9 oldest ruins from around the world

Discover the marvelous sites of ancient civilizations from the Neolithic period. These incredible ancient creations are a great example of the amazing knowledge and understanding of the builders, as well as the beauty of early steps in the development of prehistoric societies. From the beautiful Megalithic Temples of Malta to the mysterious Stonehenge in England, we have got a glimpse into 9 such ancient wonders that provide remarkable and invaluable insights into early times.

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are one of the oldest structures in the world dating back to around 3,600 BCE. Built from large limestone blocks, these temples served as significant religious centers for the Neolithic communities of the Maltese Islands. The temples have immensely beautiful and unique carvings and architectural designs, offering valuable knowledge about the ancient religious practices.

Skara Brae stands out as a remarkable and well-preserved Neolithic village located on the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Built around 5,000 years ago, it showcases beautifully constructed stone houses. Archaeologists have discovered a variety of ancient artifacts and tools, including decorative items, pottery pieces, and ornaments, providing invaluable insights into the day-to-day lives and lifestyle practices of the ancient communities that lived in the village of Skara Brae.

Newgrange is an ancient ruin in Ireland, built around 3200 BCE. It showcases a uniquely crafted tomb from that era. This special tomb is designed so that sunlight shines into it on the shortest day of the year, which happens during the winter. Newgrange is a remarkable example of ancient architecture and its astronomical significance shows how talented, creative, and intelligent the builders were.

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, like the Megalithic Temples of Malta, are ancient religious sites built during the Neolithic period, around 3600-2500 BCE. These temples are full of surprisingly designed stone structures and carvings that depict a remarkable understanding of celestial events and spiritual beliefs among their builders. Through extensive excavations and the study of these incredible carvings, archaeologists have discovered a wide variety of artifacts, including ancient statues and beautifully decorated pottery. These discoveries provide immense knowledge and understanding into the religious practices and cultural traditions of the ancient communities that worshiped at these sacred sites.

Stonehenge is an immensely popular and respected prehistoric monument around the world, located in England Constructed over several phases from 3000 to 2000 BCE, this site consists of standing stones arranged in circles, along with earthworks and burial mounds. It is often a topic of heated discussion among historians and archaeologists regarding its significance as a site of religious worship and burial rituals, making it a beautifully iconic symbol of cultures and heritage.

The Carnac Stones are known to be one of the oldest ruins in the world, comprising a vast group of ancient structures found in Brittany, France. They were built during the Neolithic period, a time when people were just starting to settle in one place, dating back to around 4500 to 2000 BCE. These stones are arranged in various configurations, including rows, patterns, and large structures spread across the landscape. Despite extensive research studies and efforts by archaeologists, the exact purpose of these structures remains undiscovered.

The Tumulus of Bougon, an immensely significant site comprising five ancient burial mounds located in western France, dates back to the Neolithic period, constructed thousands of years ago. These mounds, also known as "tumuli," are ancient structures built during this time. Each tumulus contains megalithic chambers and spaces constructed from large stones, creating substantial burial areas. Archaeologists at the site have discovered artifacts such as pottery, tools, and human remains, providing important insights into early burial practices and social customs.

Khirokitia, situated on the island of Cyprus, is a magnificent ancient settlement dating back to the Neolithic period, built around 7000-6000 BCE. The site is renowned for its significant and unique circular stone houses, which had floors and walls perfectly plastered with materials available during that time. Through extensive research, archaeologists have discovered that the inhabitants and communities of Khirokitia practiced agriculture and engaged in trade activities.

The Loughcrew Cairns, also popularly known as "the Hills of the Witch," are a unique and fascinating collection of passage tombs located in County Meath, Ireland. Dating back to the Neolithic period, these cairns are ancient burial sites built around 4000 to 2500 BCE. One of the most remarkable features of the Loughcrew Cairns is their alignment with the movements of the sun and stars, demonstrating an incredible understanding and knowledge of celestial phenomena by the ancient builders. This alignment suggests that the tombs may have been built for ceremonial or ritual purposes, linked to ancient religious beliefs or practices.