20 oldest Buildings in the World

20 Oldest Buildings in the World

Ancient structures have a special significance in human history and can shed light on earlier civilizations’ architectural, cultural, and religious traditions.

Depending on preservation, reconstruction, and archeological finds, old structures’ ages vary. However, based on historical records and current knowledge, the following is a list of the 20 oldest buildings in the World:

1. Göbekli Tepe

Rolf Cosar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Göbekli Tepe, located in Southeast Turkey, is one of the World’s oldest artificial buildings, dating to between 9600 and 7300 BCE.

It consists of several sizable circular stone enclosures, or “rings,” Inside each ring are substantial T-shaped pillars meticulously carved with animal reliefs and symbols.

The building was used as a gathering place for ancient people to partake in communal activities, presumably connected to religious or symbolic traditions

2. The Megalithic Temples of Malta

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are a collection of prehistoric stone temples located on Malta and Gozo built between 3600 and 2500 BCE and exhibit high Neolithic architecture and engineering skills.

Massive stone blocks, elaborate corbelled ceilings, and intricate sculptures distinguish these temples. The Megalithic Temples of Malta have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, highlighting their exceptional global value and the importance of their preservation.

The elaborate stone carvings within the temples depict animals, spirals, and other significant themes, revealing insights into the ancient occupants’ spiritual and cultural traditions.

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3. The Red Pyramid

Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Red Pyramid, sometimes called the Pyramid of Sneferu, is a magnificent prehistoric building erected in Dahshur, Egypt, between 2575 and 2551 BCE. It reflects a notable development in pyramid-building methods during the Old Kingdom as the third-largest Pyramid in Egypt. Architectural sophistication can be seen in the Pyramid’s smooth, sloping sides and the reddish limestone casing stones. Its inside is filled with elaborate passageways and chambers, including a burial chamber considered Pharaoh Sneferu’s ultimate resting place.

Despite occasionally being overshadowed by the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Red Pyramid is incredibly significant historically and culturally. It is evidence of the architectural skill and metaphorical import of pyramids in ancient Egyptian culture. The Red Pyramid captivates visitors with its enduring beauty and historical significance, serving as a monument to ancient Egypt’s magnificence and engineering prowess

4. The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in Egypt’s Giza complex, which was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu between 2580 and 2560 BCE.

The pyramid is an engineering marvel with precise building procedures and numerous inner passageways highlighting ancient Egypt’s advanced building skills and cultural value. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza continues to inspire amazement and curiosity.

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5. The Pyramid of Djoser

Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Pyramid of Djoser (Step Pyramid) is a spectacular architectural achievement in Saqqara, Egypt, that symbolizes the transition from mastaba-style tombs to pyramids.

The great architect Imhotep created the pyramid between 2667 and 2648 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser.

6. Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples were built in approximately 2500 BCE in Malta and comprised four megalithic monuments that make up the temple complex, decorated with elaborate sculptures and figures.

The temples presumably served as venues for religious ceremonies and rituals, illuminating the Neolithic people of Malta’s religious beliefs and customs.

7. Mohenjo-Daro

Saqib Qayyum, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mohenjo-Daro was one of the biggest cities of the historic Indus Valley Civilization and is located in modern-day Pakistan and was created around 2500 BCE. It possessed multi-story homes, carefully designed roadways, and complex drainage systems when in full bloom.

Most of the structures in Mohenjo-Daro were made of brick and used for various residential, commercial, and public functions. The city’s sophisticated urban design and complex infrastructure illuminated the Indus Valley people’s organization and societal growth capacity.

8. Knossos Palace

The ancient Minoan civilization is linked to Knossos Palace, found on the Greek island of Crete. The Minoans used it as their political, governmental, and cultural hub after it was built in 1900 BCE.

The palace has enormous courtyards, winding passageways, and beautiful murals. The ruins of Knossos Palace provide a window into the sophisticated architectural designs, creative endeavors, and intricate social organization of the Minoans.

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9. The Treasury, Petra(Al-Khazneh)

David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Treasury is one of the most recognizable buildings in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. The Nabateans, an Arab culture, carved it into the sandstone rock face in the first century BCE and it functioned as a mausoleum and a ceremony place.

Its ornate façade, embellished with delicate carvings and classical architectural features, displays the Nabateans’ extraordinary artistry and synthesis of cultures.

10. Parthenon

The Parthenon is a magnificent example of classical architecture on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was constructed between 447 and 438 BCE and honored the goddess Athena.

The Parthenon, with its magnificent marble columns and elaborate sculptures, is considered the epitome of Doric temple architecture, representing the goals and values of the Golden Age of Athens and ancient Greek democracy, art, and cultural accomplishments.

11. Temple of Edfu

Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Temple of Edfu is a well-preserved temple devoted to the falcon-headed god Horus situated in Edfu, Egypt. Built between 237 and 57 BCE, during the Ptolemaic period, it depicts the ancient Egyptian architectural style and religious customs.

The temple’s imposing entry pylon, vast courtyards, and exquisitely embellished rooms and sanctuaries provide insights into the prevailing spiritual practices and ideals.

12. Great Stupa of Sanchi

One of the earliest stone buildings in India is the Great Stupa of Sanchi, which is situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and was constructed in the third century BCE and afterward enlarged.

The stupa is a prominent Buddhist structure that houses Lord Buddha’s relics. With its hemispherical dome and ornate entrances known as toranas, the building’s exquisite design embodies a significant Buddhist icon.

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13. Pantheon

Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Pantheon, an architectural marvel, was built in Rome, Italy, in approximately 125 CE under the direction of the emperor Hadrian.

This unique structure is renowned for its dome and is celebrated for its exceptional engineering and architectural prowess. Initially serving as a temple dedicated to the Roman gods, it transformed into a religious building.

14. Colosseum

The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) is a symbol of ancient Rome, with a capacity of 50,000 spectators hence being the largest amphitheater ever built.

Erected during the years 70 to 80 CE, this architectural marvel garnered widespread recognition and admiration, where its primary functions encompass gladiatorial competitions, public spectacles, and recreational activities.

The Romans’ engineering prowess is exemplified by their constructions’ majestic grandeur and innovative building techniques.

15. Taos Pueblo

John Fyfe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taos Pueblo, situated in New Mexico within the United States, is one of the most ancient and constantly occupied settlements on the North American continent. However, archaeological evidence reveals that the pueblo’s first elements were established as early as the 10th century CE.

The facility showcases the indigenous peoples’ friendly interaction with the environment by reflecting their architectural traditions and sustainable building methods.

16. Horyu-ji Temple

Horyu-ji Temple, situated in Fair Nara, Japan, boasts of being amongst the oldest wooden structures in the WorldWorld. It was founded in the 7th century CE and has several facilities, including the Main Hall, the Kondo, and the majestic five-story pagoda, the Goju-no-to.

The Horyu-ji Temple doth is a significant residence of Buddhism, wherein doth contains many precious artifacts and sacred scriptures of the faith and depicts the ancient Japanese craftsmanship and godly legacy.

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17. St. Catherine’s Monastery

ccarlstead, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

St. Catherine’s Monastery lies at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, a place of great antiquity, and is counted among the most ancient Christian monasteries to grace this mortal territory.

It is believed to have been established between 548 and 565 CE and possesses a treasure of religious and historical artifacts, among many ancient manuscripts and icons. St. Catherine’s Monastery is a sacred pilgrimage site and a significant religious and cultural heritage stronghold.

18. Great Mosque of Kairouan

The Great Mosque of Kairouan, situated in the city of Kairouan, Tunisia, stands as a venerable testament to the Islamic faith in North Africa. The mosque was erected in 7 CE and has undergone various expansions and renovations.

The mosque’s unique architectural elements, its elaborated steeple, and its sacred prayer hall mirror the Islamic architectural customs.

19. The Pyramid of The Moon

Gorgo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Pyramid of the Moon is a mysterious and impressive ancient structure in Teotihuacan, Mexico’s urban centre, and the second-largest facility in Teotihuacan.

Constructed approximately in 200 CE, the Pyramid demonstrates the complex architectural and engineering expertise of the Teotihuacanos, an ancient civilization in Mesoamerica. The Pyramid of the Moon has fascinated scholars, archaeologists, and tourists due to its impressive size, elaborate architecture, and profound cultural importance.

The Pyramid of the Moon exhibits ritualistic alignments with many celestial events. There is a suggestion that the Pyramid of the Moon was involved in significant ceremonies during specific astronomical alignments, such as when the moon is positioned between the Sun and Cerro Gordo Mountain.

20.  Churches of Lalibela

Built-in the 12th century CE, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are situated in Ethiopia. These churches, carved out of solid volcanic rock, are a remarkable feat of architecture.

For Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, Lalibela is an essential place of pilgrimage and is frequently referred to as the “New Jerusalem.” These monolithic churches are an incredible tribute to faith and human creation because of their meticulous craftsmanship and religious importance.

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In conclusion, the aforementioned historical structures represent the 20 oldest buildings in the World and exemplify notable accomplishments in architecture, engineering, and cultural manifestation.

These artifacts provide insights into ancient civilizations’ belief systems, social structures, and technological advancements. The ongoing examination and conservation of these sites enhance the comprehension of our collective human heritage and the evolution of intricate civilizations worldwide.