Ancient Cities

Here are tips for you if you’re planning to go to some of these awesome ancient destinations mentioned in this blog.

1. Have a tour guide with you- no one can tell you better about the place that a local, a patriotic one at that.  It’ll be interesting hearing the city’s history in the local’s words!

2.Do not take home any “souvenirs” - Many of these ancient cities are protected by Unesco. Stone, rublle, rocks, may be considered artifacts. You are not supposed to take any home as keepsakes. You might get in trouble with the law if you do!

3.Keep an open mind and adventurous spirit - Many of these locations are far flung areas. You may need to camp out, or take long treks to get there! Do it! It will be worth it!

4.Safety first- Always pack a little first aid kit, your basic medicine, and some water when you go to these places. Also tell friends where you’re going and when you’re expected back!

5.Save the Moment- The camera is your best friend! You may never get the chance to go back. Take lots of photos, and make sure you load up on film (if you’re still using that kind) and lots of batteries .

Cusco, the Inca city has such a rich history. Formed in the shaped on a lion that represented  a deity, Cusco was once home to the Inca tribe.

Cusco was said to have narrow streets. It’s walls were made of carved stones or sun-dried brick. The old houses had roofs of straw, with few doors and windows. Rivers flowing through the city supplied it with water.

The Inca’s were known for their rituals, so it is no surprise that the city had a ceremonial sector and a clelebration sector. These parts were made with stone labs, maybe in an effort to avoid the nuance of the rainy season.

There is so much to see in this ancient city. One is really able to understand the culture of the Incas because of its structure. Cusco holds the many secrets of one of the most fascinating, and once most powerful civilizations on the planet.

Perhaps the most famous ancient city in the world is Athens! What’s even more amazing is that some of its remains have survived and have become part of the modern city that we know today! Because of Athen’s structural remains, we are able to catch a glimpse of the magnificence of the old city!

Athens was primarily famous as the resource center for students. It was the educational hub, the city of wisdom! There, students could go and learn about art, architecture, archeology, languages, philosophy and history.

Athens was known for its philosophers, teachers, tutors and scholars.  They left the fame of brute strength and warfare to their neighbor Sparta, and chose to concentrate on intellectual pursuits instead.

This is evident in Athens many surviving statues, sculptures, and architecture. There was such thought, work and intricacy put into everything!

It must have been a sight to behold during the ancient times!

For many many years, people thought that the ancient city of Troy only existed in stories and not in real life. That was proven wrong when Troy was found lately!

The 4000 year old city was known as the center of civilization. It had great powers during its time because of its prime location. The city was located between Europe and Asia. It also gained popularity  many years later as a cultural center.

Troy was abandoned for a time after the great Trojan war. In about 700 B.C., Greek settlers began to occupy it once gain and it was named Ilion.

Upon the establishment of Constantinople, Troy eventually lost its place in power.

Anuradhaoura is Sri Lanka’s first ever capital, located about 205 kilometers away from Colombo. Buddhist chronicles say that the city, which has been around since the 4th century was made from great planning.

Present were precincts,  hotels, hospitals and low and high caste cemeteries. Reserviors made sure that water was always in ample supply.

This ancient city was supposedly established in the spot where Buddha’s tree of enlightenment once stood. It remained a capital for 600 years and was sadly abandoned because of political strife and warfare.

It has only recently been found again, with some of its palaces, monuments and monasteries still intact.

I’ve always dreamed of going to Damascus.

Damascus is one of the oldest cities of the Middle East, having been around since the third century. It was well known for its crafts of sword and lace during the Middle Ages.

With about 125 monuments that range throughout all the different historical periods, Damascus is truly a sight to behold! Apparently, the greatest and most spectacular is that of the Great Mosque of the Umayyads . This monument hasbeen standing since the 8th century and is built on the site of an Assyrian sanctuary.

Has anyone been to Damascus? Please share your experiences! I would love to hear your adventures in this truly ancient city!

What is it

It is the most ancient city in the United States

How do I reach there

It is in North East Florida. Well connected by air.

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What is it

Temple of Concord and many ancient monuments

How do I reach there

Fly to Sicily from Rome

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What is it

This is an outcrop of limestone above the capital of Greece, Athens

How do I reach there

Athens is well connected by many international flights

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What is it

It is the religious headquarter of the Catholics. A wealth of beautiful architecture located in the heart of Rome

How do I reach there

Get to Rome by any international flight.

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