Top 10 Largest Ancient Temples

Located in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Karnak is one of the largest ancient temples ever built, spanning over 200 acres. This temple complex was constructed across several centuries, with the majority of work completed during the New Kingdom period (around 1500 BCE). It contains a vast array of architectural styles, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences. The hypostyle hall within the temple holds 134 columns, each one adorned with intricate hieroglyphics. Built to honor the worship of Amun, the chief deity of ancient Egypt, this temple was also used for astronomical observations. Its grandeur makes it an iconic symbol of ancient Egyptian architecture.

In Athens, Greece, lies the remains of the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in honor of the Greek god Zeus around 174 BC. Its construction took almost four centuries to complete and stood at over 70 meters tall. The temple's foundation is supported by 15 massive columns that stretch up towards the sky. Built during the Roman period, it was originally dedicated to the worship of Zeus but also held other gods. This impressive structure is an example of the architectural mastery of ancient Greek civilization.

Situated on the west bank of Lake Nasser in Egypt, the majestic Edfu Temple stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian architects. Built during the Ptolemaic Period (around 237-57 BCE) and reconstructed several times due to natural disasters, this temple showcases an advanced knowledge of mathematics and engineering. The temple's impressive size is matched by its rich decoration, including intricate carvings on its walls and ceilings. It was built to honor the worship of Horus, the major deity associated with kingship in ancient Egyptian mythology. This well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices of ancient Egypt.

Situated within the heart of Cambodia's magnificent Angkor Complex is the enchanting and majestic Temple of Angkor Wat. Built during the 12th century to represent Mount Meru, the mythical peak home of Hindu gods in the cosmos, this structure symbolizes spirituality, artistry, and advanced engineering skills. Constructed with over one million workers over nearly two decades and at a cost that is estimated at several hundred million US dollars, Angkor Wat showcases the remarkable artistic, religious, and cultural achievements of ancient Khmer civilization. It took several years to complete its construction phases, making it a testament to human determination. At 150 meters tall, its central spire represents an epitome of Khmer ingenuity.

Located in southern Jordan, the stunning al-Khazneh or Treasury building is one of the most famous ancient structures discovered at the site of Petra, which was once a flourishing city of the Nabataeans in the early 1st century BC. Excavated for the first time by American archaeologist and explorer John Ward in the mid-19th century after being rediscovered and lost to the sands for centuries. The elaborate temple features a stunning facade carved with over 850 relief sculptures that depict stories of Nabataean royalty and mythology. With the construction spanning nearly 60 years, this beautiful example highlights the architectural, artistic, and cultural achievements of the Nabataeans who ruled Petra from around 150 BC to AD 106 CE.

Situated in the heart of Palenque's jungle temple complex in Mexico, the enigmatic Temple of the Inscriptions is a masterpiece of Mayan architecture dating back approximately to the year AD 700 when it was initially constructed. Located behind a massive stone wall and nestled within dense tropical vegetation, it stands as an architectural marvel of precision and style. Covering an area of over 100 meters in length, this temple features two levels where inscriptions left by King Pakal are deciphered on its walls and ceilings. At the center lies the tomb of King Pakal I, one of the last kings of Palenque.

Situated within the heart of Peru's Cusco city, the impressive Temple of the Sun or Coricancha boasts some of the most spectacular Inca ruins in South America. During the pre-Hispanic era (1476-1533 CE), this magnificent structure was a sacred temple representing both the mythical solar deity and the spiritual power of the Incas. Its walls feature an intricate stone mosaic made from stones cut into precision geometric shapes, showcasing Inca ingenuity and artistry. The original construction occurred over several centuries with multiple rebuilds.

Located in present-day Turkey, the magnificent remains of the temple dedicated to Artemis are one of the best-preserved ancient ruins discovered near Ephesus, a historic city built on the foothills of Mount Pergamum around 800 BC. The grandest reconstruction occurred under Emperor Hadrian from around AD 136 to 137, and it had massive foundations made of marble for the foundation in honor of Artemis. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, its design represented advanced engineering skills during a time when monumental construction was at its peak.

Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico within the modern town of Tulum, this fortress-like temple stands atop a 30-meter high cliff overlooking turquoise waters and represents one of the most photographed ancient structures in the world. Built by the Maya civilization over several centuries starting around AD 1200, its strategic location allowed it to act as an imposing fortress capable of safeguarding trade routes and sacred sites. One interesting fact is that its design combines elements of Mesoamerican architecture with those of the Mayans' later Acolhua and Huastecan cultures.

In Cambodia, close to the town of Siem Reap is another majestic structure by the name of the magnificent Hindu temple known as the magnificent Angkor Wat in the complex. Constructed for King Jayavarman II during 1113 – around AD 1150 CE and finished about two decades later, the construction is attributed to thousands of skilled workers. The central spire or main tower stands at a considerable height of over 150 meters tall and has stepped carvings throughout its surface, creating an awe-inspiring spiritual architecture showcasing Indian architectural styles under Khmer influence.