Imagine standing on a porch on a bright, warm afternoon. The sky is full of pink and blue hues. The sun shines over your head. The fresh breeze has taken over the city. A long wooden cart patiently awaits the owner. The day is an ethereal brilliance.
I stepped into the cart with a journal in my hand. I had embarked on a new road, exploring the places- that wanted to share their stories with me. Places that are long lost in the world with the wheel of time. They were some of the oldest construction in the world.
What happened to them? What tales did they hide? Did they face a deadly war? Did they fail the test of time? Why were they built? I have a million questions in my mind, with an urge to find their answers. I ordered the cart to go back in time.
Oldest Construction in the World that will Awe-Struck You:
1. Gobekli Tepe:
Gobekli Tepe is an archaeological mystery located six miles from the ancient city of Urfa in southeastern Turkey. Klaus Schmidt, a German archaeologist from the 1990s, discovered this site. This site predates Stonehenge by 6,000 years.
Popularly known as the Belly Hill in Turkish, Gobekli Tepe is located in Upper Mesopotamia. The site stands as a witness to the birth of farming communities. It portrays a picture of rituals and social relationships of prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups.
Gobekli Tepe is a man-made monumental architecture that holds unique T-shaped pillars that rise to 5.50 meters. The pillars are carved with various human and wild animals that resemble modern-day lions, foxes, bulls, and scorpions, witnessing proof of its rich symbolic language. The site is carved out of limestone and offers a glimpse into the distant past of human civilization. You may ask, what makes this site rare?
Gobekli Tepe’s monumental structures challenge the age-old narratives of early human societal development. This site was built in the prehistoric period by people- devoid of metal tools or pottery. It comprises 20 circles of towering stone pillars each, weighing up to 20 tons. The structures served for social gatherings and ceremonies.
Schmidt, who has experience in research for more than a decade at the site, is convinced that the site represents the world’s oldest groups of temples. He hints that this temple might be the dawn of organized religious and communal practices and the oldest construction in the world.
2. Megalithic temples of Malta
The Megalithic temples of Malta stand among one of the earliest stone buildings worldwide and date back to the 4th and 3rd century B.C. Some historians assume this temple to be the oldest construction in the world.
Their entrances lead the spectator to paved courts. We see semi-circular chambers that are known as apses in the interiors. The temples are constructed with local limestone and show remarkable craftsmanship. They consist of detailed decoration of drilled holes and panels that display various patterns.
The islands of Malta and Gozo are built out of 7 ancient megalithic temples. Each of them has a unique history and significance. The temples in Malta like the Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien show its rich temple-building heritage to the world. It is indeed fascinating to know how these temples were built without any modern-day tools. This highlights the talent and skill of the builders.
The temple is proof that society always followed ritual practices, evidence of Malta’s rich culture and glory. Malta is one of the most beautiful and oldest constructions in the world.
3. Uruk
When we talk about the oldest construction in the world, Uruk is one of the prominent names that pop up. Popularly known as the birthplace of writing, Uruk is an ancient city in the old Mesopotamia. It holds a crucial place in history for its countless contributions to human civilization. Uruk achieved popularity in its era for its legendary ruler “Gilgamesh”. He was known for reaching several essential milestones in the development of human society along with a quest for eternal life.
Uruk grew in strength in the modern-day Warqa. This old construction was discovered by King Enmerkar in 4500 BCE. The city’s cultural legacy stands far beyond its architecture. Buried for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1853 by William Loftus. Uruk has layers of history waiting to unfold. It is the world’s first true city, a very well-known civilization.
4. The Knap of Howar
The Knap of Howar is one of the oldest construction in the world located on Papa Westray Island in Orkney, Scotland. The name originates from the Norse language, which means ‘Mounds of Mounds.’ The site holds a significant place as it is one of the oldest constructions in the world. Researchers have found proof of early human habitation and agricultural development through archeological excavation. The research from this site could lead us to our rich past.
The Knap of Howar shows a glimpse into ancient history. This Neolithic site dates back to 3700-3500 BCE. It is the most ancient stone house in northern Europe. The site has shown significant preservation and architectural talent. The Knap consists of two adjacent buildings connected by a passage. House 1 has strong stone partitions, a hearth, and a cupboard, assuming it was a storage house.
5. Tumulus of Bougon
The Tumulus of Bougon is part of a serene land named Bougon, located in western France.
The Tumulus is a powerful representation of creativity, innovation, and cultural pride. It is built up of large earthly or stone burial mounds. The impressive barrows were constructed between 4700 and 3500 B.C. and belong to the Neolithic period. The Tumulus represents some of the earliest examples of megalithic architecture along the eastern coast of France. This site is considered the oldest construction in the world, especially in France.
The tomb has a complex structure and is built of five tombs, each with a different architectural style. The excavation of the site has brought up various treasures, including 220 skeletons and other articles in the grave. These graves throw light on the ancient burial practices and rituals.
Exploring the Oldest Construction in the World:
These were the first few pages of my journal that revealed the pages of human wonders to the world. More pages are waiting to be discovered. Our lands are full of unspoken cities and unknown tales. Each of these locations is waiting to be uncovered by us. The deep oceans, wide skies, and mystic lands- all with different stories to tell. Are you ready to hear one?
The world is full of wonders and exquisite experiences. Are you ready to write your journal?
