Gadara, an ancient city of significant historical and cultural importance, stands as a testament to the complexities of the Greco-Roman world in the Near East. Located in present-day Jordan, Gadara played a crucial role in the region’s political, intellectual, and cultural developments.Geographic and Strategic Importance Of GadaraThe city was strategically positioned on a ridge overlooking…
Cities
Ancient cities were centers of civilization, often surrounded by walls for protection. They were hubs of trade, culture, and politics, and many contained monumental buildings and temples. Cities like Rome, Athens, and Babylon were powerful centers of the ancient world.
Shahr-e Gholghola (City of Screams)
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.
Underground City of Naours
The Origins and Early History of The Underground City of NaoursIn the heart of Picardie, France, lies the underground city of Naours. This hidden marvel, dating back to the 3rd century AD, served many purposes over the centuries. The Romans began digging into the plateau, creating a labyrinth of caves and passageways. Early Christians might…
Dvin Ancient City and Archaeological Site
The Ancient City of Dvin: A Historical Gem of ArmeniaDvin, known as Duin or Dvin in Classical Armenian, was a bustling commercial city. It served as the capital of early medieval Armenia. Located 35 km south of modern Yerevan, Dvin sat north of the ancient Armenian capital, Artaxata, along the Metsamor River. Before its destruction…
Harran Ancient City
Harran: An OverviewHarran is a municipality and district in Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey. Its area is 904 km², and its population is 96,072 as of 2022. Harran is located 40 kilometers southeast of Urfa and 20 kilometers from the Syrian border crossing at Akçakale.Historical SignificanceHarran was founded between the 25th and 20th centuries BC. Sumerian traders…
Ancient City of Myra
Unveiling the Lycian Wonder: A Journey Through Ancient MyraLocated in the Lycia region of Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, lies the ancient city of Myra, a captivating historical gem with roots dating back to the 5th century BC. Famed for its impressive rock-cut tombs and grand amphitheater, Myra thrived as a prominent metropolis within the Lycian civilization….