The oldest temples serve as major attractions for tourists, pilgrims, and those interested in history. Today, we have compiled a list of ancient temples. Check out our blog if you want to visit an ancient monument in your next holidays; we guarantee you these temples won’t disappoint you.
World’s Most Ancient Temples: Unveiling The Sacred History
Ancient temples are a heritage for all of us from the era that has passed and showcase that mankind was developed in that time, too. Let’s scroll down and learn about the temples.
1- Temple of Hatshepsut (Egypt)
The Temple of Hatshepsut was built during the era of Pharaoh Hatshepsut of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. It’s unclear who built the temple or when, but it was founded in 1500 B.C. Over the years, many of the site’s original statues and ornaments have been stolen, lost or destroyed; however, you can still find the unique designs, chapels and sanctuaries dedicated to different gods.
2- Temple of Amada (Egypt)
Next among the oldest temples in the world is the Temple Amada. Located in the Nubia region, this temple was originally built between 1,550 and 1189 B.C. on the east shore of the Nile. In this temple, you can find ancient paintings and inscriptions describing the achievements of Pharaoh III who built this temple.
3- Gobekli Tepe (Turkey)
If you like visiting historical sites, visit Gobekli Tepe, one of the world’s oldest temples. Located in southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, this temple features 20 circles of tall rock pillars weighing up to 20 tons. This fact alone gives birth to a curiosity about how Stone Age masons were able to build this temple. You can also find human arms, vultures, waterfalls, etc., carved on the stones.
4- Temple of Seti I (Egypt)
Next on this list of ancient temples is the temple of Seti I, which is now known as the Great Temple of Abydos. The temple is in Egypt, and you offer a great time to visitors with 7 chapels, the Hall of Ancestors, the Osiris Sanctuary, and multiple chambers. Due to its historical significance, the Temple of Seti is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
5- Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni (Malta)
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni temple is among the oldest temples. Built underground around 2,500 B.C., it is filled with false windows, trilithon doorways, decorative red ocher paintings, and ceiling carvings. This ancient temple is in Paola, Malta.
6- Ggantija Temples (Malta)
Malta residents looking for historical sites to visit during upcoming holidays can visit Ggantija Temples. It is among the oldest temples in the world, built between 3600 and 2500 BC. Visitors can check out artefacts and megaliths weighing around 50 tons. It’s one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world.
7- Temple of Apollo (Delphi)
The Temple of Apollo, also known as the Apollonian, is a major part of the Panhellenic religious sanctuary in Central Greece. Built-in 330 BC, it was destroyed by a huge earthquake and rebuilt in 373 BC. The temple contains statues of Zeus, Apollo, Chronos, Fates, and the tomb of Dionysos. Discoveries about this temple are still underway.
8- Tchogha Zanbil (Iran)
Those who want to visit the ruins can go to Tchogha Zanbil, one of the oldest temples in the world. Now turned into a museum, this temple has Iran’s largest ziggurat (a rectangular stepped tower), bricks inscribing names of Elamite and Akkadian deities, multiple temples inside, and royal palaces. With so much to offer, Tchogha Zanbil is definitely a place worth visiting in our list of ancient temples.
9- Stonehenge (England)
Stonehenge is an ancient temple aligned with the sun’s movements. The interesting fact about this temple is that there is no information about who or when built this temple. This structure is considered one of the biggest achievements in engineering. Here, you can visit nearby villages, explore 250 artefacts, watch the burial mounds, etc.
10- Mundeshwari Devi Temple (India)
Mundeshwari Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. It is located in Kaimur, Bihar. Although the temple isn’t that big structurally, its ancient carvings make it a popular spot for visitors. According to ASI (Archeological Survey of India), this structure was built in 108 CE and is the oldest Hindu temple in the world.
Journey Through Time: Oldest Temples On The Earth
The Oldest temples are great tourist spots, but they are also an invaluable heritage of the era that has passed. Over time, the value of these structures has grown. As people, we must protect this heritage and try to learn about it as much as possible. Visit these temples at least once, and we are sure you will love the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the oldest temples in India?
The oldest temples in India are Kailasa Temple, Aurangabad, Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Mundeshwari Temple, etc.
2. Which is India’s richest temple?
Padmanabhaswamy temple is considered the richest temple in India and the whole world.
3. Which temple was destroyed 17 times?
Gujarat’s Somnath Temple was destroyed 17 times, and the attacker was Mahmud Ghazni.
4. What temple took 40 years in the making?
The Salt Lake Temple, located in the U.S., took 40 long years in the making and was built between 1853 and 1893.
5. Who destroyed the first temple?
According to the Bible, King Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed the very first temple.