The secrets of ancient civilizations excite the minds of hundreds of researchers around the world. Moreover, the peoples who have gone down into history have left us dozens of buildings for study. The oldest surviving man-made structures date back to the fourth millennium BC.
Our today's top ten contains the most ancient buildings on Earththat are of interest both for scientists and for tourists who enjoy visiting these historical and architectural monuments.
10. Caucasian Dolmens, Russia
These stone tombs are found in the Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, Stavropol Territory and Abkhazia. Most of these structures were built at the end of the third millennium BC. Scientists know about 3 thousand dolmens in the Caucasus. Unfortunately, many of them have been hit hard by vandals and natural influences. Almost all dolmens are freely accessible, they are not fenced in any way and, alas, are not guarded by anyone.
9. Kivik Tomb, Sweden
This structure was built on the territory of modern Sweden over 3,000 years ago. For a long time, local peasants used ancient stones for their own needs, until the scientific study of the object began in 1748. Today, the Kivik Tomb is open to visitors.
8. Stonehenge, UK
This megalithic structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scientists believe that the construction of Stonehenge took more than one century. The main moat and the oldest boulders were erected between 3020 and 2910 BC. e. The most recent work was completed around 2100 BC. e.
7. Treasury of Atreus, Greece
This tomb in Mycenae is about 3200 years old. It was first researched scientifically in 1879 by Heinrich Schliemann. The monumental ancient building is one of the most important monuments of the Mycenaean civilization.
6. Caral, Peru
One of the oldest settlements on Earth existed about 4600 years ago. Scientists find it difficult to answer which civilization the city belonged to, because the Olmecs and other Indian tribes lived in South America thousands of years later. Currently, the ancient buildings have been cleared of sand and soil. But due to lack of funds, research work was suspended.
5. Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt
The oldest of the Egyptian pyramids was erected about 4,700 years ago. The more famous pyramid of Cheops is larger, but as much as 2 centuries younger than the pyramid of Djoser. The youngest of the pyramids of Giza date back to the beginning of the second millennium BC.
4. Hulbjerg Jættestue, Denmark
The extensive tomb containing the remains of 400 people was built some 5,000 years ago. One of the bodies found amazed researchers with traces of the work of an ancient dentist.
3. Newgrange, Ireland
The megalithic structure is a corridor tomb that is part of the huge Brun-na-Boyne complex. The construction of Newgrange dates from around 2500 BC. e. The oldest building in Ireland is located 40 km from Dublin.
2.Sardinian ziggurat (Monte D'Accoddi), Sardinia
One of the oldest buildings on Earth is 5.5 thousand years old.This ancient megalithic monument was built by representatives of the Ozieri culture, and then it was repeatedly completed and rebuilt. The most recent reconstructions were made between 2600-2300 BC.
1. Maltese megalithic temples, Malta
A group of prehistoric temples are included in the UNESCO heritage list. It is believed that the most ancient buildings of man on Earth are located here. Colossal temples were built by the islanders 1000 years before the Egyptian pyramids.