With the body of a lion and the face of a man, the Great Sphinx guards the Giza Plateau. Believed to bear the image of Pharaoh Khafre, it represents the pharaoh having the strength and courage of a lion. It is considered to be one of the oldest statues in the world, although very little is known about its actual construction and use.
2. Phocis, Greece
Answer: Oracle of Delphi
The ancient Greeks would travel to Apollo's Oracle at Delphi to hear prophesies regarding their future. They would write their question on a piece of lead, put it in a clay jar, and The Pythia, or priestess of Apollo, would listen to the leaves rustle in the wind for an answer from the god. Wealthy, poor, mighty, and weak - all consulted the oracle for help in making important decisions.
3. Rome, Italy
Answer: Colosseum
The Colosseum was the scene of gruesome contests, such as gladiator fights and animal fights, as well as mock naval battles, re-enactments of famous battles, and religious persecutions. Completed by the Emperor Vespasian in 80 AD, it is the largest amphitheater ever built.
The building continued to be used for entertainment for a time after the fall of Rome. It was partially destroyed by an earthquake, and has been used for several purposes, such as a fortress, a Christian church, and even a rock quarry.
4. Jerusalem, Israel
Answer: Temple of Solomon
Solomon's Temple is also known as the First Temple. It was destroyed by the Chaldeans, led by King Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC. Believed to have housed the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple is described in the Old Testament as being built with cedar from Lebanon, with the walls, floors, and altar being overlaid with gold.
5. Syrian Desert
Answer: Palmyra
Dating back to the Neolithic Age, the first written record of the city dates to approximately 2000 BC, when the leader Puzur-Ishtar the Tadmorean agreed to a contract with the Assyrian king. It has changed hands many times during its long history, and was an important stop along caravan routes.
After the death of Alexander the Great, the city came under the control of the Seleucids, and was eventually annexed by the Roman empire.
6. Mycenae, Greece
Answer: Lion Gate
The ancient Mycenaeans are believed to have been the ancestors to the ancient Greeks, and become the most powerful sailors in the Aegean after the destruction of the Minoan city, Knossos. The Lion Gate was the main entrance into the Mycenaean fortress, whose walls were so massive that it was believed they were built by the Cyclops.
7. River Tyne to Solway Firth, England
Answer: Hadrian's Wall
Named after the Emperor Hadrian, Hadrian's Wall was built by the Romans to protect their territory from the people who lived to the North. It is considered to be the largest Roman artifact in existence, and covers a length of 73 miles. Located entirely in modern-day England, in some places it is less than a mile away from the border with Scotland, while in others it is more than 60 miles away.
8. Desert of same name, Peru
Answer: Nazca Lines
Located in the Nazca Desert, there are many theories concerning the purpose of the construction of the Nazca Lines. While some believe that they are somehow related to the religious beliefs of the ancient people, others believe they may have had something to do with finding water in the desert.
There are three different types of lines; many are geometric shapes. Others are zoomorphic, which means they are in the shape of animals, such as monkeys, fish, and even humans. The phytomorphic shapes include trees and flowers.
9. Rhodes
Answer: Colossos
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossos, a statue of the sun god Helios, only stood on the island of Rhodes for less than sixty years before it was destroyed by an earthquake. The historian Strabo said that it stayed in pieces on the ground for over 800 years; the people were afraid that they had offended Helios, and decided not to rebuild.
10. Punjab, Pakistan
Answer: Harappa
Also called the Indus Valley Civilization, the Harappan culture produced some of the oldest urban centers in the world. The city of Harappa is estimated to have had a population of about 23,500 people. Using oven-baked clay bricks, houses with several stories were built; archaeological evidence suggests that most of the houses had at least one bathroom that was connected to a sewer system under the street.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor NatalieW before going online.
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