The world we know today has existed for approximately 4.54 billion years, give or take 50 million years. Given its age, the world must have plenty to offer in terms of places to visit: Especially considering these places have withstood the test of time and will be waiting for you to go and visit. It is also intriguing to see and experience how these people survived those days.
Ever heard the famous phrase “From here to Timbuktu…”? Yes, it is named after a place. Timbuktu is a city in modern-day Mali, a country in Africa founded in the early 1300s under the reign of the famous ruler Mansa Musa. The city offers a lot, including three great mud-built mosques: Djinguereber, Sankore, and Sidi Yahai. It also hosts the prestigious ancient university, Sankore University, that has existed since its days of glory.
Do you like hiking? Even if you do not, Machu Picchu is the place you must visit. The Andes Mountains are the most extended continental mountain range in the world. More than 7,000 feet above sea level in Andes Mountain lies the famous Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, a symbol of the Incan Empire built in 1450 AD, has plenty to offer. From the temple of the sun, where the ancients would go and worship the sun god, the Intihuatana, which was used to measure time and seasons by using its shadows. This sacred rock is believed to be used to study stars, the temple of condor, used for celebrations and rituals, and even the Huayna Picchu, used as a surveillance peak due to its peak height.
Petra is an archaeological and historical city in Southern Jordan. It was named one of the world's new seven wonders in July 2007. Petra dates back to 312 BC. Located in the deep mountains of Southern Jordan, visiting Petra is like taking a walk back in time. One of the most famous sites of Petra is Al-khazneh, the treasury, which has even been used as a backdrop for many films, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The As-Siq is the primary way to access Petra. The roman theatre, the royal tombs, the Ad-Deir (Monastery), the colonnaded street, the high place of sacrifice, and many other places, are must-visits in Petra. It is intriguing to note that the city was carved from mountainous rocks! Less than two hours drive from Petra is Wadi Rum, which is also a must-visit.
Byblos is a city in Lebanon, a country in the middle east. Archaeological excavations can trace Byblos back to the Neolithic age (4,300bc to 2,000bc). Byblos means papyrus, where the Bible gets its name, meaning “the written Papyrus.” Byblos is a site for sore eyes. There are ruins from the many successive civilizations to have lived in the place. Visit the Byblos castle, the saint cathedral tomb, the old souk, the Armenian genocide orphan’s museum, the modern and contemporary art museum, the Byblos wax museum, and many others. Enjoy some time on the beach and catch some sun and enjoy all life has to offer.
Angkor, located in Cambodia, a country in Asia, is home to various sites and a wealth of history. One of the most famous places to visit is Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat means the city of Temples. It encompasses over 70 temples. However, the most famous temples are lotus-like temples rising 65 meters into the sky. They are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. After visiting the temples, visit the terrace of the elephants, a 350-meter terrace of elephants(stone) that was used as a viewpoint for public ceremonies and other events, such as viewing the return of the army. See the sunrise at Srah ang and catch the sunset at Phnom Bakeng. Go ahead and find the secret passage on the terrace of the leper king and Baksei Chamkrong.
Faiyum is a city in Egypt. It is the oldest city in its country and one of the oldest in Africa, founded in 4000bc. Faiyum is next to River Nile, and due to its silt deposits, it was a very fertile land used for crop planting. Modern-day Faiyum is best known for visits to the Qarun Temple, a Ptolemaic temple, and the ruins of dionysias. If you visit on 21st December, attend the Qasr Qarun Sun Festival. Then enjoy baths, bazaars, markets, and mosques.
Jericho is a city in Palestine that also dates back to biblical times. It is most famous for the Battle of Jericho, which shook the walls and fell. Jericho started as a popular camping spot for hunters and gatherers back in 10,000bc. When in Jericho, visit these places: Tel Jericho, where Elisha's spring is (where Elisha threw salt in bitter waters and the waters are healthy to date). A visit to the Mountain of temptation is a must. This is the Mountain where Jesus was tempted by the devil while fasting. Visit the Qasr El Yahud, next to the Jordan river, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. There are many places to visit in Jericho, so many places with biblical references are waiting for you to visit and explore.
Athens is the capital and the largest city in Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to 5000bc. It was the heart of Ancient Greece. Athens is the birthplace of democracy and has experienced every form of democracy, monarchy, democracy, socialism, capitalism, and even communism. Known for its gods and mythical heroes, the history and sites in Athens cannot be captured entirely. You must visit the Parthenon and Acropolis, an iconic landmark home to many Greek structures. The Parthenon was built for Athena, the Greek god of Wisdom. Visit the Erechtheion and the Temple of the Athena Nike to honor Poseidon, the god of sea and water, and Athena. Visit the ancient Agora that served as a marketplace and home to many temple gods. Ensure to visit the temple of Olympian Zeus (the god of the sky), the Keramaikos cemetery, Hadrian's gate, and the odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Plovdiv is a city in Bulgaria that was built around seven hills. However, only six are available now since one was quarried for materials to make the city. Its archeological remains date to 4,000bc. Some places in Plovdiv you must visit include; the roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis, which was built in the 1st century and is one of the world’s best-preserved theatres. Many concerts and plays are still held here, so be sure to visit one of these. Enjoy baths with art pieces set in the original stone walls and a central dome. Plovdiv boasts Europe’s longest Pedestrian Street, stretching to 1.1 miles long. Enjoy locally made wine and cute cafes, and ensure you enjoy all Plovdiv has to offer.
