5 important historical places of the world that are now in ruins

There have been several important empires, cultures, and civilizations that have risen, flourished, and eventually crumbled such that there is near to negligible proof of their existence. But, their stories continue to live on in ruins that still attract tourists and historians from around the globe.

These ruins include ancient cities, religious sites, and tombs that give us a look into the past by preserving the legacies of long-gone kingdoms. Some of these ruins are also very famous tourist spots today, while others remain isolated, hiding the mysteries of their greatness in them. Here are five historical ruins that tell stories about aeons long gone!

Located in modern-day Tunis, Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in 814 B.C.E. It became a busy and important trading hub and a powerful rival to Rome. The city fell to Rome in the Punic Wars, and today, visitors can explore the Roman ruins, including the Antonine Baths and the reconstructed theater. Each year, the International Festival of Carthage brings cultural performances to this ancient site, celebrating the rich history of this city that was once a great one!

Volubilis is a 5,000-year-old city, which flourished as part of the Roman Empire. The city is situated in an isolated location in Morocco and has helped preserve its ruins. Visitors can see the well-preserved structures like the aqueduct, triumphal arch, and thermal baths. Among the most important features of these ruins are the detailed mosaics, such as those found in the House of Orpheus. Volubilis’s architecture has Mauritanian, Roman, and Arabo-Islamic influences.

Situated on the island of Java, the Prambanan Temple Compounds have Hindu and Buddhist temples dating back to the 9th century. Despite being damaged by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions over the years, many of the structures, such as the towering temples dedicated to Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva, still stand tall. The site is well known for its detailed bas-reliefs, a sculpture where figures are slightly raised from the flat background, that depicts the Ramayana epic. The visitors can also enjoy performances of the Ramayana Ballet at the temple site.

Once a flourishing oasis city along the Silk Road, Merv’s ruins date back to four millennia of history. The city which was famous for its cultural and scientific significance, was destroyed by Genghis Khan’s forces in 1221. The major attractions include the remains of mosques, Buddhist monasteries, and mausoleums. Merv was an intellectual hub, attracting scholars like Omar Khayyam. Visitors can explore the city’s vast archaeological park, and see the remnants of its grand walls, canals, and orchards that once nourished the prosperous metropolis.

Hegra, the ancient city of the Nabataean kingdom, was an important trade and religious site from the 4th century B.C.E. to the 1st century C.E. Located in Saudi Arabia, Hegra’s most important and attractive feature is its 100 + tombs that are carved into sandstone cliffs. Unlike Petra which is its cousin city, Hegra remains comparatively undiscovered by tourists, giving visitors a serene experience. The site, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, is well known for its Greco-Roman and Egyptian-influenced carvings and inscriptions in Nabataean script.