25 Most Mysterious Monuments on Earth

The most mysterious monuments on Earth wow visitors and continue to befuddle seasoned researchers. These monuments are some of the most spectacular destinations on Earth, providing a glimpse into the past of civilizations that rivaled the greatest in history. However, these societies created ceremonial burial grounds and temples that defy what was common at the time. Great stone creations that weighed dozens of tons aligned perfectly with the stars. How could they have done this? Who built these structures? Here's a look at the most mysterious monuments in the world. Number 25. Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt. Built during the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, the Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest structure of its kind in the world. It's the original Egyptian pyramid that represented a thorough advance in the possibilities of engineering and architecture. Within the Pharaoh Djoser is an expansive system of passageways. You can still explore these today, some 4,000 years after it was originally constructed. What you see today, however, is a rejuvenation of the original. The Pyramid of Djoser lay ravaged by wind and time for centuries. Number 24. Persepolis, Iran. Once the capital of Persia, Persepolis is now what is left of the once-thriving city. Persepolis thrived for centuries up until 330 BC, when Alexander the Great sacked the city. Today, the sprawling terrace complex tells a story over 2,000 years old. Once home to the King of Kings, visitors can wander by a series of royal palaces that stood upon an elevated terrace. At its height, there was never the need for fortified walls, as 10,000 guards stood watch at any given time. Number 23. Valsey, Greenland. Built around the turn of the 14th century, Valsey's ruins stand on the southern coast of Greenland. Centuries before Columbus made his famous journey west, Norse Vikings had completed a similar trip building one of the original Christian churches on the North American continent. The church is at the center of the Norse movement that saw many migrate from Iceland to the fertile soils that existed steps from the stunning Greenlandic fjords. It boasts walls as high as 6 meters and was a prominent gathering spot for the Norse people. Number 22. Derinkuyu, Underground City, Turkey. At its height, the Derinkuyu, Underground City in Turkey had a population in excess of 20,000 people. This thriving ancient subterranean city existed some 85 meters beneath the spectacular fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Understandably hidden for centuries, Derinkuyu, once known as Elengubu, features 18 levels of tunnels that could hold a substantial number of people. It's the largest city of its kind and was in consistent use for thousands of years up until the 1920s. More spellbinding are the separate tunnels that have since been discovered. These link Derinkuyu to a number of smaller underground cities in the region. Number 21. Hegra, Saudi Arabia. As the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, Hegra holds high esteem. The archaeological site is the largest of its kind that once belonged to the Nabataean people outside of Petra. Like Petra, the civilization was cut into rock, this time sandstone. Discoveries included well-preserved monuments and tombs that unveil an ancient society at its zenith. Hegra displays a range of architectural values etched deep into the sandstone, from Phoenician to Hellenistic. In addition, petroglyphs showcase a variety of languages, including Greek and Latin. Number 20. Newgrange, Ireland. According to Irish traditions, Newgrange is the home of the Dagda, a group of supernatural beings that once called ancient Ireland home. There is some truth to this, with Newgrange being linked to some of the country's earliest inhabitants. Yet the true builders of the awe- inspiring structure, which is the home of a spectacular light show each December, remains unknown. What is for certain is that the tomb is so ancient that it predates the Egyptian pyramids by some six centuries. Number 19. Banteay Saree, Cambodia. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, Banteay Saree is a 10th-century temple not far from the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Banteay Saree is about 25 kilometers away from the main core of Angkor temples, and because of its diminutive size, has created fascination among archaeologists. Compared to other regional temples, Banteay Saree was made much smaller, almost like a miniature version. Interestingly, it was the only major Angkor temple not to be commissioned by the reigning monarch. As the legend goes, it was instead constructed by female artisans, with exquisite carvings being the proof. Number 18. Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan. Constructed around 2500 BC, Mohenjo-Daro was once the largest city in the historic Indus Valley. Once a major worldwide city, Mohenjo-Daro flourished until 1700 BC. The former metropolis remained undiscovered until the 1920s, more than 3,500 years later. Major excavation began in earnest, uncovering a marvelous Buddhist stupa, while a seemingly insignificant flint scraper gave researchers an idea of how old the city was. Impressively, Mohenjo-Daro was designed with a grid layout, with public buildings such as public baths and assembly halls giving proof of a sophisticated society. Number 17. Machu Picchu, Peru. Set on a mountain ridge 2,400 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu is an iconic estate of the Inca Empire. The lost city of the Incas was built in the 15th century high above the sacred valley. Despite becoming such a famous destination, little is known about the founding years of the city. The Incas had no written language, with the city laying abandoned when discovered by the world in the 1800s. The layout, use, and inhabitants of Machu Picchu are all educated guesses by archaeologists. Number 16. Baalbek, Lebanon. It's likely the city of Baalbek has been inhabited since 9,000 BC. This impressive ancient city has seen it all, from humble beginnings as an agricultural town to becoming one of the most important holy sites in the region. From an architectural standpoint, it was the Romans who created a lasting impact. They constructed the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, which are both staggering temples and among the largest in the Roman Empire. The major mystery surrounds the creation and movement of the Baalbek stones, which are thousands of years old. Number 15. Palenque, Mexico. One of the most iconic Mayan sites, Palenque harbors some of Mexico's top archaeological treasures. Once the home of a powerful city-state, Palenque lies in ruins yet continues to be an amazing source into the past. While other Mayan sites may be larger or older, Palenque continues to intrigue visitors and researchers alike. The complex is as old as 800 years, but much of its history is traced to the Classic Period. The site features inventive architecture, a rather naturalistic sculpture, and most important, incredibly detailed epigraphy. Number 14. Prambanan Temple, Indonesia. Near Yogyakarta, the 10th-century Prambanan Temple is a symbol of both grace and complexity. Arguably the most striking Hindu temple in Indonesia, the Prambanan Temple is an ode to three Hindu gods. The expensive complex features three main temples. The two smaller buildings are dedicated to Vishnu, the sustainer, and Brahma, the creator. But at its heart is the staggering Shiva Temple. It's a temple visible from a great distance, and one that was overtaken by nature after the fall of Java before being rediscovered in the 18th century. Number 13. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, China. Sitting undiscovered until the 1970s, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is a still evolving archaeological site. Qin was the first emperor to unite China around 200 BC. He is buried here alongside hundreds of terracotta warriors. Each warrior is unique, standing as a picture of realism beside their horses, chariots, and chosen weapons. To have stood the test of time and remained in such visible excellence is a testament both to the art and also the prestige and culture of the Qin dynasty. Number 12. Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings, USA. For six centuries, the ancestral Pueblo people lived on the mesa tops in what's now Colorado. But around the 12th century, they created pueblos within the mesa's natural alcoves. They created a cliff-dwelling community with carved homes that varied from a single room to vast villages that featured 150 connected dwellings. All the while, the ancestral pueblos continued to farm above their homes. This community existed for around a century when the local population began moving south into what's now known as Arizona and New Mexico. Number 11. Petra, Jordan. Half-built, half-carved, Petra, Jordan is known as a rose-red city half as old as time. The startling red rocks were carved to create Petra, which was the center of an Arab kingdom through the Hellenistic and Roman eras. The city dates back thousands of years, yet it was around 300 years BC that it began to flourish thanks to the spice trade. Four centuries later, the Roman Empire spread into the region, claiming the vital capital and its fortune continued. Today, having been lost to the world for centuries, Petra is a site that continues to wow visitors. Number 10. Stonehenge, England. The complex and bewildering Stonehenge is perhaps the most sophisticated and remarkable piece of stone circle architecture in the prehistoric world. It provides a glimpse into the ceremonial process of Neolithic and Bronze Age societies. Yet Stonehenge remains a great mystery. They were used for over 2,000 years, but more than 3,500 years have passed since that date. Unanswered questions include how the massive stones were transported as much as 250 kilometers and erected with interlocking joints. Regardless, this unsolved mystery is a must-see. Number 9. Tiwanaku, Bolivia. Dating back to before the Columbian era, Tiwanaku, in Bolivia, is an archaeological site that was at the center of an ancient empire. This era lasted between 200 and 1000 AD, with Tiwanaku being both a spiritual and political epicenter of the broader Lake Titicaca region. At the heart of this site is a rectangular platform that contains the gateway of the sun. Beyond the temple is evidence of a civilization that used a raised-field farming method that featured canals and vast irrigation, something that continues to befuddle researchers today. Number 8. Ancient Temples of Malta. Seeing the ancient temples of Malta is high on the list of those that arrive on the island. Yet these stunning megalithic temples continue to defy belief, all because we can't work out who constructed them. Built prior to 3000 BC, the temples are arguably the oldest standing on Earth. They predate the famous Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt. Across Malta, there are dozens of these fascinating temples. The most popular of the temples are the temples of Hajarim and Menaidra. However, the oldest temple of them all is Gigantia. Number 7. Moai of Easter Island, Chile. You'll probably recognize the Moai statues on Easter Island even if you haven't heard of them. These iconic statues, most of which face away from the sea, were carved from volcanic ash by the Rapa Nui people somewhere between 400 and 1500 AD. Likely created using rudimentary basalt stone picks, each of these enormous monolithic statues would have taken close to a year to complete. There are many theories as to why they were built, including as a way to honor important clan ancestors and because of a belief it would improve the soil. Number 6. Pyramids of Mero, Sudan. In the third and last capital of the Kushite Kingdom in modern-day Sudan, more than 200 pyramids were constructed. Many remain standing today sitting on the vast barren deserts as stunning ornaments to the past. The Kushite Kingdom ruled over 3,000 years in the ancient lands of Nubia. These incredible pyramids offer inscribed stories that take you through an unheralded yet powerful and significant culture and kingdom. However, adding to the mystery, the Kushite script has yet to be deciphered, with our knowledge of their history stemming from historic Roman scrolls. Number 5. Plain of Jars, Laos. In central Laos, the Plain of Jars is a collection of over 2,000 megalithic stones shaped in the style of jars. They date back to the Iron Age and were used as a part of local funerals. Like other great mysteries, it's impressive to wonder how an Iron Age culture could produce these enormous jars before moving them from the quarry to a beautiful and lush plateau. In addition to the jars, you can see historic grave markers, stone disks which are believed to have covered the jars, plus the sprawling quarries. Number 4. Nazca Lines, Peru. The spellbinding Nazca Lines in Peru are one of the world's great mysteries. These are lines drawn in straight or geometric patterns showcasing various animal shapes. Still unsolved, it remains a beautiful, head-scratching wonder. There are over 1,100 lines in total, most straight, yet 300 are geometric. At its most lengthy, some lines are almost 50 kilometers long. How and why remain a mystery, yet from the sky, it harbors one of the most incredible views you'll experience. Number 3. Great Sphinx, Egypt. One of the world's most famous sites, the Great Sphinx in Egypt has long been shrouded in mystery. It's a part of the Allure, bringing hundreds of thousands to the land of the pharaohs every year. The Sphinx is a mythical creature that boasts the body of a lion yet the head of a human, thought to be the pharaoh Khafi. It faces west across the Giza Plateau with the iconic pyramids settled in the background. The Great Sphinx is 20 meters high and older than any of the pyramids. Archaeologists believe this structure dates beyond 2,500 BC, some 4,500 years in the past. Number 2. Teotihuacan, Mexico. A short distance from Mexico City is the ancient metropolis of Teotihuacan. Now an expansive archaeological site, the remaining pyramids live to tell the tale of a culture 2,000 years old. Those that called Teotihuacan home were a part of the world's biggest city at its height in the first century. They were around before the famous Aztecs and constructed multiple incredible pyramids. These structures are all that remain, yet they keep alive in ancient culture, its story, and religion. The Aztecs would embark on pilgrimages to visit what was known as the birthplace of the gods. Number 1. Göbekli Tepe, Turkey. Located in southeast Turkey, Göbekli Tepe is one of the most remarkable modern archaeological discoveries. Here lies 11,000 years of history and enormous carved stones. At the heart of the discovery is the belief that this spectacular location is home to the world's oldest temple. Visitors will find petroglyphs across giant stone rings and T-shaped pillars that weigh up to 10 tons. Impressively, the megaliths predate the development of agriculture and even the most basic ancient tools. It showcases a community that was far more advanced than any of its peers. To add to this notion, Göbekli Tepe is around 6,000 years older than Stonehenge.