5 ancient ruins to see around the world

Step into the time machine that takes you back to an age when gods were worshipped in grand temples and where all the empires celebrated their might in monumental architecture. Here are a few ancient sites that form the portals to the civilizations that shape our world.



Ellora Caves , India




One of the widely known rock-cutting cave complexes is seen in the state of Maharashtra, India, and it is a Step into a time machine back to an age when gods were worshipped in grand temples and where all the empires celebrated their might in monumental architecture. Ancient sites form this gateway to the civilizations that shape our world, called the Ellora Caves. They represent significant aspects of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. The cave structures were mainly built during the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties, from the 6th to the 10th century CE. The most important feature here is the massive, monolithic rock excavation, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Kailasa temple. These temples expose highly detailed carvings and sculptures of many gods and mythological scenes.

The natural erosion and human activities have caused the degradation of the Ellora Caves. Although basalt is a kind of igneous rock that has hardened completely, it can be eroded by rainwater, changes in temperature, etc. The total wear and tear of the caves is also because of the tourists and has accelerated because of pollution that spreads from the nearby urbanizations.

Abu Simbel , Egypt



Situated in the south of Egypt across the border with Sudan, Abu Simbel is a site representing two gigantic rock-cut temples built during the 13th century BCE by the Pharaoh Ramesses II. The bigger temple was dedicated to Ramesses II himself, whereas the smaller temple was dedicated to his queen Nefertari. These temples were carved to impress the Nubians with the power and divine nature of the pharaoh.

Several reasons contribute to the deterioration of the structures. The relocation carried out in the 1960s to save them from submergence by Lake Nasser, behind the Aswan High Dam, cut and reassembled the monuments, thereby introducing fresh stresses. Additionally, the high temperature fluctuations, and recurrent sandstorms experienced in this arid landscape cause erosion of the sandstone.

Volubilis , Morocco



Volubilis is a partially excavated Berber-Roman city in Morocco that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. Following the Romans' influence since the 1st century CE, it became an important center of agriculture and trade. It boasts impressive ruins such as a basilica, a triumphal arch, and countless mosaics-including hyperbolic praise of Emperor Domitian-reflecting its golden years under the Romans.

The degradation of Volubilis is due to natural and human causes. It suffered greatly from the effects of earthquakes, particularly the great earthquake of the mid-18th century. More profoundly, the site was plundered and stones were carried away to form structures throughout the centuries. The remains are being eroded by weather, rain, and wind.


Prambanan Temple Compounds, Indonesia

The Prambanan Temple Compounds, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, are a collection of Hindu temples dating back to the 9th century CE during the Sanjaya dynasty. The principal structure is that of the Trimurti, that is, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Their stunning architecture and detailed relics depict scenes from the Ramayana and may be considered to represent an immortal love story.

Natural as well as human-made destructions have been given to Prambanan. The elapsed time caused several structural damages because the region is prone to earthquakes, which is part of its seismic activities. Volcanic ashes from Mount Merapi sometimes covered the place. Human causes, such as tourism and urban development, made the ancient structure depreciate

Baalbek, Lebanon



Baalbek is a town in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon, and it is famous for its gaint Roman temples, the most famous being the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus. The Temple of Jupiter is dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter and boasts towering columns. The Temple of Bacchus has beautiful carvings and is generally preserved very well.

The degradability of Baalbek is attributed to various factors. Earthquakes, over the centuries, have seriously damaged its structures, and regional seismic activities are threatening its structures up to the present day. Looting and vandalism, especially in times of conflict, also do their share. Environmental factors - weathering and erosion also play their part significantly in the gradual destruction of these ancient monuments.