Source: Pexels
One of the great mysteries of the world is how ancient civilizations all knew how to build pyramids – one of the modern ones is how to visit them all! So, here are just a few ancient pyramids around the world fit for any travel itinerary or bucket list.
El Castillo, Mexico
One of the best surviving and most important of the Mayan temples, this pyramid has become so iconic that its design is regularly used within ancient Mesoamerican-themed entertainment to represent Mayan culture. Just take online casinos for example – Mayan-themed games are so popular that on-demand game franchises like Gonzo’s Quest have expanded into live dealer casino games, with offerings such as Live Gonzo’s Treasure Map. In this game, the host stands at the entrance to an ancient temple akin to El Castillo, bringing in the elements of mystery the pyramid projects for an authentic and immersive Mayan-themed experience.
You too can visit El Castillo to uncover its mysteries, with transport links to Cancun, Mérida, and other large cities in Mexico. Although widely recognized by its nickname El Castillo, the pyramid might also be referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan, a deity of Mayan culture that takes on the form of a feathered serpent. As such, the pyramid was designed with astronomy in mind, with 365 steps (91 on each side and one at the top), and the famous ‘descent of the snake’. During the equinoxes in spring and autumn, the shadows of El Castillo create the form off a moving snake close to the north staircase!
Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt
When we think of pyramids, we automatically think of Egypt. However, this pyramid in Saqqara is often overlooked for its more famous neighbors, despite its rich history. In fact, the Pyramid of Djoser is actually the oldest pyramid in Egypt – it was built over a century before those you’ll find in the touristy hotspots at Giza.
This also makes the Pyramid of Djoser the first ever step pyramid to be built in the world! Before this pyramid was built, the kings were buried in mounds with a flat top. However the architect Imhotep decided to arrange several mounds on top of one another, thus creating the pyramid. Despite his iconic burial place, we don’t know much about Djoser, which only adds to the mystery of the site.
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
Of course, the Borobudur Temple might not be as tall as you might expect from a traditional pyramid, but this stacked structure is truly an architectural marvel. The Javanese Buddhist temple was built in the 8th and 9th centuries, but was abandoned sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries. The site was then rediscovered in 1814, and is now considered the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
The temple was built in accordance with the Buddhist beliefs of kamadhatu, represented by the base, rupadhatu in the five square terraces, and arupadhatu by three circular platforms and a stupa. Those worshiping at the temple would traverse clockwise on the walkways, which lead to the highest level. This unique aspect shows that the temple took ideas from ancestral worship, combining it with the Buddhist ideas of enlightenment or achieving Nirvana.
And there you have it – just a few ancient pyramids that are worth adding to your travel bucket list. With such varied cultures and histories, all that’s left to do is explore.
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