Published by Like the people of today our ancient ancestors took religion very seriously in their lives. To display this the ancient architects built colossal structures that still stand to this day. Spread throughout the world and on every continent there are numerous examples of structures that these people built to honor their dead or to practice their religions. Lots of these structures are still very mysterious to us and many answers are still unknown about them. Below are some of the most famous religious sites with these ancient cultures.
The Great Pyramid, Egypt
Built for the Pharaoh Khufu to be his final resting place and gateway to the afterlife. The pyramid displays perfect precision in its construction and has slots built into it aligning with certain constellations. Questions are still being asked about its construction methods.
photo from Wikipedia.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Huge city and temple complex built between the ninth and 13th centuries AD. This was the official seat of the Khmer Empire and was built on the Hindu religion. After the 13th century the complex fell out of repair and was eventually converted into a Buddhist temple complex. Parts of the complex are still used today as part of the Buddhist culture.
photo from Wikipedia.
Easter Island Moai Statues
Located on Easter Island in the South Pacific, the small island has several hundred of these stone statues that were believed to be the living faces of ancestors who were made into gods. Most statues have very large heads with smaller bodies and most were facing inland when erected to protect the island from invaders but restoration projects have some of the statues facing out to sea now.
Photo from Wikipedia.
Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Teotihuacan
Large pyramid located in the heart of this ancient city. 200 sacrificial bodies were recovered from this site making it an important religious site. Located in Central Mexico this site was a very important spiritual center for the inhabitants.
Photo from Wikipedia.
Stonehenge, England
Although most scholars now believe this site to be an observatory there are still speculations about it being a religious center too. Whatever the case, there were definitely rituals occurring here in the past so religion almost certainly played a part.
photo from Wikipedia.
Nazca Lines, Peru
Lines drawn in the desert sands depicting either geometric figurines, animals, people, and some just straight lines. These are still unknown as to how they were constructed and why but belief or superstition certainly played a part. Some believe that the lines were walked in some kind of seasonal/yearly ritual by the Nazca people while others think that the lines symbolize water ways underground.
photo from Wikipedia.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Considered to be the last town of the Mayan culture and located in the high Andes. Numerous temples and buildings dot the high cliffs here. Incan Deities are portrayed throughout temples. Considered by some scholars to be the holiest city of the Mayan people.
photo from Wikipedia.
Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) Bolivia
Located in the heart of Bolivia. Temples, megaliths and sculptures were created by pre-incan people but the Incas later believed this the site of creation. Most holiest of sites to the Incan people.
photo from Wikipedia.
Newgrange, Ireland.
Huge Neolithic building. Built around 3000 BC. Lots of ceremonial activity took place in the structure and animal bones were found in the interior. During winter solstice the sun will shine a narrow beam of light right down onto floor of main passage. Newgrange lay hidden for thousands of years and was re-found in the 1700’s.
photo from Wikipedia.
Karnak Temple Complex, Egypt
Largest ancient religious site in the world. Complex consists of four main parts. Numerous temples and buildings are spread throughout complex. This was the grand center for the priests in ancient Egypt.
photo from Wikipedia.
The Temple Mount/ Dome of the Rock
Supposed to be the original site of The First Jewish Temple. The building site now is an Islamic Temple that houses the Foundation Stone which is one of the holiest spots in both Islamic and Judaic religions. Islams believe that this is the site where Mohammed ascended into heaven and the Jewish people believe that this site is where the former main inner sanctuary was located that only the High Priest could enter into one time of year on Yom Kippur.
Photo from Wikipedia.
If you like this article please check out my other one entitled “Most Mysterious Christian Religious Items”.
Nice! Very nice! I mean very, very, very nice!
Thank You sir,
for such an wonderfull information.I could never see these place in my lifetime in reality. Thanks for showing me these thr’ your websites. I am gratefull