Built by Ancient Civilisations?

The Citadel of Mycenae and the Lion Gate (Greece)

The Citadel of Mycenae, located in Greece, dates back to around 1,250 BCE. One of its most remarkable features is the Lion Gate, the main entrance to the Citadel. Mycenae was a major center of Greek civilization during the late Bronze Age and is often associated with the legendary King Agamemnon from Homer’s epics. The Mycenaean civilization flourished between 1600 BCE and 1100 BCE, known for its impressive architectural achievements, advanced administrative systems, and extensive trade networks.

The Lion Gate, a prime example of Mycenaean architecture, features a massive lintel stone weighing approximately 20 tons. The gate is supported by two massive upright stones, or jambs. Above the lintel is a triangular relief featuring two lions standing on either side of a central column, symbolizing royal power and divine protection. The surrounding walls are constructed using Cyclopean masonry, a technique involving large, irregular limestone boulders fitted together without mortar. The term “Cyclopean” derives from the later Greek belief that only the mythical Cyclopes could have moved such enormous stones.

The Lion Gate of Hattusa (Turkey)

The Lion Gate of Hattusa, located in present-day Turkey, dates back to around 1,440 BCE. It served as the main entrance to the ancient city of Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire. The Hittite Empire was a significant power in the ancient Near East, known for its military strength, extensive diplomatic networks, and advanced legal and political systems. The construction of the Lion Gate during the height of Hittite power reflects the empire’s wealth, military prowess, and sophisticated architectural skills.

The Lion Gate is a monumental stone gateway flanked by two massive lion sculptures carved from single blocks of limestone. These lions, with fierce expressions and detailed craftsmanship, were intended to ward off evil and protect the city. The gate is part of a larger fortification system of Hattusa, which included extensive walls, gates, and towers designed for both defense and demonstration of the Hittite civilization’s might. The walls of Hattusa stretched over 8 kilometers (4.97 miles), enclosing the city and protecting its inhabitants.

Sigiriya: The Sky Fortress of Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is an ancient fortress located in Sri Lanka. The site, perched atop a 200-meter-high granite monolith, was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century CE. To safeguard himself against potential retaliation, Kashyapa moved the capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya and commissioned the construction of a fortress and luxurious palace.

Sigiriya is renowned for its advanced architectural features, including its terraced gardens, water gardens, and the Mirror Wall. The frescoes on Sigiriya’s western face depict celestial maidens known as apsaras, showcasing the exceptional skill of ancient Sri Lankan artists. The water gardens, with their intricate hydraulic systems, demonstrate sophisticated water management and urban planning by ancient engineers. The site was rediscovered in 1831 by Major Jonathan Forbes of the British Army, sparking global interest in its archaeological significance.

Tiwanaku and Puma Punku (Bolivia)

Tiwanaku, an ancient archaeological site near Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, was the heart of the Tiwanaku Empire, which thrived between 300 CE and 1000 CE. Renowned for their impressive architectural and engineering achievements, the Tiwanaku people developed intricate agricultural systems and maintained extensive trade networks across South America.

One of the most significant structures at Tiwanaku is the Akapana Pyramid, a large terrace mound standing approximately 16.5 meters (54.13 feet) high and spanning a base area of around 200 meters (656 feet) by 250 meters (820 feet). The pyramid’s design reflects the religious and cultural importance placed on sacred mountains. The Kalisaya Complex, another remarkable feature, is a large rectangular enclosure surrounded by high stone walls, within which stands the famous Gateway of the Sun, a massive monolithic archway carved from a single block of andesite stone.

Puma Punku, part of the Tiwanaku complex, is known for its extraordinary precision stonework. The site features h-shaped blocks that interlock in a modular fashion, suggesting a highly planned and sophisticated approach to construction. The stones, made from andesite and sandstone, were cut with such precision that the joints between them are virtually invisible.

Nuragic Towers of Sardinia (Italy)

The Nuragic civilization thrived on the island of Sardinia from approximately 1800 BCE until the Roman conquest in 238 BCE. The Nuraghes, megalithic structures built by the Nuragic people, served as fortresses, places of worship, and residences. Over 7,000 of these structures have been identified across Sardinia.

The Nuraghe Su Nuraxi in Barumini, excavated by Italian archaeologist Giovanni Lilliu in the 1950s, is one of the most significant Nuragic sites. The central tower, surrounded by four smaller towers and an extensive village of huts, stands approximately 18.5 meters (60.7 feet) high. The Nuragic people used large, irregularly shaped stones that fit together without mortar, demonstrating advanced construction techniques and societal organization.

Kerma: The Forgotten Kingdom of Nubia (Sudan)

Kerma, located near the third cataract of the Nile in Northern Sudan, was a significant urban center of the ancient Nubian civilization, flourishing between 2500 BCE and 1500 BCE. The site is renowned for its large mud-brick temple known as the Deffufa, standing about 18 meters (59.06 feet) high with a base measuring approximately 50 meters (164.04 feet) by 25 meters (82.02 feet).

The Deffufa, constructed from sundried mud bricks, served as a central hub for the cultural, political, and religious activities of the Kerma culture. The site was first excavated by American archaeologist George Reisner in 1913, whose discoveries revealed Kerma as a major urban center rivaling contemporary Egyptian cities in complexity and wealth.

Stone Circles of Senegambia (Senegal and The Gambia)

The Stone Circles of Senegambia, located in Senegal and The Gambia, are a series of megalithic sites spanning a vast area from the River Gambia to the River Saloum. These stone circles, composed of between 10 to 24 stones made from laterite, date back to between the 3rd century BCE and the 16th century CE.

Archaeological excavations have confirmed that the circles primarily served as burial sites, with human remains often found at their center, accompanied by various artifacts such as pottery, iron tools, and jewelry. The Senegambian Stone Circles were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, highlighting their importance on a global scale.

Gunung Padang: Southeast Asia’s Largest Megalithic Site (Indonesia)

Gunung Padang, located in West Java, Indonesia, is Southeast Asia’s largest and most mysterious megalithic site. The site, situated on a mountain about 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) southwest of Cianjur, covers an area of approximately 900 square meters. The complex is composed of massive rectangular andesite stones arranged into terraces.

Radiocarbon dating of organic materials found within the soil layers suggests that the upper visible layers were constructed between 500 BCE and 1500 BCE. However, deeper investigations have indicated the presence of layers that could date back to at least 9,000 BCE, and possibly as far back as 20,000 BCE, challenging the established timelines of human civilization in Southeast Asia.