Deep in the land of Indonesia lies a site shrouded in mystery: Gunung Padang. Said to be the oldest pyramid in the world, this enigmatic structure captivates scholars and tourists alike.
Stretching above the landscape, its terraces offer views as vast as its history is deep. Some believe these ancient stones hold secrets from a time long before our own. Who built this monumental pyramid? The search for answers keeps the curious coming back, piquing interest in the pyramids of Indonesia.
Bourtzi Castle, located in the picturesque city of Nafplio in Greece, is a captivating historical monument that draws visitors from around the world. The castle, situated on a small island in the Argolic Gulf, was built by the Venetians in 1473 during their second reign in Nafplio. It served as a fortress and a prison, and later as a hotel, showcasing its multifaceted history. The castle’s unique architecture and strategic location offer a glimpse into the past, revealing the influences of various civilizations that occupied it over the centuries.
Palamidi Castle, located in Nafplio, Greece, is a fortress that sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. Built by the Venetians during their second occupation of the area in the early 18th century, it is a classic example of Venetian fortifications. The castle has played a significant role in the history of the region, having been occupied by several civilizations and having witnessed many battles.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a colossal ruined temple in the center of Athens, Greece. It was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, some 638 years after the project had begun. During the Roman periods, it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world.
The Paphos Agora is a historical site located in Paphos, Cyprus. This archaeological site is known for its large market square, which was a bustling center of commerce and social interaction during ancient times. The Agora, which means ‘marketplace’ in Greek, was built during the Hellenistic period and was in use until the Byzantine era. The ruins of the Paphos Agora provide valuable insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region and their ways of life.
The Tetrapylon of Aphrodisias is a monumental gate located in the ancient city of Aphrodisias, now in modern-day Turkey. This impressive structure, built in the 2nd century AD, served as a ceremonial gateway to the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The Tetrapylon, meaning ‘four gates’, was so named because of its four-sided design, with each side having a row of four columns. The gate was intricately decorated with sculptures and reliefs, showcasing the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans. Despite being destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century, the Tetrapylon was reconstructed in the 20th century, and today stands as a testament to the grandeur of the ancient city of Aphrodisias.
