Picture yourself standing before a building that predates the pyramids, that was built before writing existed, and even before people made wheels. These ancient constructions recount stories of our forebears from thousands of years in the past, who displayed remarkable technology and persistence through constructing to leave a lasting legacy. Here, we take you on a tour of seven of the oldest structures still standing on Earth — each a testament that human beings have always aspired to do something bigger than build themselves.
How Does a Building “Survive” the Centuries?
Before we get to our list, a note on what constitutes survival for a structure. We are staring at buildings, tombs and monuments for which visible vestiges remain today — not merely archaeological sites where foundations were found buried out of sight. Exhibiting thousands of years of rain, wind, earthquakes as well as human damage. Some remain all but intact, whilst others are semi-ruinous, yet each provides a snapshot into ancient history.
The structures we’ll be looking at are anywhere from about 9,500 to 3,650 years old. To put that in perspective, when our list’s youngest structure was built, the oldest had been standing for close to 6,000 years!
Göbekli Tepe – 9,500 years before present – Turkey
Age: Approximately 11,500 years old
Göbekli Tepe is situated in southern Turkey and is believed to be the earliest temple complex ever discovered. This site revolutionized what archaeologists believed they knew about early human civilization. Before its discovery in the 1990s, scientists had assumed that humans first began to farm, then moved into permanent settlements and finally developed religion. Göbekli Tepe disproved that theory – it was constructed by hunter-gatherers who hadn’t yet invented farming.
What Does Göbekli Tepe Look Like?
It’s a set of stones and ring formations. These T-shaped pillars are carved from limestone and can weigh up to 20 tons each. Many columns are adorned with carvings of animals that include foxes, lions, scorpions and vultures. The pillars stand in circles or stand alone, some of the circles were more than 12 feet across.
Why Is It So Important?
Göbekli Tepe tells us that organized religion and complicated construction projects started earlier than anyone knew. The guys who built this didn’t have metal axes, wheeled vehicles or pack animals. And they shaped the pillars with stone tools and transported these huge stones across the landscape. Each enclosure would have required hundreds of people to build, the scientists estimate, indicating that the hunter-gatherers already had complex social organization.
Even more mysterious is how the ancient builders apparently used the site for about 1,500 years before deliberately burying it under thousands of tons of soil. No one can say why they did this, but hiding it was arguably what helped keep these structures for us to discover thousands of years later.
Tower of Jericho – Palestine (about 8,000 BC)
Age: Approximately 10,000 years old
One of the earliest stone buildings in the world, Jericho’s Tower is on one side pencil-shaped — and another resembles a birthday cake served upside down. The existence of this tower demonstrates that people were erecting impressive structures well before they learned to write, or even how to work with metal.
The Structure’s Design
The tower, constructed with undressed stones (meaning they weren’t shaped or polished), was originally around 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall. It measures some 9 meters (30 feet) in diameter at the bottom. Inside the tower is a staircase to its top of 22 steps. This internal staircase is believed to be one of the earliest stairs in history.
Purpose and Significance
The original purpose of the tower has been a topic of debate among archaeologists for decades. Some think that it was part of a system of defensive walling to defend the town. Others believe it may have been a place for ceremony or to stand lookout. A more recent theory indicates that the structure was used for astronomical observations, with the tower’s placement allowing it to be lined up with a setting sun during the summer solstice, while its shadow could indicate when seasons were about to change.
The most interesting part of the Tower of Jericho is that it was constructed by one of humanity’s first urban settlements. The inhabitants of ancient Jericho had only recently ceased being nomadic hunter-gatherers. The building of such a structure involved planning, cooperation and resources, all evidence of forming civilization.
Barnenez, France (around 4850 BCE)
Age: Approximately 6,850 years old
Situated in Brittany, France, the Barnenez cairn is one of the first megalithic monuments in Europe. This enormous stone pile is actually two linked cairns (piles of stones), which house multiple burial chambers.
Construction and Size
Barnenez is tremendous—in some points it spans approximately 72 meters (236 feet) in length and is 20-25 meters (66-82 feet) wide, standing as high as 9 meters (30 feet). For comparison’s sake, it is longer than two basketball courts lined end to end! It has 11 passage graves (tombs with a long corridor leading to a burial chamber), each entered through its unique entrance.
The builders worked in dolerite and granite. Each stone was placed with skill and no mortar was used to keep the stones in place – just the weight of each rock. Archaeologists believe about 13,000 to 14,000 tons of stone were utilized.
Historical Importance
Barnenez is among the earliest megalithic monuments in western Europe and one of the most ancient constructions of such dimensions. The ones who built it were Neolithic farmers who had reached sufficient social complexity to undertake such a massive construction project. The cairn was used for burials for hundreds of years, indicating that it remained an important site to these people over time.
Barnenez was actually almost lost in what we might call ‘modern times’ in the 1950s, when it was turned into a free-shipping stone source for roads — rush to customers wanting large chunky rocks to be installed soon. Thankfully, archaeologists stepped in and the site was saved and later reconstituted.
Ġgantija Temples – Malta (3,600 BC)
Age: Approximately 5,600 years old
The Ġgantija temples on the Mediterranean island of Malta have been described as one of the oldest free-standing structures in existence. They were named Ġgantija for their size when local legend held that giants built the great temples.
Architectural Features
The temple is divided into two areas, separated by a common precinct. The temples are designed on a trefoil plan, with massive stone slabs for walls and roof. Some of the megaliths pushed around in construction weighed over 50 tons, more than 30 cars!
The construction method is what’s truly impressive. Its external walls are of rough hard coralline limestone, and its internal ones are in globigerina limestone with softer shade. The roof was constructed using the technique of corbelling, with successive layers of stone protruding slightly further inward than those beneath, finally meeting roughly at the center.
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Cultural Significance
These were constructed by an advanced prehistoric culture that occupied Malta. The temples appear to have been sites of religious practice and may have been used in fertility rituals. Spiral designs and animal sculptures are amongst the stone carvings which have been discovered on the site.
The Ġgantija temples predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, making them among the world’s earliest examples of monumental architecture. They remind us how inhabitants of an island with relatively few resources were able to collectively raise monuments that last forever.
West Kennet Long Barrow: England (3rd millennium BC)
Age: Approximately 5,650 years old
One of the most important and imposing Neolithic tombs in Britain, the West Kennet Long Barrow is situated in Wiltshire, England. This prehistoric mound tomb is perched high on a ridge overlooking the Salisbury Plain, just near Stonehenge.
Structure Description
The barrow comprises a low narrow earthen mound some 100 meters long. At one end of the construction are five stone chambers radiating out from a central passageway and made up of huge sarsen stones (a type of sandstone), punctuated by an entrance in the east. These compartments were for the preservation of the dead.
The entrance itself is quite impressive, great standing stones surrounding it and a capstone so enormous that the doorway into the tomb from outside seems very imposing. The chambers are made of large stones and form small rooms where bones were put. At least 46 individuals had been laid to rest in these chambers over the years, though many more are likely to have been originally buried there, archaeologists think.
Purpose and Use
The West Kennet Long Barrow was more than a mere grave. That sounds like it was used over several generations, with bones frequently shifted and sometimes removed entirely. This indicates it was part of a continuum of such death and ancestors-related rituals.
The tomb was sealed off on purpose some time around the year 2500 BC, over a thousand years after it had been in use. The entrance passage was blocked up with earth and chalk by the builders, and across it they laid three immense stones so as to effectively block it forever. Bereft of permanence though it may be, this dramatic closing act served as a bookend for the tomb’s active use, and it has now been sealed for countless millennia.
Newgrange – Ireland (ca 3,200 BC)
Age: Approximately 5,200 years old
Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland is arguably one of the best known prehistoric monuments in Ireland. This passage grave is actually older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza — and it features one of the most impressive astronomical alignments in all of antiquity.
Design and Construction
Newgrange is a large circular mound, 85 meters (279 feet) in diameter and 13.5 meters (44 ft) high. The mound occupies about an acre, and is surrounded by 97 large stones known as kerbstones, several of which are embellished with a variety of intricate spiral and geometrical designs.
A 19m-long passage in the mound gives onto a cross-shaped, corbelled chamber. To this day, the roof has not leaked in over 5,000 years showing incredible expertise of the engineers who constructed it. The chamber is surrounded by three smaller recesses, in which stone basins held cremated remains.
The Winter Solstice Phenomenon
What makes Newgrange truly special is the roof box located above the entrance. It has been built in such a way that the sunlight falls on the opening only during the winter solstice. For roughly 17 minutes at sunrise on this day, a shaft of sunlight travels down the passage and enters into the chamber at its end.
This celestial alignment suggests that those who built it knew a great deal about the sun and how they could incorporate its knowledge into their edifice. The fact that this carnival of light still operates as accurately today as it did 5,000 years ago is a staggering tribute to the talent of Ireland’s ancient engineers.
Cultural Context
Ireland’s Neolithic farming communities constructed these structures at Newgrange. The building would have demanded tremendous resources — archaeologists believe that 200,000 tons of stone were used and that stones traveled to the construction site from as far away as 47 miles (75 kilometers). The great size of these projects and their coverage, as well as the duration of construction activities for many years, leaves an impression of a highly organized society which could harness a large amount of labor over a long time period.
Stonehenge – England (about 3,000-1,600 BC)
Age: The circle dates back to around 4,500 years.
Stonehenge isn’t the oldest structure included in our list, but it’s definitely one of the most well-known. Stonehenge, situated on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, has fascinated humans for millennia. Its famous stone circle has become an emblem of prehistoric Britain.
Evolution of Stonehenge
Stonehenge wasn’t built in a day — or all at once. Instead, it developed over the course of roughly 1,500 years:
Period 1 (c. 3000 BC): The site consisted of a flat-bottomed ditch and bank, with no obvious construction work. They contained pits, possibly for the placement of wood or for cremation burials.
Phase 2 (approx. 2,500 B.C.): The famous bluestones were set in place. These stones, which weighed up to 4 tons each, came all the way from the Preseli Hills in Wales — about 240 kilometers (150 miles) away!
Phase 3 (around 2,500-1,600 B.C.): The gigantic sarsen stones were placed in the rounds. These massive stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, were hauled from roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. They were made using stone hammers and laid out in the iconic circle with a horseshoe of trilithons (two standing stones supporting one lying across).
Purpose and Theories
Archaeologists have offered many theories regarding Stonehenge’s function:
Observatory: The monument was oriented to the summer and winter solstices, indicating it may have been used to observe for changes in season.
Healing Temple: Some evidence indicates that people came from great distances, in search, perhaps, of healing. Many of the other graves nearby display evidence of illness or injury.
Ceremonial Hub: The area may have served as a destination for ancient societies to gather and hold ceremonies or celebrations.
Memorial or Burial Ground: The cremated remains of about 150 individuals have been discovered at the site, indicating it was a burial ground for elite families.
Probably the truth is some mixture of these motives, which would probably have varied over the monument’s long history.
Construction Mystery
One of the great mysteries of Stonehenge is how prehistoric people carried, dragged and lifted such massive stones without modern technology. Recent experiments demonstrate that teams of workers may have used wooden sledges, rollers and rope to shift the stones. The raising of the stones apparently involved a combination of earthen ramps and levers, as well as carefully controlled toppling.
Comparison Table: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
| Structure | Location | Approximate Age | Type | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Göbekli Tepe | Turkey | 11,500 years | Temple Complex | World’s oldest temple; T-shaped pillars |
| Tower of Jericho | Palestine | 10,000 years | Tower/Fortification | Home to one of the world’s oldest staircases |
| Barnenez | France | 6,850 years | Burial Cairn | Massive stone mound containing 11 passage graves |
| Ġgantija Temples | Malta | 5,600 years | Temple Complex | Older than the pyramids; megalith construction |
| West Kennet Long Barrow | England | 5,650 years | Burial Chamber | Long artificial hill with stone rooms |
| Newgrange | Ireland | 5,200 years | Burial Chamber | Earth-mounded tomb on winter solstice alignment |
| Stonehenge | England | 4,500 years | Stone Circle | Iconic site associated with astronomical alignments |
What the Structures Say About Ancient Humans
What these seven sites tell us about our ancestors:
Sophisticated planning: Early people, without written language, managed to plan out elaborate construction projects that lasted decades.
Math Knowledge: Some of these structures exhibit knowledge of geometry, astronomy, and the laws of engineering that we are only now understanding.
Social Organization: The construction of these monuments would have involved organizing masses of workers, indicating complex social hierarchies and leadership systems.
Spiritual Beliefs: Many were religious or ceremonial structures, illustrating that religion was and is something humans value across time.
Long-term Thinking: These builders produced structures that they intended to endure for generations, suggesting a concern for their legacy and tomorrow’s people.
Resource Management: Carrying enormous stones long distances necessitated the provisioning of food, tools, and labor.
How Have These Structures Lasted So Long?
It’s a wonder that these ancient edifices have survived for so long.
Strength and Quality of Construction: The builders constructed the structures carefully so that they were solid and would not fall down.
Intentional Preservation: Some buildings, such as Göbekli Tepe that were covered on purpose by their makers, shielding them from the elements and tampering by visitors.
Climate: Many of these buildings are located in relatively dry or temperate climates, which slowed deterioration.
Away from cities: Their distance from population centers made them less attractive for the scavenging of building materials.
Modern Conservation: For the past few centuries, archaeologists and preservationists have undertaken efforts to stabilize and protect these sites.
Respect for Culture: Traditional local communities have been using many of these places as sacred sites or significant landmarks, due to which the local community has been protecting them.
Modern Threats to Ancient Structures
Even though they’ve endured for thousands of years, the ancient structures are under new threats.
Climate Change: Accelerated rainfall, temperature fluctuation and extreme weather conditions can harm stones and earthworks.
Tourism: Millions of tourists can lead to wear and tear, despite protective measures.
Pollution: Acid rain and air quality pollution can tarnish stone surfaces.
Development: Urban growth and infrastructure can threaten these sites.
Conflict: In politically tumultuous areas, ancient sites can sometimes be damaged or destroyed.
Conservation is in progress for all of these sites with archaeologists and conservators striving to preserve these structures for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the buildings still standing entirely in one piece?
A: It definitely depends on how well something has been preserved. The pillars of Göbekli Tepe, by and large buried yet otherwise intact, make a stark contrast with the remains at Stonehenge, where some stones have fallen over time. Most cairns such as Newgrange or West Kennet Long Barrow remain in a substantially preserved state, but portions of others have been rebuilt from a variety of substances. None of them are 100% original, but they all have enough material dating back to antiquity.
Q: How do archaeologists know how old some of these structures are?
A: There are a number of techniques that scientists can use, but the most popular is radiocarbon dating. The method then measures the decay of carbon-14 in organic matter, such as wood or charcoal within the site. They also rely on stratigraphy (exploring layers of soil), studying artifacts unearthed nearby, and observing construction techniques that were common at certain times.
Q: Didn’t ancient people have the technology to build these?
A: Absolutely! Archaeological experiments have demonstrated that teams of people wielding stone tools and wooden levers, with ropes and even simple sleds, could move colossal stones on (and off) their quarries and shaping sites. What they lacked in technology they found ways to compensate for with time, sweat and ingenious engineering. These were things that took 20 years sometimes, generations, whole communities working in coalition.
Q: Why were people of antiquity so invested in making these structures?
A: These buildings were used for religious and ceremonial reasons, as well as social events. They were places for worship, to bury the dead, observe astronomical phenomena and pull together as a community. Constructing them also showed a group’s strength and identity, much as modern nations create monuments to flex their accomplishments.
Q: Can these sites be visited by tourists today?
A: Yes, you can still visit most of these sites, but not with the same access. Travelers can get up close to Stonehenge on special tours, or stick to general admission and stay at a distance. Newgrange is only accessible by advance reservation, and a small number of visitors are admitted each day. Göbekli Tepe has viewing platforms, as do the others, and each will have visitor arrangements. Be sure to check current visiting policies before planning a trip.
Q: Are there older buildings that could be out there?
A: Quite possibly! Archaeologists are constantly discovering new ancient sites. A lot of the world has not yet been extensively researched, and numerous edifices could be buried under earth or vegetation. New technologies, including ground-penetrating radar and satellite imagery, are aiding efforts to find promising sites. There could, of course, be even older buildings awaiting discovery.
Q: Why do so many of the old buildings have to be tombs or temples?
A: People in the past erected permanent buildings for what they viewed as most crucial — death, religion and community assemblies. The everyday houses were usually wood or mud brick that rotted away in a few centuries, but not the tombs and temples: These monuments lasted forever, at least until they were torn down or worn away by wind, water and time. The most effort was expended, the best materials lavished on these structures because of their sanctity.
The Lasting Legacy
These seven structures are testament to the fact that human creativity, ambition and engineering skill have been around for much longer than we sometimes think. The builders of Göbekli Tepe and the Tower of Jericho lived long before there was writing, but they left behind monuments that still stand. The builders of Stonehenge and Newgrange had a much more advanced understanding of astronomy than we have long given them credit for.
It’s a humbling spectacle to stand before any one of these ancient buildings. They link us to thousands of years of ancestors in a way that transcends time and space, reminding us how even as our lives have changed so rapidly, ultimately we all want the same things from life: to create beauty, honor what we believe, respect those who are gone before us and make something beautiful for those who come after.
They are not mere heaps of ancient stones, these monuments: They are messages from our remote human past reminding us that we have always been builders, dreamers, creators. They remind us that people, with determination and mutual cooperation and creativity, can do things that seem impossible. And they remind us that what we create today may long be standing thousands of years hence, relating our own story to people we can barely imagine.
The more we learn about these amazing structures, the more we are not only learning about our past but becoming inspired for the future. If our ancestors with stone tools could leave such enduring monuments, how much more might we accomplish with all the technological know-how at our fingertips? The question is: What will we build that endures 10,000 years?
