World’s oldest surviving man-made structures

Panchali Dey

Jun 1, 2024

Old is gold!

The world's most ancient man-made structures still standing today provide profound insights into human history, showcasing the ingenuity and skill of our ancestors. Let's explore some of these enduring marvels.

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Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

Located in southeastern Anatolia, Göbekli Tepe is an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering, dating back to around 9600 BCE. This archaeological wonder challenges conventional ideas, although its precise purpose remains a mystery.

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Stonehenge, UK

Situated on Salisbury Plain in England, Stonehenge is perhaps the most iconic ancient structure worldwide. Built in around 3000 BCE, this prehistoric monument consists of standing stones, and continues to intrigue scholars and visitors alike.

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The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built during Pharaoh Khufu's reign around 2580–2560 BCE. This colossal structure's construction remains a source of fascination till date.

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Newgrange, Ireland

Nestled in Ireland's Boyne Valley, Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb built around 3200 BCE. It’s renowned for its intricate corbelled roof and alignment with the winter solstice sunrise.

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Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Dating back to approximately 7500 BCE, Çatalhöyük in modern-day Turkey challenges conventional urban planning concepts with its tightly packed mudbrick houses and interconnected rooftops.

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Megalithic Temples of Malta, Malta

Dating back to 3600 to 2500 BCE, Malta's megalithic temples, including Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, are among the world's oldest freestanding structures.

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Tikal, Guatemala

Located in the heart of the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal was a thriving Mayan city from the 4th century BCE to the 10th century CE. Its impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces highlight the advanced engineering and urban planning skills of the ancient Maya civilisation.

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Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, Malta

These temples, situated on the island of Malta, offer a fascinating glimpse into the Neolithic period, dating back to around 3600–2500 BCE.

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Thanks For Reading!

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