Step into a time machine that takes you back to an era when gods were worshiped in grand temples and where all empires celebrated their might in monumental architecture. Here are some of the ancient sites that form gateways to the civilizations that shaped our world.
Ellora CavesIndia
Ellora Caves, India
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Ellora Caves, India
Photo Cfredits: Canva
One of the most widely known rock-cut cave complexes is seen in the Indian state of Maharashtra, and is a step into the time machine of an era when gods were worshiped in grand temples and where all empires monumentally commemorated their Used to celebrate strength. Architecture.The ancient sites form the gateway to the civilizations that shaped our world, called the Ellora Caves. They represent important aspects of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. The cave structures were built mainly during the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties from the 6th to the 10th century AD. The most important feature here is the huge, monolithic rock excavation, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Kailasa Temple. These temples display highly detailed carvings and sculptures of many deities and mythological scenes.
Ellora Caves have deteriorated due to natural erosion and human activities. Although basalt is a type of igneous rock that has completely hardened, it can be eroded by rain water, changes in temperature, etc. The overall wear and tear of caves is also caused by tourists and has accelerated due to the pollution caused by it. Nearby urbanization.
Located in the south of Egypt, across the border from Sudan, Abu Simbel is a site that represents two colossal rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramesses II during the 13th century BC. The larger temple was dedicated to Ramesses II himself, while the smaller temple was dedicated to his queen Nefertari. These temples were built to impress the Nubian people with the power and divine nature of the Pharaoh.
Many factors contribute to the deterioration of structures. Behind the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, relocation to prevent the sinking of Lake Nasser left the monuments disconnected and reconnected, creating new tensions. Additionally, high temperature fluctuations, and frequent sandstorms in this arid landscape cause sandstone erosion.
Volubilismorocco113868146
Volubilis is a partially excavated Berber-Roman city in Morocco dating back to the 3rd century BC. Following the influence of the Romans from the 1st century AD, it became an important center of agriculture and trade. It has impressive ruins such as a basilica, a triumphal arch and countless mosaics – including one in eulogy of the emperor Domitian – that depict its golden years under the Romans.
Volubilis degradation occurs due to natural and human causes. It suffered greatly from the effects of earthquakes, especially the great earthquake of the mid-18th century. More deeply, the site was plundered and stones were taken to build structures over the centuries. The remains are getting destroyed due to weather, rain and wind.
Prambanan Temple Compounds, Indonesia113868184
Prambanan Temple Complex, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is a collection of Hindu temples dating from the 9th century AD during the Sanjaya Dynasty. The main structure is of Trimurti, i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Their stunning architecture and elaborate remains depict scenes from the Ramayana and can be considered to represent an immortal love story.
Prambanan has been credited with causing natural and man-made destruction. The passage of time has resulted in many structural damages as the area is prone to earthquakes, which is part of its seismic activity. Volcanic ash from Mount Merapi sometimes covered the site. Human factors such as tourism and urban development devalued the ancient structure
Baalbek, Lebanon113868188
Baalbek is a city in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon, and is famous for its famous Roman temples, the most famous of which are the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus. The Temple of Jupiter is dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter and has tall pillars. The Temple of Bacchus has beautiful carvings and is generally very well preserved.
The decline of Baalbek is attributed to various factors. Earthquakes over the centuries have severely damaged its structures, and regional seismic activity continues to threaten its structures to this day. Especially in times of conflict, looting and vandalism also play their part. Environmental factors – weathering and erosion also play an important role in the gradual destruction of these ancient monuments.
