Imbued with the mores of the cultures that created them, archaeological sites shed light on past civilizations, preserving their structures, beliefs, and ways of life. This list considers places—some of which are included among the Seven Wonders of the World, and others among UNESCO’s list of protected World Heritage sites—built by ancient Romans, Sumerians, Egyptians, Mayans, and Chinese that foreshadow art and architecture as we know them today.
In studying these ruins, scholars have been able to better understand literary and aesthetic traditions, cultural heritage, and historical events that have transpired and emerged among these locations. While some of these sites serve as a testament to the ancient civilizations that created them, others have continued to evolve, such as the present-day city of Jerusalem, which was built on top of its ancient structures. These places, ultimately, have withstood the test of time and continue to be of significant cultural influence—many of them still accessible to the public today.
Below is a brief overview of the 24 most notable archaeological sites around the world.