Remarkable ancient cities you can still visit

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Step into the past with a journey to some of the world's most remarkable ancient cities. These destinations, ranging from the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat to the vibrant streets of Varanasi, offer a window into human civilization, spirituality, and resilience. Whether carved into cliffs, nestled in valleys, or perched on hilltops, these ancient cities continue to captivate travelers, blending millennia-old stories with the allure of modern exploration.

Click on to explore these must-visit ancient cities. 

Thebes, Egypt

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Thebes, once Egypt's capital, is home to iconic sites like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and Luxor. These monumental ruins leave visitors feeling small and awestruck by their scale.

Ephesus, Turkey

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Ephesus offers a deep dive into Ancient Roman and Greek history, with highlights like the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. 

Hampi, India

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Hampi, the last capital of the Hindu Vijayanagar kingdom, was built by wealthy princes between the 14th and 16th centuries. Despite being attacked in 1565, 1,600 structures, including stone chariots, remain.

Pompeii, Italy

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Pompeii, founded in the sixth-seventh century BCE, was buried by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 CE. Today, it's a famous archaeological site, preserving victims and their remains under ash.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, features stunning ruins like El Castillo, the Warriors' Temple, and El Caracol, built by the Mayas and Toltecs between the sixth and ninth centuries CE.

Herculaneum, Italy

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Though Pompeii steals the spotlight, nearby Herculaneum, also destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, often goes unnoticed. This seaside town offers well-preserved ruins, including villas, baths, mosaics, and frescoes.

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Ollanta, located in Peru's Sacred Valley, isn't as famous as Machu Picchu but still attracts visitors. Built by Inca ruler Pachacuti, it features steep stone terraces, a royal estate, and military defenses.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Abu Simbel, home to remarkable Ancient Egyptian rock temples, includes the famous Temples of Ramesses II. The site, relocated to prevent flooding, was rediscovered in 1813 and is now a UNESCO site.

Jerash, Jordan

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman sites, features impressive ruins like the Temple of Artemis and the Forum. Highlights include the Cardo street and the South Theatre. 

Aksum, Ethiopia

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Aksum, once the powerful capital of an Ethiopian kingdom, features ruins from the first to 13th centuries CE, including tombs, obelisks, and the rumored resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

Varanasi, India

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Varanasi, on the Ganges, is a sacred Hindu city and among the world's oldest. Explore temples, ghats, cremation sites, and nearby Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

The Indus Valley civilization, dating back 5,000 years, includes the mysterious Mohenjo Daro in southern Pakistan. Its advanced ruins feature baths, homes, and drainage systems. 

Petra, Jordan

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Petra, meaning "rock" in Greek, showcases ancient Nabataean architecture and water systems carved into rose sandstone. Explore this UNESCO site, then safari through Wadi Rum's red-rock wilderness. 

Leptis Magna, Libya

Thebes, Egypt, Ephesus, Turkey, Hampi, India, Pompeii, Italy, Chichen Itza, Mexico, Herculaneum, Italy, Ollantaytambo, Peru, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Jerash, Jordan, Aksum, Ethiopia, Varanasi, India, Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan, Petra, Jordan, Leptis Magna, Libya

Leptis Magna, near Khoms, Libya, is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site. Founded by Phoenicians, it later thrived under Roman rule, featuring remarkable ruins like the Forum, Basilica, and Severan Arch.

Post Related