in 1173 and took 200 years to complete, due to war breaking out in Italy and halting the process for a century. But once completed, soft soil and unstable foundations under the bell tower caused the entire structure to lean nearly six degrees (about 15 ft) to the right. 

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8. Al Kazneh

Al Kazneh, or the Treasury, was carved by the Nabataeans and is considered a thing of beauty, despite its true purposes: a tomb for King Aretas IV. Yet, other theories suggest it served as a treasury for an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh or a hideout for pirates and thieves. Whatever its intended purpose, it remains as Petra's prized gem.

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9. The Megalithic Temples of Malta

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Megalithic Temples of Malta are some of the oldest structures to exist in the world, dating back to 3000 and 700 BC. Said to be the earliest freestanding buildings by some archeologists, it's believed these temples were built to worship the gods.

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10. Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán is a large fortress that overlooks Cuzco, Peru, atop an outcrop standing 755 ft (230 m) above the city. Its construction is nothing short of magnificent, with heavy stones shaped to fit and laid without mortar, pieced so perfectly together that the structure was thought to be the work of demons.

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11. Forbidden City

Standing at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is an imperial palace built between 1406 and 1420. Its name stems from restricted access, only allowing entry of the emperor, his family, and select eunuchs. Even then, only the emperor could enter all sections of the structure.

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12. Grand Palace

A series of complex buildings at the center of Thailand's capital, the Grand Palace is a former royal residence that was established following the reign of  King Rama I in 1782. It's still used today as a place to host royal ceremonies and is a frequent pilgrimage site.

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13. Leshan Giant Buddha

Considered the largest Buddhist stone structure in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha was carved into a sandstone cliff face and stands at a height of 233 ft (71 m). To put its enormity into perspective, its shoulders are nearly that of a basketball court, stretching 92 ft (28 m) across. 

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14. Chand Baori

Believed to have been named after a ruler named Raja Chanda, Chand Baori is a stepwell constructed sometime in the 8th century. It consists of around 3,500 steps, standing 13 stories high and extending nearly 100 ft (30 m) into the earth.

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15. Château de Peyrepertuse

The Château de Peyrepertuse is an abandoned fortress located in the French Pyrénées, deemed one of the Cathar castles and notably the largest. It's a steep drop on either side, its walls some 2,625 ft (800 m) tall—though that hasn't stopped rock climbers from attempting to scale it.

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16. Longyou Caves

The Longyou Caves are a marvel—not only for their intricate carvings, but for the fact that it's believed they were constructed in total darkness. While this complex manmade network is estimated to be some 2,000 years old, it never appeared in historical documents and was only recently rediscovered in 1992.

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17. The Tumulus of Bougon

Among the oldest standing structures in Europe are the Tumulus of Bougon, which consists of five Neolithic barrows. Believed to have been constructed over a millennia from around 5,000 BCE, they were discovered in 1840 and excavated, which unearthed some 200 skeletons along with pottery and stone tools.

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18. Stonehenge

It remains a mystery as to how Stonehenge, a ring of standing sarsen stones, was constructed, given that these rocks each weigh around 25 tons. According to some researchers, Stonehenge is believed to be a burial monument, though it's still unknown why—and who—built it.

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19. Knap of Howar

More than 5,000 years old, the Knap of Howar is known as the oldest surviving structure in northern Europe. Two houses make up the Neolithic farmstead, with stone cupboards and stalls that have withstood long years. Though the homes now face the sea, they were likely previously built further inland.

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20. Van Fortess

A massive stronghold built in the 9th century BC as part of the Urartu Kingdom, the Van Fortress overlooks Tushpa and contains the ruins of ancient walls, floors, and tombs. After the fall of Urartu, the castle fell into the hands of several empires and kingdoms before being destroyed in conflicts, and was reconstructed numerous times. 

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