The World’s Best Ancient Cities

Consisting of mostly ruins, and difficult to imagine as actual sites of events, ancient cities may not offer much in the way of still-standing sights. However, the history that can be felt when you’re there is powerful enough to draw millions of visitors each year to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring (and not as reputable) civilizations of past millennia.

Temple of Luxor © Kasto80 | Dreamstime

Thebes, Egypt

Once the site of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Luxor, Thebes served as the capital of ancient Egypt and is still home to the monstrous ruins that date back to the 11th century B.C., including a giant pharaoh.

Mayan Ballcourt, Chichen Itza, Mexico © Afagundes | Dreamstime

Teotihuacan, Mexico

Egypt may be home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, but Mexico was where the Mayan civilization ruled for six centuries and constructed their flat-topped pyramids that are still accessible to visit (and climb!) today.

Herculaneum, Italy © Enrico Della Pietra | Dreamstime

Herculaneum, Italy

Destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the first century, A.D., the ancient seaside retreat for Romans is now an oft-overlooked site next to its neighbor, Pompeii. Centuries-old villas still exist up and down the wide streets where the disastrous eruption can be felt.

Apsara Dancers with Mahabharata Carvings © Kelvintt | Dreamstime

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Growing in popularity among tourists is Cambodia’s ancient treasure of Angkor temples. As the largest religious monument in the world, the temple grounds have served many religions between the 9th and 14th centuries.