Shahr-i Gholghola, also known as the City of Screams, is an ancient fortress city located in the heart of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley. It stands as a testament to the region’s rich history, which dates back to the 6th century AD. The city’s ruins, perched on a steep cliff, overlook the valley and are a poignant reminder of the area’s Buddhist past and the Islamic conquests that followed. Shahr-i Gholghola is part of the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003. The city’s name, meaning “City of Screams,” is believed to derive from the tragic events that unfolded during the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Djémila
Discovering the Ancient Wonders of DjémilaDjémila, a small mountain village in Algeria, hides a rich tapestry of history. Once known as Cuicul, this village sits near the northern coast, east of Algiers. Here, you’ll find some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa.A UNESCO World Heritage GemIn 1982, Djémila earned a UNESCO World Heritage…
Qal’at al-Bahrain
Qal’at al-Bahrain: A Journey Through TimeQal’at al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is an archaeological treasure located in Bahrain. Excavations since 1954 have revealed layers of history within a 12-meter-high artificial mound. These layers, spanning from 2300 BCE to the 18th century, include relics from the Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese, and Persians….
Weld-Blundell Prism
The Weld-Blundell Prism: A Window into Ancient SumerIn 1922, British archaeologist Herbert Weld Blundell unearthed a remarkable artifact during an expedition in Larsa, modern-day Iraq. This find, now known as the Weld-Blundell Prism, dates back to around 1800 BCE and resides in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Standing about 20 cm tall and 9 cm…
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Mari (Tell Hariri)
Ancient Mari: A Glimpse into a Flourishing City-StateMari, an ancient Semitic city-state, sat in modern-day Syria. This city’s ruins lie on a tell near the Euphrates River, not far from Abu Kamal. Mari thrived from 2900 BC to 1759 BC, thanks to its strategic position on trade routes connecting Sumer, Ebla, and the Levant.Rise and…
The Roman Theatre of Mérida
The Roman Theatre of Mérida: A Timeless SpectacleNestled in Mérida, Spain, the Roman Theatre of Mérida stands as a testament to ancient Roman architecture and entertainment. This iconic structure, built between 16 and 15 BCE under the consul Vipsanius Agrippa, continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and remarkable design.A Storied PastThe theatre was…