Ancient monuments have stood the test of time, but many of their secrets are only now coming to light. From hidden inscriptions and surprising construction techniques to forgotten rituals and unexpected scientific discoveries, these are nine astonishing facts about ancient monuments we’re only just discovering.
1. The Pantheon
Rome is filled with some of the most iconic architecture in the world. But the Pantheon is known for remaining remarkably intact over the years. It was recently discovered that this is because of the kind of concrete the Romans used to build it. They used a combination of limestone, volcanic ash, and strätlingite to build it, which is why it is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
2. Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia can be found in Istanbul, Turkey, and was built in the 6th century CE during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. This gorgeous building is known for its colorful stone mosaics, massive minarets, marble urns, detailed frescoes, and golden dome. But it also features Viking rune graffiti. It’s believed that this graffiti was left by one of the many Norsemen who serve as bodyguards. When translated to English, it reads, “Halfdan carved these runes.”
3. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a small city that can be found perched on the cliffs of the Andes. But what is truly spectacular about Machu Picchu is the fact that it was built without the help of wheeled vehicles!
4. The Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It stretches over 13,171 miles and is known for its durability. It was built with many different materials, including ricks and cut stone blocks, and lime mortar was used to hold the bricks together. But the secret to its longevity lies in part in the mortar that was used in its construction. Organic and inorganic materials were used to create this mortar, but what’s truly bizarre is that one of the ingredients was sticky rice!
5. Stonehenge
Did you know that there is an important connection between Stonehenge and the British biologist and geologist Charles Darwin? Darwin, who had a significant interest in earthworms, was studying worms at Stonehenge when he realized something. He noticed that the worms’ actions in the soil were causing the great structure to sink into the soil. He wrote about this in his book The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms.
6. Chichén Itzá
Then Chichén Itzá is one of the most notable Mayan ruins. Experts were confused for the longest time when they noticed blue pigment at the site, but recent studies have shed some light on the mystery. It was discovered that for the Maya, blue was the color of sacrifice. Victims were painted with blue dye before they were executed. They also used this color in murals.
7. Petra
Petra is an ancient city in the Middle East that is known for its beautiful rock-cut buildings. This city has a long history, and many Muslims believe that Aaron, Moses’s brother, died and was buried on top of one of its mountains, known as Jabal Haroun.
8. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is probably the most famous Roman monument in the world. But what exactly was this building used for back in the day? Most people know about its gladiatorial contests, but it has recently been discovered that it was also used to stage mock naval battles.
9. The Parthenon
The Elgin Marbles, housed in the British Museum since the early 19th century, were brought to the UK by Lord Elgin while serving as an ambassador. The Parthenon was in ruins at the time, and it is unclear whether he had permission to remove them. Since the 1980s, Greece has sought their return, fueling a broader debate on museum artifacts. As of 2023, negotiations between Greece and the UK are ongoing.
Sources:
Facts About 14 Ancient Monuments We Can’t Believe We’re Just Now Learning
10 of the Most Stunning Ancient Monuments You Might Not Know
Top 10 Historical Monuments from the Ancient World
