Lori Berd, located in the Lori Province of Armenia, is a village that lies just east of Stepanavan. This area is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich historical significance, particularly the medieval fortress of Lori Berd situated near the village. The fortress stands on a peninsula, surrounded by the deep gorges carved by the Dzoraget and Tashir rivers, at an elevation of 1379 meters.
Kızkalesi (Maiden’s Castle)
Kızkalesi, known in English as Maiden’s Castle, is a historical fortress located on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, within the Mersin Province of Turkey. The island, originally named Crambusa (Greek: Γραμβούσσα, Gramvoussa), is positioned at coordinates 36°27′23″N 34°08′53″E. It lies approximately 300 meters off the shore and spans an area of about 15,000 square meters, with the castle occupying the majority of this space. The nearby town of Kızkalesi, sharing its name with the island, is situated 23 kilometers from Erdemli and 60 kilometers from Mersin.
Berdavan Fortress
Berdavan Fortress, also known as Ghalinjakar Fortress, stands as a significant historical monument in Armenia. Located on a hilltop near the village of Berdavan in the Tavush Province, close to the border with Azerbaijan, the fortress is situated 664 meters above sea level. This strategic position highlights its historical importance in the region’s defense and control.
Bethsaida
Bethsaida, a name that resonates with historical and biblical significance, has been a subject of scholarly interest and debate for centuries. Known in various sources as Bethsaida, Julias, or Julia, this ancient site holds a pivotal place in the narratives of the New Testament, where it is mentioned as the hometown of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip. The etymology of Bethsaida, deriving from Aramaic and Hebrew meaning ‘House of the Fisherman’ or ‘House of the Hunter’, underscores its presumed economic activities and geographical setting near the Sea of Galilee.
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.