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Travel, 10 Oldest Pyramids In The World You Can Still Visit Today.

Travel, Ancient civilizations built pyramids long ago. Some of the world’s oldest pyramids are still open for visitors, but others are too dangerous to explore.

Pyramids are fascinating monuments of ancient cultures, revealing their mysteries and ways of life. They are impressive examples of human creativity and skill, especially considering the limited tools and resources available at the time. That is why many people are drawn to visit these magnificent structures worldwide.

Egypt is home to the most famous and well-studied pyramids, which have captivated the public for centuries. They are still the subject of ongoing research and exploration, often yielding discoveries and insights. But Egypt is not the only place where pyramids can be found. Other ancient civilizations built their versions of pyramids, such as the Mayans, the Aztecs, the Zapotecs, and the Chavin. These pyramids reflect the diversity and richness of human history and culture.

With so many ancient pyramids still standing and accessible to the public, preserving and protecting them for future generations is essential. They are invaluable sources of knowledge and inspiration, as well as stunning attractions for tourists. Learn more about the world’s oldest pyramids that you can visit today.

10- The Templo Major Pyramid

Built-in 1325 AD

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Templo Mayor was the sacred pyramid of the Aztecs in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, where they worshipped their gods and performed sacrifices. The pyramid was built in 1325 AD when the Aztecs started to expand their empire, which lasted from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Templo Mayor was the heart of Tenochtitlan, which the Aztecs considered the center of the universe. The pyramid grew more extensive and elaborate over time as each new ruler added it. Templo Mayor had seven different construction stages until it reached its final form.

When the Spanish invaders conquered Tenochtitlan, they demolished many Aztec buildings. They also built over some of them, hiding them from view. The ruins of Tenochtitlan and Templo Mayor were discovered in the 20th century when Mexico City was being developed.

The Spanish and the urbanization damaged Templo Mayor, but it has been conserved since it became a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1987. Today, it is one of the oldest ancient pyramids in the world that people can still visit.

9- The Brihadisvara Temple

Built from 1003 to 1110 AD

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The Brihadisvara Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is one of the oldest pyramids. It was built by the Chola dynasty between 1003 and 1110 AD. The temple has a remarkable pyramid-shaped tower that reaches over 200 feet (60 meters) high. The tower has a unique feature: it casts no shadow at noon daily. This and the temple’s ancient history and splendid architecture attract many visitors. The Brihadisvara Temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

8- El Castillo Pyramid

Built from 800-900 AD

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El Castillo is the most spectacular structure in Chichen Itza, a Maya city that was one of the most important in the pre-Hispanic era. The pyramid was built by the Maya people, who inhabited present-day Mexico, between 800 and 900 AD, when their civilization peaked. Chichen Itza was an extensive and populous city, with an estimated 5,000 to 50,000 residents. From Mexico to Guatemala, the total Maya population was between 2 million and 10 million people. The Maya were skilled in agriculture and irrigation, but their exact methods to construct El Castillo are still unknown. The pyramid has endured for centuries and is still open to visitors today. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

7- Tikal

Built-in 732 AD

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Tikal was a major center of the Maya civilization in the Petén region of Guatemala. It had over 60,000 people in 750 AD and was a flourishing city with a massive pyramid built in 732 AD. The Maya abandoned Tikal in 869 AD for reasons that are still unknown. Some scholars suggest they left because of environmental problems, such as overpopulation and drought. However, Tikal still has many remains of its ancient glory, including the pyramid.

Tikal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, protected and conserved for future generations. It is one of the most impressive and important archaeological sites of the Maya culture.

6- The Pyramid Of The Moon

Built-in 100 AD

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The Pyramid of the Moon is one of the most impressive monuments of Teotihuacan, an ancient city that was a religious and cultural center in Mesoamerica. The pyramid was used for ritual sacrifices to the gods the Maya worshipped. The main god of Teotihuacan was the Great Goddess, who represented water, fertility, and creation. She received the offerings of humans, animals, and other things at the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Moon is connected to a tunnel network that runs under Teotihuacan. These tunnels are still being explored and reveal new information about the Maya people who built and lived in Teotihuacan centuries ago.

Teotihuacan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Pyramid of the Moon, the Sun, and other buildings are being preserved and maintained for further research and appreciation of ancient cultures.

5- The Pyramid Of Cestius

Built-in 12 BC

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The Pyramid of Cestius is a Roman monument that imitates the style of the ancient Egyptian pyramids. It was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a priest and a magistrate, who died in the first century BCE. He ordered in his will that his pyramid be completed within 330 days after his death, or else his heirs would lose their inheritance. The pyramid was finished in 12 BCE, according to his wishes.

The Pyramid of Cestius also served a military purpose in Rome. It was incorporated into the city’s defensive wall, which helped to protect the citizens from foreign attacks. This also helped to preserve the pyramid from decay and damage.

The Pyramid of Cestius was closed to the public for a long time until it was restored and reopened in 2016. It is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site but still a valuable and impressive historical monument.

4- Cahuachi

Built-in 100 BC

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Cahuachi was a place of pilgrimage for the Nazca people, who lived in Peru between 200 BCE and 600 CE. They built many pyramids at Cahuachi, using them as a “ceremonial center.” Cahuachi is still a mystery, as new artifacts are being discovered there. However, this also makes Cahuachi vulnerable to looters who want to steal and sell the ancient relics.

Cahuachi is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site yet. Maybe more research and knowledge about the site will help it to meet the criteria and become a heritage site. This would also help to protect and preserve Cahuachi for the future.

3- Monte Alban

Built-in late 500 BC

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Monte Alban was the capital city of the Zapotec civilization in Oaxaca, Mexico, from 500 BC to 800 AD. The Zapotec built a pyramid in the Great Plaza around 500 BC and other pyramids, canals, and terraces for farming in the four-square-mile area. Monte Alban was a prosperous and influential city for centuries, but the Zapotec left it after 850 AD. No other people conquered Monte Alban, and Oaxaca became the new city. Monte Alban was forgotten and reclaimed by nature.

In 1987, UNESCO declared Monte Alban a World Heritage Site. Since then, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the buildings, especially after the earthquakes and fires that have damaged the region. The goal is to keep Monte Alban as a place where tourists can see and learn about the ancient cultures that lived there.

2- The Pyramids Of Giza

Built between 2528 and 2520 BC

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The Pyramids of Giza are the burial monuments of three Egyptian kings: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. They were blood-related and ruled the region for three generations, from 2528 to 2520 BC. Each pyramid has a temple for funerary rites and tombs for the king’s wives. The pyramids were built by a large workforce of skilled workers who moved hundreds of stones daily to the pyramid site. They used the wet soil from the river to slide the stones to Giza.

The construction of the pyramids was complicated and risky for the workers. That is why they had houses and a graveyard near the pyramids.

The Pyramids of Giza were “rediscovered” in the 1800s but were not protected until UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site in 1979. Before that, Cairo grew closer to the pyramids, causing looting and pollution.

In 2023, a new tunnel with three known chambers was found in the Great Pyramid. This excited the archaeologists, who hoped to find Khufu’s body, which had never been seen. They also hoped to learn more about the secrets of the Pyramids of Giza, which are still not fully understood.

1- The Red Pyramid

Built between 2612 and 2589 BC

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The Red Pyramid is one of the world’s oldest pyramids, maybe the oldest known to humans. It is located in Dahshur, Egypt, and was built by King Snefru, who also created the Bent Pyramid, which failed to be a true pyramid. The Red Pyramid was constructed between 2612 and 2589 BC, and it has a red hue because of the limestone used in its inner chamber. The pyramid also has three other chambers with tall walls.

The Red Pyramid is a remarkable example of ancient engineering, as it has no cracks in its ceiling, even though it weighs more than two tons. It also inspired the design of the Giza Pyramids, which are more famous and crowded. The Red Pyramid has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and it is well-preserved and accessible to visit.

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