Everyone should have a list of places they want to see, and for passionate history lovers, this list includes a visit to ancient cities. Reading about them in history books or in reports of archaeological discoveries can provide an element of excitement, but without a personal visit to places you will never get a complete picture. If you also want to look at ancient places and are looking for inspiration, this article is for you. Here are 10 ancient cities you must see that you just have to visit at least once in your life.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

This very ancient city, also known as Samarqand, is located in present-day Uzbekistan and is one of the oldest permanently inhabited ancient cities in the world. This fact alone makes it a must on your travel list - especially if you are a history enthusiast. In ancient times, it was one of the largest and richest cities in Central Asia - thanks in large part to its strategic location on the lucrative Silk Road. Within the ancient Achaemenid Empire, it was the capital of key Sogdish satrapy.

However, it was conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, and various rulers later appeared at his head. In 1220 he was Genghis Khan, the great Mongol leader. However, its greatest prosperity began when the infamous conqueror Timur made it the capital of his new empire. Today, Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the "Crossroads of Cultures". Visitors to this ancient city can enjoy its numerous architectural marvels and the invaluable features of its intricate Islamic art.

The ancient city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

Athens, Greece

One would think that visiting the capital of Greece is nothing special, because it is a modern city. But if you take into account the fact that Athens was also the capital of ancient Greece, you will begin to understand that they too must be on your list. Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, has its modern and ancient strata - and you can explore both. The city, which exists and has been inhabited for many centuries, definitely has something to offer. Immerse yourself in its diverse history and experience every age - from its ancient beginnings to the Middle Ages and modern times.

Of course, every history lover will vote for the classic Greek aspect of Athens as the most exciting. When visiting this city you cannot miss the wonderful Acropolis of Athens, the most amazing remnant of ancient Greece. Warm up in the famous Parthenon and immerse yourself in the stunning sights above the city. In addition, a visit to one of the city's museums will undoubtedly be a lifelong thrill - full of iconic archeological finds and some of the best-preserved artifacts. Athens, as a world center of archeology, is full of still-living history.

Sunset on the Acropolis in Athens

Teotihuacan, Mexico

Visiting the ruins of this ancient Mesoamerican city is a dream come true for many. It is located in Mexico, about 40 kilometers northeast of its capital, Mexico City. Teotihuacan is one of the most beautiful of all ancient sites in Central America. Its well-preserved remains are full of towering pyramids, temples and platforms, houses and expertly cobbled streets. All this is a real proof of the skill and dedication of the ancient inhabitants of Teotihuacan. The beginnings of this city can be traced back to 600 BC. By 100 BC, it had developed into a vast urban and economic center and began to grow as a true ancient metropolis.

At the height of its power - from 1 to 500 AD - Teotihuacan was probably the largest and most powerful city in Mesoamerica. As a true economic giant, the city came to prominence and achieved a true renaissance. Today, visitors can admire the stunning Mesoamerican pyramids - especially the beautiful pyramids of the Sun and Moon. One of the true wonders of all pre-Columbian civilizations in America, the Teotihuacan must be on every list.

The Pyramid of Teotihuacan in Mexico

Machu Picchu Peru

When it comes to ancient cities, Machu Picchu remains one of the most visited places in the world. The ruins of this city citadel, a real and undeniable cultural heritage of Peru, are located on a stunning 2 meters of mountain ridge, high above the Sacred Valley and just 430 kilometers northwest of Cuzco - another ancient city. Machu Picchu is a remnant of the Incas and was created around the 80s as the property of the Inca ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. It was inhabited only about a hundred years before it was abandoned by the arrival of the conquerors.

Machu Picchu, covered with dense jungle vegetation, was discovered in the late 19th century and was officially excavated around 1912. Since then, it has been remembered as the Lost City of the Incas and remains one of the most visited ancient sites in the world. Either way, it remains a stunning insight into classical Inca architecture and art, giving visitors a window into their culture and way of life. For all who seek adventure and look into ancient ruins, Machu Picchu is a must.

The ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru

Timbuktu, Mali

If you ever find yourself in Mali, Africa, you can't miss a visit to the ancient city of Timbuktu. Once a mythical medieval city known as the Mysterious Timbuktu, known as the city of gold and great wealth, today it is an impoverished regional city in Mali. Timbuktu, located at the southern end of the Sahara, has expanded through trade in exotic goods. Gold, ivory, salt and slaves were the main aspects of the regional economy, and Timbuktu was its very center.

At the beginning of the 14th century, the city became part of the rich empire of Mali and soon established itself as a center of education, culture and art. Thanks to its early Islamic universities, especially the Sankore Madrasah, it was known as the scientific center of Africa. Timbuktu, the official UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its unique architecture of clay buildings with wooden frames that have survived for many centuries. Today, the city suffers from desertification due to the shifting borders of the Sahara, but still remains an amazing historical place to visit and one of the oldest cities in Africa.

Djingareyber Mosque in the ancient city of Timbuktu

Rome, Italy

When you are in Rome - bask in its wonderful sights. Of course, we don't need to introduce this ancient city very much. With a long history of an incredible 28 centuries - 2800 years - Rome is undoubtedly one of the oldest permanently occupied cities in Europe. Today, it is the capital of Italy and boasts many venerable relics from times long past. As such, it is a real tourist hotspot, which simply has to be on your list.

Rome is a city with very old roots. Its fame comes from the ancient Romans, who claimed that their famous city was founded around 753 BC. From that point on, strength and size gradually grew and became first the core of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Both entities were the leading European powers of classical history and controlled large parts of the then known world. Of course, because it was the capital of the republic, Rome became a global center of culture, art, architecture, education and trade. Numerous remains from this age remain to this day - when visiting modern Rome you can see the Colosseum amphitheater, the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, Circus Maximus and many other breathtaking monuments of Roman history.

Roman ruins in the ancient city of Rome

Cairo, Egypt

Egypt is often the number one choice on many lists. Home to ancient Egyptian civilization is an endless supply of amazing monuments and ancient relics. Cairo, the country's capital, is always a great start. The area around the modern city was where Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, stood. Memphis was known to the ancient Egyptians as Inebu-Hedj and Menefer, and has always been a center of activity.

One of the most powerful ancient cities of this civilization was considered the core of its religious activities, art and culture, trade and architecture. Today, visitors to Cairo will have to walk just outside the borders of a modern and bustling city to see the monumental remains of ancient Egypt. About 30 km south lies the ancient necropolis of Memphis, Saqqara. It is home to many wonders, such as Djoser's Step Pyramid and many remarkable tombs. Even more impressive is the Giza Plateau. On a plateau near the city of Giza - on the very outskirts of Cairo - are some of the main wonders of the world: the famous pyramids. The famous Pyramid of Khufu (Great Pyramid of Giza) is the most famous of them and is a place that many people dream of.

Sultan Hassan-Madrass Mosque and Pyramids in the background, Cairo, Egypt.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, known as the city of temples, is a majestic ancient city whose well-preserved ruins lie in northwestern Cambodia. The popular tourist center is characterized by its remarkable architecture, which will leave many visitors amazed. This vast piece of world heritage was more of a temple complex than a real city, and it has survived for centuries and is still in good condition.

Angkor Wat, built by order of Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 1100 AD, lies in the remains of the city of Angkor, which was once the vast capital of the Khmer Empire. In its original role, it was a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. Throughout history, however, it has been converted into a Buddhist temple. It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The historical significance of Angkor Wat and its breathtaking architecture make it an ideal place to visit.

Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat

Tikal, Guatemala

Of all the Mayan ruins, Tikal - known to them as Yax Mutal - is by far the most amazing. The ruins of this ancient large city are located in the rainforests of Guatemala. Tikal, one of the largest urban centers of the ancient Maya, was the capital of their most powerful kingdom. As such, it can be dated to the 4th century BC, when it began its gradual development. Between 200 and 900 AD, it reached its zenith and was the center of the Mayan region in all respects - economically, militarily and culturally.

Tikal, a powerful force in pre-Columbian America, had one major rival in the north - Teotihuacan. Around the 4th century AD, Tikal was probably conquered by this rival - an event that changed the course of its history. In the 10th century AD, the city was deserted and dilapidated, and gradually engulfed by the jungle - until its rediscovery in modern times. Today, it is home to remarkable Mayan pyramids and temples, which testify to the complex architectural style of this civilization. A visit to this ancient ruined city is a must.

Stunning ruins in Tikal, Guatemala

Chichen Itza, Mexico

The world of the ancient Maya was diverse and mysterious. The remains of their cities continue to captivate every historical enthusiast. And of course Chichen Itza is one of the most amazing Mayan cities that exists. These ancient ruins have survived the ravages of time and are now intact, making them a fantastic addition to your list of ancient cities.

Chichen Itza was the foremost of all Mayan cities. The metropolis and center of commerce, culture and the arts prospered for centuries before it was finally abandoned in the Middle Ages, some time before the arrival of the Spaniards. Today, it is Mexico's most popular tourist destination with more than 2,6 million visits per year.

Chichen Itza in Mexico

Esene Suenee Universe

Magda Wimmer: Mayan Prophecy

It is not advisable to downplay the Mayan prophecies, for hundreds of years ago their priests foretold the events that actually took place in reality: the wide roads spanning rivers and the whole country, the people talking at a distance, flying in the sky, there would be two great wars. war symbols will take the form of a bent cross and a rising sun…

Magda Wimmer: Mayan Prophecy