Top 5 Oldest Man-Made Structures

Located in Wiltshire, England, this prehistoric monument dates back to around 3000 BCE. The construction of Stonehenge is a mystery that has puzzled historians and archaeologists for centuries due to its complex design and the lack of definitive answers about its original purpose. Excavations have revealed that the site consisted of over 1 million tons of stone, with the largest stones weighing as much as 50 tons. One interesting fact about Stonehenge is that it was originally made up of wooden posts, which were later replaced by the iconic stone structure we see today.

The oldest and only remaining ancient wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are believed to have been built around 2580-2565 BCE. The largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, is an engineering marvel that stood at an original height of over 146 meters (480 feet) with a base covering an area of about 13 acres. Interesting details about the pyramids include their precise alignment with the four cardinal directions and their supposed role in ancient Egyptian spiritual practices.

Stretching over 13,171 miles (21,196 km), this series of fortifications was constructed over several centuries to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. The earliest versions of the wall date back to the 7th century BCE and were continuously expanded until the Ming Dynasty's final version in the 16th century CE. Did you know that it is estimated that tens of thousands of workers lost their lives during its construction? This impressive feat showcases China's significant historical achievements in infrastructure development.

Located in present-day Iraq, this ancient wonder was said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BCE for his wife, Queen Amytis. Its exact design is unknown, but theories suggest that it consisted of a series of stepped gardens supported by arches and aqueducts, with lush greenery and trees thriving despite its name implying gravity-defying construction. It remains one of the most mystifying ancient structures due to lack of direct archaeological evidence.

Situated in Luxor, Egypt, this vast complex of sanctuaries, halls, and obelisks dates back to around 1500 BCE under Pharaoh Thutmose I. With some estimates suggesting it was a massive construction effort spanning over two millennia, the temple's sheer scale is an example of ancient Egyptian architectural prowess. Its impressive collection includes the great Hypostyle Hall with thousands of granite columns, representing one of the largest indoor space covered in stone.