...The only lasting wonder of the ancient world, these unbelievable monuments were constructed back when Egypt was one of the world’s most powerful civilizations around 4,500 years ago. While the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx usually get the most attention, the whole monument complex contains three pyramids complexes, an industrial complex, cemeteries, and a workers’ village...

...Stretching almost 13,171 miles, more than ten million people visit the Great Wall of China every year. Building began in the 3rd century BC, and by the time it was finished in the 17th century AD it was the largest military structure in the world and had great architectural and historic importance.

The Great Wall of China is the collective name of a series of fortification systems generally built across the historical northern borders of China to protect and consolidate territories of Chinese states and empires against ...

...This ancient citadel dominates Athens as it holds the remnants of buildings that had major historic importance. Esteemed sculptors and architects designed these monuments where theatre, democracy, philosophy, speech, and freedom of expression were eventually produced. Highlighted by the Parthenon, the Acropolis is one of the most significant ancient sites in the world...

...The center of pilgrimage for more than 1,000 years and previously the Yucatán’s most powerful city, the Mayans really did us a favor by creating Chichen Itza.

...Back in the 8th century, Hai Tong led the charge to carve the Leshan Giant Buddha out of a cliff face. The result was a 71-meter Buddha statue that is both the tallest and largest in the world.

...This majestic city contains the remains of the last great Hindu kingdom. Created during the Vijayanagara Empire, more than 1,600 pieces still remain and include temples, gateways, forts, and more. With a landscape defined by hill ranges, open plains, and the Tungabhadra River, the city has a rocky topography that’s perfect for those who enjoy climbing.

...Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it was an important cultural center for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish invaded the region. (It is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” though that is actually Vilcabamba). The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

...The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other in Rome, so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the known world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but also for their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the arena where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages, and much of it is restricted now, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized.

...Located near Salisbury, this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how the builders got the stones there and have tried to replicate the feat, with dismal results.

...Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by the third Indiana Jones film when he went to find the Holy Grail. The site was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer who followed some local tribesmen there; prior to that, it had been forgotten to the Western world.

Though its founding is unknown, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century BC. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

...Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet. The old Potala Palace was built in 7th century. At that time Zhanpu King (Shuzhan Genpu) established Tufen Kingdom in Tibet, Lhssa was its Capital, The Emperor of China’s Tamg Dynasty sent Princess Wenchen to merry Zhanpu King.

Zhanpu King decided “to build a city to show the glory”, then started to built Potala Palace on the Red Hill. There were 1,000 rooms in it; however the old Palace was destroyed during the war. The present Potala palace was re-built major after 17 century, particular during Dalai Lama V period. The present Potala Palace is 119 meters height with 13 floors. It is famous for its high historical value and kept numerous treasure in it.

...Skull Tower (S[tɕel̩e kula]) is a stone structure embedded with human skulls located in Niš, Serbia. It was constructed by the Ottomans following the Battle of Čegar of May 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising. During the battle, Serbian rebels under the command of Stevan Sinđelić were surrounded by the Ottomans on Čegar Hill, near Niš. Knowing that he and his fighters would be impaled if captured, Sinđelić detonated a powder magazine within the rebel entrenchment, killing himself, his subordinates and the encroaching Ottoman soldiers. The governor of the Rumelia Eyalet, Hurshid Pasha, ordered that a tower be made from the skulls of the fallen rebels. The tower is 4.5 metres (15 ft) high, and originally contained 952 skulls embedded on four sides in 14 rows.

...The largest religious monument in the world, the sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat covers more than 400 acres. It was once the heart of the massive capital city of the Khmer Empire. Today, the temple complex is crowded with people once again. Now, though, it is tour groups coming to explore the splendor of this incredible historic site.

...Odds are you've seen it in a movie somewhere, but that's nothing compared to standing before the Hagia Sophia. The magnificent structure was originally constructed as a Greek Orthodox basilica. It later became a mosque in the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum. There have been recent calls to convert it back into a mosque. Hagia Sophia is the quintessential example of Byzantine architecture...

...The Taj Mahal is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World—and with good reason. There is no denying the beauty of the massive mausoleum/symbol of love.

After the death of his favorite wife, Shah Jahan commissioned this elaborate tomb in her memory. Supposedly, Mumtaz Mahal, on her deathbed, begged her husband to build her the most beautiful tomb ever. The emperor certainly came through–although it took some 20 years to be fully completed.

The Taj Mahal cost the emperor over 30 million rupees (around 800 million modern dollars) and needed over 20,000 workers to complete. Today, both Mumtaz Mahal and her beloved Shah Jahan lay inside the extravagant tomb, which is surrounded by a 300 square meter garden.

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