12 Top Archaeological Wonders You Must See

Scattered across the globe are remnants of civilizations long before ours—top archaeological wonders that stand today as preserved historical ruins. These remarkable sites provide evidence of prehistoric activity and remain some of the most remarkable historical sites to visit. Leptis Magna, Jerusalem, and Copán are just a few breathtaking examples of archaeological sites to see before you die.

In this article, we've compiled the top 12 most spectacular archaeological sites worldwide—some of the best historic sites to visit. Without further ado, let's get to it!

Cliff Palace

Photo Credit: Cliff Palace

The earlier settlers of what is now known as the United States were the Pueblo Indians. One of the top archaeological wonders that showcases evidence of their existence is a remarkable ruin called the Cliff Palace. Located in Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, this site stands today as one of the most preserved historical ruins in the region. Believed to have been built over 900 years ago by the Anasazi (a tribe of Pueblo Indians), it remains among the most fascinating historical sites to visit, even though it was abandoned over two centuries ago due to drought and shifting environmental conditions.

The palace featured 23 Kivas and 150 rooms. The archaeological site was placed under the protection of the American government. This was due to damages it took after several persons in the 1800s looted it. Its fascinating architectural features and uniqueness earned it a place amongst the top 12 most spectacular archaeological sites.

Stonehenge

Photo Credit: Stonehenge

Situated in Southern England , these structures have been an enigma to archaeologists and historians alike. About 100 huge stones are arranged in an upright circular formation, with some weighing up to 40 tons and rising as high as 24 feet. This iconic ruin is not only mysterious but also ranks among the best historic sites to visit—absolutely one you must see before you die.

Many have pondered why this megalithic structure was built. Some historians say it was used for ritual ceremonies. Others claim it was a burial site; due to the number of bones found there. However, scientists have reason to believe it was some sort of astronomical calendar; different points on the structure relate to solstices, equinoxes, and eclipses (which are all astrological phenomena).

Burial Place of Qin Shi Huangdi

Photo Credit: Burial Place of Qin Shi Huangdi

Also, on our list of the top 12 most spectacular archaeological sites, we have Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb who died in 210 B.C.E. The tomb is located in China, not up to 40 kilometers from Xian. Qin Shi was the first emperor to rule over China. His reign was considered to be ruthless and autocratic.

His resting place is a massive structure with a circumference of one mile and a height of 165 feet—one of the top archaeological wonders of the ancient world. Within this enormous pyramid-like monument lie preserved historical ruins, including an 8,000-strong life-sized terracotta army of warriors and horses, all positioned as if ready for battle.

Top Archaeological Wonders- The Egyptian Pyramids

Photo Credit : Pyramids

About 4,500 years ago, the ancient Egyptians constructed the most spectacular pyramids that can be found on earth today. All who come before these pyramids marvel at the sight of them.

There is still an ongoing debate about how these pyramids were built. Scientists have yet to understand how a civilization without modern engineering tools and machinery achieved such an extraordinary feat. This mystery only reinforces why these pyramids remain one of the best historic sites to visit and among the most spectacular archaeological wonders in the world.

Skara Brae

Photo Credit: Skara Brae

Situated on the Orkney Island of Scotland is the stone village of the Skara Brae people. After close examination of this site, archaeologists discovered that the settlement was abandoned over 2500 BC. The question of "why?" is yet to be answered.

In the village, everything is made of stone. And surprisingly, they are intact (except for roofing of stone homes) even after all these years. This settlement is said to be older than the ancient Egyptian pyramids and the Stonehenge.

Top Archaeological Wonders- City of Angkor

Photo Credit: Angkor

In the 9 th century, the Khmer empire of Cambodia had a capital city called Angkor. Based on the available evidence at the site, historians are convinced the city was bustling with life with an estimated population of over a million persons. It is said to have been founded by King Jayavarman.

However, the 15th century marked the downfall of this once-great civilization. All we have now are remnants of the past and many unanswered questions. To date, the hydrological systems of the ancient people of Angkor remain intact, with huge sculptures and several fascinating sights standing today as preserved historical ruins.

Geoglyphs of Nasca

Photo Credit: Nasca

Another spectacular archaeological site you have to see before you die is the Geoglyphs of Nasca (also called Nasca Lines). Geoglyphs are massive drawings made on the ground. These massive drawings, which can be found in Southern Peru, were created between 200 BC and 600 AD by Nasca people.

The reason why these massive drawings were made is still unclear. We can see depictions of geometric figures, plants, and even animals etched into the ground. Archaeologists and historians are still trying to determine their purpose, which is part of what makes this site one of the best historic sites to visit for anyone fascinated by ancient mysteries.

Easter Island

Photo Credit: Easter Island

Commonly found in several prehistoric sites are enormous structures. The Easter Islands of Chile isn't any different. The island is dotted with over 900 massive structures called moai. Historians and visitors to this site are marveled at what they see. The origin of these structures dates as far back as 1200 AD. Some historians believe these statues were made to honor dead ancestors. This seems to be the most logical explanation at the moment. However, with time, we may get to learn something new.

Chichén Itzá

Photo Credit: Chichén Itzá

Located in Mexico, Chichén Itzá is one of the top archaeological wonders and a truly fascinating city to behold. Founded in the 6th century and once home to the Maya people, it showcases preserved historical ruins that reveal how advanced they were in skill and technology. The city features an observatory tower for monitoring the planets, intricately designed homes believed to have housed the elites, and even a massive ball court where the losing team—or sometimes the team leader—was sacrificed to the gods. Today, it stands as one of the most remarkable historical sites to visit.

Domus Aurea

Photo Credit: The Domus Aurea

The Domus Aurea, which is Latin for "the Golden House," is located in Rome. It was a massive palace built between 64 and 68 C.E by the emperor Nero. However, after the death of the emperor, the Golden House lost all its gold and other precious items. They were used in the construction of other structures in the ancient city of Rome.

Caral

Photo Credit: Caral

This spectacular archaeological site is located in Norte Chico, Peru , and is estimated to have been built over 4,700 years ago. It is a fascinating ancient city spanning 165 acres, featuring six pyramids and several other preserved historical ruins. Among the discoveries are musical instruments—such as flutes crafted from bones—that give historians insight into how advanced this civilization once was. Today, it stands as one of the most intriguing historical sites to visit for anyone exploring ancient cultures.

Leptis Magna

Photo Credit: Leptis Magna

Also on our top 12 most spectacular archaeological sites is another ancient city called Leptis Magna . It was constructed in the 7 th century B.C.E. by the ancient Phoenicians. In modern times, its current site is in Libya. The city, which was once a marvel to behold, was damaged by natural disasters and invaders on several occasions. After much damage has been done to it, the once-thriving city was reduced to a ruin of dirt.

Several top archaeological wonders can be found across the globe. In most cases, historians have no clue how these enormous cities and gigantic structures were built. How did our ancestors create such monumental feats? What were these structures used for? These questions remain unanswered, adding to the mystery and allure of these remarkable sites.