As easy as it might seem to dismiss the past as, somehow, a different place, it can be edifying to actually see things from before one was born. History is chock-full of cool things that everyone should try to see at some point. Travel is expensive and time consuming, but, fortunately, through the magic of the internet, anyone can see these things now.
The “Ancient Marvels” Facebook page is dedicated to interesting posts displaying human and natural artifacts from across history. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
1: The Largest Roman Mosaic In The World Is Not In A Museum, But In A Hotel.. And You Can Visit Freely
Immense (836 m2) and perfectly preserved, discovered in 2011 in Antakya, Turkey, ancient Antioch. It appeared when the underground was excavated to build the hotel and gave place to a formidable Hotel-Museum, whose basement is an authentic Archaeological Park managed by archaeologists of the country. Believed to be the remains of the Antioch Forum. Image: Pegasus mosaic
2: Crossness Pumping Station; A Victorian Gem In London, England
Hidden beneath London’s streets to deal with sewage, it’s a masterpiece of engineering, architecture and design. It was built in 1865
The word archeology can conjure up all sorts of images, from dusty excavation sights to whip-bearing professors who insist that everything needs to be in a museum, but one thing these tend to have in common is that it’s modern people excavating the creations of less-modern folks.
However, like so many other human endeavors, archeology has a very old history. After all, humans have always wanted to know what was going on before them. For example, there is evidence that over 2500 years ago, Babylonian kings were establishing dig sites to uncover roughly four thousand year old history, namely, in this case, archaeological remnants of the Akkadian empire.
3: The Prague Astronomical Clock, Dating Back To 1410, Is A True Wonder Of Medieval Engineering And The Oldest Astronomical Clock Still In Operation Today
Found in Prague’s Old Town Square, this clock does much more than just tell the time—it also reveals the date, zodiac signs, and important astronomical information. The clock’s complex design and flawless mechanics showcase the advanced skills and understanding of its creators, serving as a lasting emblem of Prague’s historical and cultural legacy.
4: Archaeologists Led By Professor Kutalmış Görkay, Of University Of Ankara In Türkiye, Has Unearthed Three Ancient Greek Mosaics (2nd Century BC)
in Zeugma (Türkiye), near border with Syria. Zeugma served as one of most important trading centers of Eastern Roman Empire. Other ancient nations were so old that they had their own archaeologists. In Ancient Egypt, a nation with over three thousand years of history, archeologist was an entire profession, as many of the sites and wonders we think of were already quite old to them. In other words, an ancient Egyptian could also look at the great pyramids of Giza and think of them as very old.
5: The Dying Lion Of Lucerne Is One Of The World’s Most Famous Monuments
It was carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world. The Lion lies in his lair in the perpendicular face of a low cliff — for he is carved from the living rock of the cliff. His size is colossal, his attitude is noble. His head is bowed, the broken spear is sticking in his shoulder, his protecting paw rests upon the lilies of France.
Vines hang down the cliff and wave in the wind, and a clear stream trickles from above and empties into a pond at the base, and in the smooth surface of the pond the lion is mirrored, among the water-lilies. Around about are green trees and grass. The place is a sheltered, reposeful woodland
6: The Fairy Chimneys In Cappadocia, Turkey, Are A Surreal Natural Wonder
These Unique Rock Formations, Sculpted By Volcanic Activity And Erosion Over Thousands Of Years, Create An Otherworldly Landscape
The tall, thin spires, some of which reach up to 130 feet, are often topped with harder rock caps, resembling whimsical chimneys or mushrooms.
This geological marvel, combined with the region’s ancient cave dwellings and vibrant hot air balloon scene, makes Cappadocia a captivating destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and historical intrigue…
Image credit to respective Daily Trend Blog.
7: A Stunning Sculpture From The 18th Century By Francesco Queirolo, Italy
Truly is a Marvel of marble artistry. The piece features an exquisitely detailed net, painstakingly carved from a single block of marble. In fact, Queirolo took on this ambitious project alone, as his apprentices were too apprehensive to approach it for fear the delicate work might shatter under their hands. This labor of love consumed a full seven years of his life, resulting in a masterpiece that captures the imagination and showcases unparalleled skill
