Historical Buildings That Are Thousands Of Years Old
It has now been revealed that the people who lived in certain countries were somewhat civilized before the Mesopotamian civilization, which is considered the world's first civilization, began in or around 3200 BC. As the people started to settle permanently in certain areas, they started building permanent residences, places of worship, and forts.
The remains of several such constructions, made using very strong materials, still exist today. Almost all of them are now sites of archaeological value and popular tourist destinations.
This article is about some such constructions that are thousands of years old in different countries of the world.
1. 'Ġgantija' Church Complex- Malta
Built between 3600-3200 BC, this church complex is one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta. All the buildings in this complex are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A legend related to a group of mysterious giants is also associated with this temple complex.
Archaeologists are of the opinion that animal sacrifices were held around this place, although it is not possible to find out exactly what happened at this place. Confirming that, the bones of many animals have been found around the 'Aganthija' church complex.
2. 'Howar Nap'- Scotland
Hover Nap
The oldest building in the world is 'Howar Knapp' on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland, believed to have been built around 3600 BC. After a landslide in 1930, two walls emerged here. After that, during the excavations at the place, the building was found in two parts and it is also seen that these parts were connected together in the past. It is said that this building was built on the ruins of an earlier building at that place.
Archaeologists believe that the larger part of the 'Howar Nap' may have been used as the main house and the smaller part as a granary or other workshop. There is also evidence that the smaller section was divided into three more sections. Later, archaeologists have revealed that the entrance to the granary from the main house was closed.
3. 'Shunet el-Sebib'- Egypt
It is one of the oldest buildings in Egypt and was built in 2750 BC. It is one of the oldest surviving mud brick buildings in the world. Built as a monument to King Khasekhemwy, who ruled ancient Egypt, it consists of two main parts. One part of it houses the king's tomb and the other part is reserved for followers who come to pay their respects to the king.
Many believe that this building is a precursor to the construction of the famous pyramids in Egypt. In particular, Khasekhemwy's successor Djoser, Shunet el-Zebib, was impressed by the building's design and decided to build a similar building. As a result, one of the earliest pyramids in Egypt, the 'Saqqara Step Pyramid' (Pyramid of Djoser) was built. In 2007, a group of archaeologists began a project to preserve the Shunet el-Sebib building.
4. 'Knossos' Complex- Greece
The complex, which includes the Palace of Knossos and a number of other structures, is part of the area that served as the capital of Greece, 'Minoan Crete'. The first palace in B.C. Built in the 20th century. Later another palace was built in 1700 BC. Historians suggest that the second palace may have been built without destroying the original palace and renovating it.
However, this palace and its grounds were constantly subjected to natural calamities and enemy invasions. The palace, destroyed for such reasons, has been restored several times over the centuries. BC Sources state that it was largely destroyed by 1300 and completely abandoned a century later.
In 1900, the British archaeologist Arthur Evans worked to restore the ruins of this palace after the excavations. However, his reforms have been criticized by various quarters. They allege that certain materials used by Evans to restore the site have jeopardized its archaeological value.
5. Taxian Church Complex- Malta
Built between 3600-2500 BC, this temple complex consists of four main parts. They are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as well as the aforementioned 'Aganthija' churches. Archaeologist Sir Themistocles Zammit discovered the complex in the 1920s.
He is also credited with protecting its eastern, southern and central regions. In this precinct one can see many beautifully carved stone pillars depicting animal figures. A stilt walk was constructed in 2012 for the convenience of tourists visiting the complex.
6. Van Fort- Turkey
Van Fort, a fort built in the former Uratu Kingdom of present-day Turkey, is one of the largest forts in Turkey. Several such forts were built during the Uratu kingdom. The oldest part here, the Sardur Tower, is said to have been built in the eighth century BC. Later this fort came under the control of invaders from countries like Rome, Armenia, Persia, Byzantine Empire and Arabia. One of the artifacts found at Van Fort is a trilingual inscription from the Persian Empire dating to the fifth century BC.
7. ‘Dún Aonghasa’- Ireland
Located in Ireland, this is considered one of the best preserved castles in the world. Historians believe that the area around the fort has been inhabited since 1500 BC, but the first permanent settlements were built a few centuries later, around 1100 BC.
The fairly tall stone pillars around this fort attract the attention of many. Today it is one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations.
8. 'St. Antin' Complex- Italy
One of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia, Italy, this building complex was built in 1600 BC. It is also known as the 'Nurage Santu Antin' because of the 'Nurage' valley in which it is situated. Some believe it was named after a priest named Saint Constantine.
Others call it 'sa domu de su re' meaning 'house of the king'. The main part that can be seen now is that the building is built in the shape of a tower in the middle of the complex. Around it are three small towers, all of which are connected to each other by walls. It is said that there was a village around this building complex.
9. 'Nuraxi' building complex- Italy
Many people are of the opinion that this is another ancient building complex located near the aforementioned Nurag valley. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is also considered to be the only place that reveals the facts of a civilization that arose in the vicinity of the Nurag Valley.
There is a big tower in the center and four other towers around it. Around it can be seen houses and constructions that can be thought of as wells. 'Nuraxi' building complex in BC. Built in the 1600s.
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment