Sonia
Join us as we step back through the ages to discover the 20 oldest ruins in the world. These sites are more than just piles of stone; they are gateways to ancient times, offering us a rare glimpse into the lives and ingenuity of early civilizations. Let us uncover the secrets these ancient stones hold.
Göbekli Tepe, Turkey
Imagine a place built even before the invention of the wheel or writing! Göbekli Tepe is that kind of old. Dating back to around 9600 BC, this site in southeastern Turkey is mind-blowing. The carvings on these stones are depictions of animals and abstract symbols, showing that these early humans had a rich spiritual or ceremonial life.
Tower of Jericho, West Bank
Now, if you think of towers today, you might picture skyscrapers, but the Tower of Jericho is different. Built around 8000 BC, this stone structure is considered one of the earliest forms of monumental architecture by humans. What is fascinating about the Tower of Jericho is its unknown purpose, some think it was for defense, others say it was astronomical, and some even suggest a religious function.
Knap of Howar, Scotland
Jumping forward to around 3700 BC, the Knap of Howar is not just a house; it is the oldest preserved stone house in northern Europe. Located on the windy shores of Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands, this Neolithic farmstead gives us a real-life snapshot of early agrarian life.
Newgrange, Ireland
Built around 3200 BC, Newgrange is not just older than the pyramids of Egypt, but it also shows the ingenuity of prehistoric architecture in Ireland. This massive circular mound covers a single tomb passage made of large stones. The most jaw-dropping feature? Its roof box above the entrance aligns with the rising sun during the winter solstice, flooding the inner chamber with light.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
These temples on the small island of Malta are some of the oldest free-standing structures on Earth, built between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. Each temple complex, like Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, is a marvel of prehistoric engineering, made of enormous stone blocks. The layout is usually a series of semi-circular rooms, or apses, linked together.
Ġgantija Temples, Malta
These temples really live up to their name, which means “Giant’s Tower” in Maltese. Dating back to around 3600-3200 BC, the Ġgantija Temples are not only older than the pyramids of Egypt. What makes them spectacular is the sheer size of the limestone blocks used. Some stones weigh over fifty tons! Legend has it that a giantess built these temples.
Stonehenge, United Kingdom
No list of ancient ruins would be complete without Stonehenge. Constructed in several phases from 3000 BC to 2000 BC, this iconic stone circle on the Salisbury Plain in England is shrouded in mystery. The most striking feature of Stonehenge is its alignment with the solstices; the sun sets perfectly framed by the stones on the winter solstice.
West Kennet Long Barrow, United Kingdom
Just a stone’s throw away from Stonehenge, the West Kennet Long Barrow, built around 3650 BC, is one of the largest Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain. It was used for burials over several centuries. What is intriguing is that the entrance aligns with the rising sun at midsummer, which adds an element of celestial connection to its purpose.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Ireland
Located in County Sligo, Carrowmore is one of the largest (and oldest) megalithic complexes in Ireland, with structures dating back to around 4600 BC. This site includes dolmens, passage tombs, and stone circles, offering a rich tapestry of early prehistoric architecture and burial practices. Carrowmore stands out for its community-oriented design, suggesting that these early societies were highly cooperative.
Sechin Bajo, Peru
Imagine stepping into Sechin Bajo in Peru’s Casma Valley. This place dates back to around 3500 BC, and it is one of the earliest structured sites in the Americas. Sechin Bajo was not just a spot with a few old buildings; it was a full-blown complex of plazas and structures, showing us that the people here had a highly organized society.
Barnenez, France
In Brittany, France, stands the “Prehistoric Parthenon,” known as the Barnenez Cairn. Built around 4850 BC, this enormous burial mound is made from two adjacent cairns and features 11 chambers used for group burials. What is truly captivating are the massive stones piled high and the mysterious carvings inside, axes, waves, and maybe clues to what these early Europeans believed in.
Monte d’Accoddi, Italy
On Sardinia, Monte d’Accoddi strikes an unusual figure, a massive altar or stepped pyramid dating back to 4000 BC, reminiscent of something you would see in ancient Mesopotamia, not Europe. This site likely hosted significant rituals, visible to crowds gathered around the ramp leading up to the platform.
Shunet El Zebib, Egypt
Built around 2700 BC in Abydos, one of Egypt’s oldest cities, Shunet El Zebib was a funerary enclosure for Pharaoh Khasekhemwy. Its sturdy mud-brick walls and complex design were all about protecting the royal tomb inside. This structure really showcases the early architectural prowess of the Egyptians, setting the stage for the grandeur of later pyramids.
Knowth, Ireland
Part of the Brú na Bóinne complex near Newgrange, Knowth is a site to behold. Dating back to about 3200 BC, it features a massive passage tomb and more than 300 decorated stones. It was a hub for both ceremonies and everyday living, with its astronomical alignment highlighting the Neolithic Irish’s deep understanding of the skies.
Skara Brae, Scotland
Perched on the edge of the Bay of Skaill in the Orkney Islands, Skara Brae gives us a pristine window into Neolithic life. Unearthed in 1850 after a storm, this stone-built village from around 3180 BC features houses with stone furniture, showing just how sophisticated these ancient folks were, living in such a harsh landscape.
La Hougue Bie, Jersey
Tucked away in Jersey in the Channel Islands, La Hougue Bie is an intriguing site dating back to around 3500 BC. What makes this site remarkable is its dual purpose as both a massive burial mound and a place of worship. The site even includes medieval chapels at its summit, added centuries later, showing a continuous sacred use.
Hulbjerg Jættestue, Denmark
Check out Hulbjerg Jættestue on the island of Langeland, Denmark. Built around 3500 BC, this tomb is made from huge boulders, creating a long passageway that leads to a central burial chamber. The real highlight? The carved symbols inside—these are not just decorations; they tell us about the beliefs and rituals of the folks who built them.
Los Millares, Spain
Los Millares in southern Spain is a trip back to about 3200 BC. It is more than just an old settlement; it is one of the first places in Europe where people actually built fortifications. Think of a prehistoric fortress with a community inside and graves scattered around.
Tumulus of Bougon, France
The Tumulus of Bougon is a fascinating site in western France with tombs dating back to around 4700 BC. It is like a museum of ancient burial styles, from simple stone piles to elaborate underground passages. Rediscovered in the 19th century, it has been a goldmine for understanding how Neolithic people dealt with death and honored their dead.
Unstan Chambered Cairn, Orkney, Scotland
Last up, there is Unstan Chambered Cairn in the Orkney Islands, dating to about 3400 BC. What sets it apart is its layout; instead of just a single room, it has compartments made from stone slabs. This was not just a place to put the dead; it was likely a communal hub for rituals focused on ancestry and the afterlife.
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