/tags/ruins.rss en-us Walking the dry, empty streets of the ancient Roman town of Volubilis, your feet will kick up dust and ghosts. Volubilis, once a Carthaginian trading post and then a remote outpost of the Roman Empire, has been abandoned for more than 1,700 years. The ruined city was been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site to safeguard its amazing structures — some of the best preserved in North Africa — and especially its stunningly well preserved mosaics. Once the administrative centre of a Roman province called Mauretania Tingitana, Volubilis may have once been home to as many as 18,000 to 20,000 people, all of whom were exempt from Roman taxation because they were so far away from the centre of power. Traces of the city’s inhabitants can be found everywhere, from the remains of the bathhouse to the olive presses that look as though you could almost start them up. Visitors can wander through the forum and the basilica, where the only remaining signs of life are the roosting storks whose nests top the beautiful columns that still stretch toward the sky. The dramatic mosaics are the highlight of any visit: these depict a host of mythological characters and events, from the lovers Bacchus and Ariadne to the Labours of Hercules. There are guides available at the site, or you can hire one in Fès or Meknès. Though it is easy to wander the site yourself and guess at what you might be looking at, a guide — particularly an official guide — can offer a great deal more depth and detail about the site and its features. Most guides speak reasonably good English and all are fluent in French. Getting to Volubilis is easily done by shared taxi from Fès or Meknès. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:46:13 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/volubilis-morocco http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/volubilis-morocco Perhaps overshadowed by the mainstream popularity of the Great Pyramids of Egypt, a visit to the vast Karnak Temple in Luxor brings you deep into the abode of the Gods. Known as Ipet-isut (the most selected of places), this conglomeration of ruined temples and chapels pays homage to the Theben triad of Gods: Amun, Mut and Khonsu. At 447 miles (721 km) downstream along the Nile River lies the Temple of Karnak, believed to be the second most visited site in Egypt. It’s easy to see why immediately as the temple imposes a grand and stately first impression. The massive open-air complex is filled with huge statues, sphinxes, temples, pylons and impressive hieroglyphics that are sure to wow. For a country that already has such an extensive collection of archaeological sites and artifacts—this is certainly saying something. Sitting on almost 70 acres, the Temple of Karnak is split into four different parts. Three of the areas are closed to the public while excavation and restoration work still continues; but the precinct of Amun-Re remains open. Thankfully, the highlight of the complex—the 50,000 square foot (5,000 m²) Hypostyle Hall—lies within this area. It is here where, on 134 enormous columns, scenes can be found describing the battles and accomplishments of Seti I and his son Ramesses II. Many of the hieroglyphs on the 3 meter diameter columns, some of which are 21 meters tall, even retain their original colouring. Construction began on the Karnak Temple complex in the 18th Dynasty under the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Over 2,000 years, approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to its design to make it the wonder it is today. The true work, though, as would be expected for the time period, was done by the estimated 80,000 labourers, guards, priests and servants over several generations. Its enormity can be hard to comprehend, if you imagine that some 2,000 sphinx statues once lined a 3 km long avenue between the Temple of Karnak and the nearby Luxor Temple; or that some of the beams on top of the columns in the Hypostyle Hall weigh an estimated 70 tons. It’s so gargantuan that that it must be experienced in person to truly appreciate the ancient craftsmanship. Over time, Karnak was abandoned and forgotten to the sand. It wasn’t until the rediscovery in the mid-19th century, buried in the desert for over 1,000 years, that the Temple of Karnak began to be appreciated in the modern era. In the excavation, remains of Christian churches were found in the ruins. These churches were supposedly built after Constantine the Great converted to Christianity and ordered the closing of pagan temples throughout the empire in 356 A.D. While some of this behaviour may be explained as period vandalism, it is worth a look as it does add to the historical nature of the Temple. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:27:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/karnak-temple http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/karnak-temple India is like the proverbial box of chocolates. You never quite know what you’re gonna get. When fingering the relevant chapter in your guide book on the northern state of Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are unlikely to be the last strawberry creams in the chocolate box that are unceremoniously oozing their sweet centre under the relentless north Indian sunshine. The fact is, there are no strawberry creams in India. Sandwiched between Agra’s Taj Mahal to the north, and the Bollywood stronghold of Mumbai to the southwest, the small medieval town of Aurangabad (or ‘City of Gates’ as it is affectionately known) is situated on a major silk trade route surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage caves. As such, it forms the cultural heartbeat in the state of Maharashtra, and is a worthwhile journey from Mumbai by rail and bus. There are many caves around the city, but by far the best in this region are the Ellora Cave Temples. These 34 caves are carved into the Charanandri hills and can be reached by sealed road just 30 km northwest of Auragabad city. The Ellora Caves depict Hindu, Buddhist and Jain carvings dating back to AD 1000 from the time of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty which once ruled vast belts of India and was known for its religious tolerance. Known locally as 'Verul Leni’ the Ellora Caves are a tremendously detailed and fascinating experience. You can spend countless hours exploring the Ellora Caves, but the principal temples not to be missed are Visvakarma Cave 10, Kailasa Cave 16, Ramesvara Cave 21, and the Jaina group of Caves 32 and 34. This selection will provide you with a comprehensive outlook of the three different types of art carvings at the Ellora Caves, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The city takes its eponymous name from the expansionist Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who engaged in constant battle with just about anyone and everyone throughout his reign. He is often cited as the greatest Mughal king ever, ruling over the biggest territorial kingdom that India has ever known. Aurangabad city centre also hosts a laudable replica of the Taj Mahal that is well worth seeing if you’re not planning to go north for the real thing. There’s also a great local bazaar to shop for cheap clothes. If you’re heading north into Rajasthan or beyond into the Himalayan region, it’s advisable to purchase all of your warm clothes and blankets here as the Thar desert of Rajasthan is freezing cold at night. It’s unlikely you will find clothes this cheap in the more tourist-saturated state of Rajasthan. As a tourist generally in India, if you show any kind of interest to a street shop vendor (I’m talking about fleeting eye contact) it’s taken as fair game to pounce upon you with the tenacious sales pitch of a second-hand car salesman. Bartering and trading are embedded cultural traits of India, and there is no price that is a fixed price. Every package, every size, every colour of garment will be opened in front of your eyes in a stockpile for your perusal. The service is friendly and very polite. Aurangabad is no exception to this clothing sales frenzy, so unless you intend to buy something – walk away sooner rather than later. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:17:46 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ellora-caves http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ellora-caves The remains of Sukhothai Kingdom evoke an unfeigned essence of early Thai culture. Although only in power for two centuries between 1238 to 1438, the Sukhothai Kingdom is often referred to as the leading influence in proper Thai culture. Nestled in fields of rice and sugar cane, the worn towers, broken brick walls, and crumbling stupas still impart a sense of clam and inner peace. Broken into four quadrants, the most prominent structure of the Sukhothai Historical Park is the Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat. This moated palace is 1,600 square meters and one of the most important temples showcasing many impressive Buddha images, towering columns, and picturesque pagodas. Inscriptions carved into the walls recount a time when the Great King Ramkhamhaeng placed a bell outside the palace gates which was rung by subjects in need of help or justice, summoning him to dispense a resolution. Within this historic temple during the height of power, King Ramkhamhaeng changed Thai history and language, with the creation of the Thai alphabet. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:54:12 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sukhothai http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sukhothai Harmoniously blended with its natural surroundings, the Acropolis towers gracefully over the archaeologically-rich and modern city of Athens, often referred to as the most important historical compound left behind by Greek Antiquity. The Acropolis, or city on the edge, was erected on a flat-topped rock high above the rest of the city as a form of defense. Its location atop a rocky crag doesn’t stop hundreds of tourists from climbing up to it every day and admiring what was formerly the cradle of one of the grandest civilizations of all time. The Acropolis of Athens is only one of many acropolises that were erected in Ancient Greece, but it is by far the most famous having been the greatest cultural center during the peak of Ancient Greek civilization. Many decisive events in Ancient Greek history are connected to this majestic compound. Although archaeological evidence shows that it has been used since the Neolithic times, the famous monuments and buildings that make up the Acropolis we recognize today were built under the authority of the statesman Pericles during the second half of the 6th Century BC. The most famous sites at the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, all of which were built in dedication to different aspects of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. These sites housed religious rituals and worship, as well as opulent statues which are now exhibited at the Acropolis museum. One can’t help but feel the power and splendor that emanates from this ancient complex when climbing up the steps to its majestic entrance. Taking in the sheer magnitude and significance of the ruins is a sensation much compared to being swept back to the birth of Ancient Greek civilization. This lofty perch also offers some of the best views of the architectural and artistic gems that Athens city has to offer. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:43:20 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/the-acropolis http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/the-acropolis The sprawling fertile plains of Kedu in Central Java form a lush and bountiful backdrop to the Temple of Borobudur. Raised up between twin volcanoes Sumbing and Merapi along the undulating north ridge and lined with cool waters from the Progo and Elo rivers to the east, Borobudur is situated in a natural amphitheater of glory. This 9th century Buddhist monument is the world's largest and is made up of over 55,000 cubic metres of volcanic rock, the equivalent of more than a million blocks of carved stone. Comprised of nine platforms, adorned with over 2,600 relief carvings, and over 500 Buddha statues, Borobudur Temple exemplifies the transition over life to the state of Nirvana. Each terrace and accompanying relief stories symbolize the different levels of wisdom that one must go through in life to reach the enlightenment of Buddha, culminating with the grand finale of the spectacular upper terraces. Level one of the three terraces represents man's desires being influenced by negative impulses, level two man's ability to take control of the negative influences and use positive influences, and at the top level a world where man is no longer bound by physical and worldly desires. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:12:36 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/borobudur http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/borobudur The ruins of Chichén Itzá take you back in time to an era of a vast and powerful Mayan empire, once the center of being for all of the Yucutan civilization ruling over politics, religion, and military. Today the ceremonial structures and various other buildings that were in their time of grandeur between 800 - 1200 A.D are in various states of preservation, and open for travelers to explore. Set in a clearing surrounded by jungle, the history of Chichén Itzá entails stories of humans sacrifices and ultimately a violent end spurred by a revolt against the reigning powers that shifted development away from Chichén Itzá. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was recently declared one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Exploring the secret rooms, passages, and summits at Chichén Itzá, make you feel like you are the first to delve into the mysteries that lay around each corner. The site has many fascinating stone buildings that are a must see when exploring this lost Mayan world. El Castillo also known as the temple of Kukulkan, will stop you in your tracks once you pass though the turnstile to enter into Chichén Itzá. This temple is particularly intriguing at the rising and setting of the sun during Spring and Fall Equinox, when the suns shadow casts the impression of a snake slithering down the North stairway. Another complex called the Temple of Warriors includes many large stepped pyramids scattered amongst many rows of carved columns that depict various warriors, and is adjacent to the Great Market. Las Monjas, also known as “The Nunnery” is one of the more captivating complexes built in Puuc architecture style, the structures here are believed to be living quarters for the elite Mayans and are covered in relief carvings. There are 7 ball courts, but the most notable is the Great Ball Court approximately 150 meters north west of El Castillo. These ball courts housed many games and festivities and at each end of the field is a raised temple in which you can envision Mayan Kings sitting in presiding over the activities. It is said that the captain of the winning team would present himself to the captain of the losing team to be decapitated. It might seem a bit backwards, but the Mayans believed this tradition to be the highest honor, granting them direct access to heaven versus the 13 steps Mayan culture believed they had to go through. Just east of the primary ruins is an underground world called Cenoté. To get into these underground caves with glowing cool water set against the backdrop of blood read stalagmites you must climb down steep vertical hole, with entry steps carved by the Mayans themselves thousands of years ago. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:39:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chichen-itza http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chichen-itza The Tapati Festival of Easter Island is an experience that peers into a remote culture with traditions such as chanting, dancing, parades, customary body decoration, and spear fishing competitions, all originating from a civilization that was one of the youngest inhabited territories on earth. Easter Island also known as Rapa Nui, is a Polynesian island that lies off the coast of Chile, and is one of the worlds most isolated populated islands on earth. Theory has it, that at its peak, the Rapanui people found themselves trapped in an environment that was unable to sustain their population and a rapid crash in their civilization followed. Best known for its massive stone statues called Moai , Easter Island is home to over 887 of these world famous carvings, of which some 360 still span the island coasts, while others are now in museums or buried under shifted soil. The period in which these stone monoliths were created is still debated, with estimates of 100,00 CE to 170,00CE. What is know about these artifacts is they were created from volcanic tuff by hand and from there laboriously moved to various places on Easter Island. The design of the Moai statues share a fairly standard design and range in size from 23 feet high and 200 feet long, to some just 6 feet tall. There are several sites on Easter Island to check out, one of the most popular is Rano Raraku which is at the base of the volcanic crater. What many people don’t know about these Moai statues is that this was not their intended resting place. Rather they were abandoned scattered about before being moved to traditional platforms called "ahu" where they would be placed to over look ceremonial areas and villages, with their backs to the sea. Another popular site is Ahu Akivi, which unlike other sites is found inland and features statues with red scoria headdress’s known as Pukao, carved from red lava rock. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:22:35 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/easter-island http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/easter-island Erected by Neolithic peoples in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is believed to be built over the course 2300 years, and dates back to 2200BC. The entire area around Stonehenge is painstakingly stunning and contains many other sites from the Neolithic period and Bronze age, most notably Stonehenge Cursus, King Barrows Ridge, The Avenue, Woodhenge and Durrington Walls. In total this World Heritage Site is over 2000 hectares.Stonehenge is said to be one of the most impressive archeological sites in Britain, being just on the edge of the Salisbury plain it boasts expanses of beautiful rolling hills and soft valleys that make for excellent stress-free hikes. Stonehenge's original purpose when built was a calendar and center for religious rituals, to this day it is still visited by neo-pagans and druids on Summer and Winter Solstice, as well as Spring and Autumn Equinox. Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:08:17 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/stonehenge http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/stonehenge Some of the most remarkable achievements in human history stand in preservation on the Plateau of Giza, by Cairo in Egypt. The Great Pyramids of Egypt, built over 4,500 years ago, continues to astound the amazement of all who visit. The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous of ancient Egyptian monuments. This series of necropolises served the elite Royal Egyptians during the 4th Dynasty, approximately late 3rd millennium BCE. The most famous of these tombs is the Pyramid of Khufu. It is also known as the Great Pyramid (or the Pyramid of Cheops) and is the largest of the bunch. The next most prominent Great Pyramid is the Pyramid of Khafre; then followed by the modest-sized Pyramid of Menkaure. Khufu Pyramid was built by over 1,300,000 limestone blocks weighing from 2.5 to 15 ton. The four sides of this architectural masterpiece face the four cardinal points perfectly. In its original enormity, it measured 488 ft., but today (due to theft) it is only 455 ft. How the Egyptians actually built the Pyramids with large stone blocks, and managed the extensive labour force to build them, is still largely unknown today. It’s widely believed that a majority of this labour force came from the farming community after the Nile River had flooded, rendering the farmland completely underwater. Many noted archeologists and engineers have offered some theories on this matter through demonstrating how heavy blocks of stone can be maneuvered and transported into place with special ramps and sledges. Not all of the pyramids in Egypt have survived the years in a preserved state. There are just over a hundred pyramids known to still be recognizable as such in Egypt. Although the main understanding of the pyramid is as a mausoleum for deceased kings and queens of the time, they are also understood to be culturally significant to ancient Egyptian belief as stairways into heaven. Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:24:12 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/egypt-pyramids http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/egypt-pyramids Step back into a time of lost cities and mystical pasts when you visit Petra. This surreal city is housed in southwestern Jordan, in a valley amongst mountains that run from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Discovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveler, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, Petra was later declared a World Heritage site in 1985. The history of Petra is somewhat ill-defined, passed from its original creators 6th century Nabataean Arabs , down through to Romans and later to Crusaders, it was eventually left to locals. The entry way to this amazing archeological site is a stretch of narrow gorge that is called a Siq, created by a natural geographical fault. This passage measures over a mile in length, towers over 600 feet high in some section and can be as narrow as 3 meters wide in places. As the Lost City of Petra gradually appears through the last corners of the Siq, a feeling of the purest and unmatched awe overcomes visitors lucky enough to grab this experience. Passed over by time, this city carved into the rock face is testament to a time of the silk trade, connecting routes that linked China and India with places like Egypt, Rome and Greece. Sat, 29 Dec 2007 11:46:42 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/petra http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/petra Embark on the journey back in time down the Inca trail to the city of Machu Picchu. Built around 1450 and abandoned 100 years later, Machu Picchu lay forgotten until 1911 when Hiram Bingham brought attention to this treasure and it was soon thereafter declared a world heritage site. It recently received a title change to be included as one of the New 7 Wonders of the world. The Machu Picchu ruins are 7970ft above sea level on a ridge in the Umbra Valley in Peru, meaning that altitude sickness can be problematic for some. The buildings are constructed in dry stone wall, and are created so flawlessly that in some places the stones are so well constructed that not even a knife can pass through the crevices. Current perspectives on history and prevalence of Machu Picchu indicate that it was a country resort for elite Incans, with no more then 700 people living their at one time. Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:37:55 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/machu-picchu http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/machu-picchu Time ceases to move at Angkor Wat as you step out of modern civilization into an early 12th-century temple complex in the central Cambodian jungle. In fact, the jungle is actually growing in the Angkor Wat Temples—literally! Tree roots and branches are growing through, on top and inside the temples, making for a scene of culture and nature intertwined. It's hard to explain a place that demands such attention based on its sheer size, and sustains your interest in a gripping search over the layers of detailed stone carvings. The Angkor Wat complex encompass over a hundred stone temples in total, and the Angkor Wat Temple is the largest and best preserved of these ruins. This enduring masterpiece was built initially for King Suryavarman II as the capital of the Khmer Empire. It has now the assumed image of Cambodia, and is the dedicated symbol to the Buddhist following. As one of the largest religious complexes in the world, Angkor Wat's outer wall spans an impressive 3.6 km (2.2 miles) long, and encloses 203 acres of Khmer-style architecture. These walls also lay claim to the longest bas-relief sculptures in the world, with countless sprawling stories of Hindu mythologies. Angkor Wat is proudly honoured by Cambodians, and has been depicted in all of the Cambodian flags since 1863. As such, Angkor Wat Temple is the only building to ever appear on a national flag. An Angkor Wat tour by tuk tuk allows you swift access to other temples, bringing you deeper into ageless obscurity. Many visitors begin their day at Angkor Thom crossing over a primitive bridge and under an impressive carved entry gate. Spanning over 9 km² Angkor Thom launches visitors off to its several temples and ruins with the Bayon Temple. The persistent carvings of King Jayavarman VII during meditation make the Bayon Temple feel almost familiar. With over 200 faces placed on top of all the temple's towers in every direction, they were believed to ward off evil. Other interesting sites within Angkor Thom are the lines of elephants along the the Terrace of Elephants, as well as the Baphoun Temple. Be sure to have your Angkor guide take you to Ta Prohm, as it has self-evidently emerged as one of Angkor's best temples to visit. Ta Prohm's popularity is drawn from is untouched nature. Unlike other temples in and around Angkor Siem Reap, at Ta Prohm has been infiltrated by the jungle not only within, but on top or and around it. It's rugged nature makes you feel like a proper explorer, no matter how many others have gone before. Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:04:05 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/angkor-wat http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/angkor-wat