The Castro of Monte Mozinho is a significant archaeological site in northern Portugal. It represents the remains of a hillfort settlement, known as a ‘castro,’ which dates back to the Iron Age and Roman periods. This site offers a window into the ancient past of the Iberian Peninsula, showcasing the complex history of human occupation, cultural interchange, and architectural development in the region.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Salbyk kurgan
The Salbyk kurgan is an ancient burial mound located in the Khakassia Republic, Russia. It dates back to the 7th century BC and is associated with the Scythian culture. This monumental structure is one of the largest of its kind, reflecting the complex social structures and burial practices of the nomadic tribes that roamed the Eurasian steppes. The kurgan was discovered in the 20th century and has since been a subject of archaeological interest, revealing insights into the beliefs, rituals, and way of life of its builders.
Airavatesvara Temple
The Airavatesvara Temple, located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, stands as a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture. This temple, constructed in the 12th century AD by the Chola emperor Rajaraja II, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation that includes the Great Living Chola Temples. The other temples in this designation are the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Agirnas Underground City
Ağırnas, a neighbourhood within the municipality and district of Melikgazi, Kayseri Province, Turkey, holds a significant place in the historical and archaeological landscape of the region. With a population of 2,554 as of 2022, this area, located 24 km from central Kayseri, is not only the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, the renowned architect of Suleiman the Magnificent, but also a site rich in historic buildings and underground structures.
Birdman of Cahokia (Mound 72)
The Mississippian culture, which thrived from 1050 to 1500 AD, is renowned for its mound-building achievements, particularly in the city of Cahokia, located in the American Bottoms near East St. Louis. This civilization’s spiritual and societal complexities are epitomized by a unique artifact: a small sandstone tablet depicting a figure in a bird costume, believed to represent an eagle or peregrine falcon. Discovered on the east side of Monk’s Mound in 1971, this tablet, dating back to 1300 AD, stands as the only complete example among similar finds. Its reverse side features a crosshatch design, possibly symbolizing snakeskin. Monk’s Mound, the largest in the Cahokia complex, is a testament to the city’s grandeur, once the largest north of Mexico. In recognition of its significance, Cahokia Mounds was designated a World Heritage Site in 1983, with the birdman tablet becoming a symbol of the site.
Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park
Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park, located 13 kilometers from Kiryat Gat in central Israel, is a site of significant historical and archaeological importance. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the park encompasses a vast network of caves, alongside the remnants of the ancient towns of Maresha and Bayt Jibrin. It is important to note that while the park includes these historical towns, the UNESCO designation specifically pertains to the cave network.