Top 7 Oldest Temples In The World

The history of temples dates back thousands of years, with some of the oldest surviving structures serving as places of worship, reflection, and cultural significance. These ancient temples offer a glimpse into the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of various civilizations across the world.

These ancient temples are not only remarkable for their age but also for their significance in understanding the religious, cultural, and architectural achievements of past civilizations.

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These ancient temples are not only remarkable for their age but also for their significance in understanding the religious, cultural, and architectural achievements of past civilizations. Here we would like to share with you the top 7 oldest temples in the world to ever exist.

7. Ziggurat of Ur (2100 BC)

The Ziggurat of Ur, located near the modern city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, is one of the most well-preserved and iconic examples of ancient Mesopotamian architecture. It stands as a testament to the advanced engineering and religious significance of the Sumerian civilization, dating back to the 21st century BC during the reign of Ur-Nammu.

The Ziggurat of Ur was dedicated to the moon god Nanna (also known as Sin), who held a prominent place in the Sumerian pantheon. The purpose of the ziggurat was to provide a sacred space for worship and to serve as a platform for the temple of the deity at its summit. 

It was believed that the ziggurat acted as a bridge connecting the heavens and the earth, facilitating communication between the mortal world and the divine realm. Over time, the Ziggurat of Ur fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned as the ancient city declined. 

The ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley during his excavations at the site of ancient Ur.

6. Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum (3600 - 2500 BC)

The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, located in Paola, Malta, is a unique and mysterious underground structure dating back to the Saflieni phase of Maltese prehistory, around 3600-2500 BCE. It is a remarkable example of ancient subterranean architecture and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Malta.

The word "Hypogeum" comes from the Greek language, meaning "underground." The site was accidentally discovered in 1902 when construction workers were excavating to build a house.

The Hypogeum is a complex underground system carved into the soft limestone bedrock. It consists of a series of interconnected chambers and passages, meticulously carved and shaped by the ancient inhabitants of Malta.

5. Tarxien Temples (3600 - 2500 BC)

The Tarxien Temples are a complex of ancient megalithic structures located in Tarxien, a town in the southern part of Malta.  Dating back to the Tarxien phase of Maltese prehistory, which is estimated to be around 3600-2500 BCE, the Tarxien Temples are considered some of the oldest free-standing stone buildings in the world. 

The site was first discovered in 1913 by local farmers plowing their fields, leading to archaeological investigations that unearthed a remarkable treasure trove of ancient history. The complex consists of four interconnected temples, labeled Tarxien Temples East, Tarxien Temples Central, Tarxien Temples South, and Tarxien Temples West.

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Each temple is distinguished by its unique architectural features and artistic elements, showcasing the advanced engineering skills and artistic capabilities of the ancient Maltese society. The Tarxien Temples were constructed using large limestone megaliths, some weighing several tons, which were quarried from nearby locations. 

These massive stones were skillfully cut, shaped, and arranged to create the walls, doorways, and chambers of the temples.

4. Mnajdra Temples (3600 - 3200 BC)

The Mnajdra Temples, located on the southern coast of Malta, are an exceptional set of prehistoric megalithic temples. Like the nearby Tarxien Temples and Ħaġar Qim, the Mnajdra Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent an essential part of Malta's rich archaeological heritage.

This ancient complex consists of three main temples, constructed using massive limestone blocks that were quarried from nearby locations. The three temples at Mnajdra are known as the South Temple, the Middle Temple, and the North Temple. 

Each temple is distinct in design and orientation, reflecting different periods of construction and cultural influences. The South Temple is the oldest and features an impressive trilithon entrance, a characteristic feature of Maltese temple architecture, consisting of two vertical standing stones supporting a horizontal lintel.

These ancient stones continue to captivate researchers and visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the people who constructed these awe-inspiring structures over 5,000 years ago.

3. Ħaġar Qim (3600 - 3200 BC)

Ħaġar Qim (pronounced ha-jar eem) is an ancient megalithic temple complex located on the southern coast of Malta, not far from the Mnajdra Temples and the Blue Grotto. Like other prehistoric temples on the island, Ħaġar Qim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating back to the Tarxien phase of Maltese prehistory, around 3600-3200 BCE, Ħaġar Qim is estimated to be over 5,500 years old, making it one of the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world. 

The temple complex was constructed during a time when the ancient inhabitants of Malta were transitioning from a hunter-gatherer society to a settled agricultural community. Today, Ħaġar Qim is open to the public and is part of the Ħagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park.

2. Ġgantija Temples (3600 BC)

The Ġgantija Temples is an ancient megalithic temple complex located on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, which is part of the Maltese archipelago. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ġgantija Temples are among the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, dating back to around 3600-3200 BCE during the Tarxien phase of Maltese prehistory.

The name "Ġgantija" is derived from the Maltese word "ġgant," which means giant, and the name is fitting given the colossal size of the temple structures. The Ġgantija Temples consist of two distinct temple structures, referred to as the North Temple and the South Temple, each enclosed within their own protective boundary walls.

The discovery of artifacts such as figurines, pottery, and other ritual objects within the temple complex provides valuable insights into the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of Malta's ancient inhabitants.

1. Göbekli Tepe (9600 BC)

Göbekli Tepe is an ancient archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey, near the city of Şanlıurfa. It is one of the most remarkable and enigmatic prehistoric sites in the world and has revolutionized our understanding of early human history. 

The name Göbekli Tepe translates to "Potbelly Hill" in Turkish, named after the hill on which the site is situated. Discovered in the 1960s but extensively excavated since the 1990s, Göbekli Tepe has provided groundbreaking insights into the development of human civilization. 

It dates back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, approximately 9600 BCE, making it around 11,000 years old and the oldest temple in the world to ever be discovered. The site's significance led to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, recognizing its exceptional value to the world's cultural heritage.

Source:

• Iluminasi

Also read: Top 7 Oldest Pyramids In The World