5 fascinating ancient sites on the continent

omotolani

January 15, 2018 2:29 PM

From ancient Egypt and Kano to the ancient Carthaginian civilization, Africa is a combination of mystery and history.

Explore five mesmerizing ancient sites that

1. Pyramids of Giza

ALSO READ: 5 Nigeria travel destinations for millennials

The pyramids of Giza are one of the greatest mysteries of all time. They feature a perfect geometry, fascinating shape, and impressive size, which makes many wonder how they were built. In fact, these pyramids are massive tombs which were built under the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.

2. Kano

Located in Nigeria, Kano is West Africa’s oldest city. Established about 1400 years ago, this city used to be a crucial crossroads in trans-Saharan trade. It then became a famous centre for its ancient walls and Islamic studies during the Middle Ages.

3. Carthage

ALSO READ: How to travel the world without quitting your day job

Founded in the ninth century B.C., the Tunisian city of Carthage was an important trading empire home to the ancient Carthaginian civilization. During the Punic Wars, Carthage occupied lands which even belonged to Rome. However, it was destroyed by the latter in 146 B.C. and rebuilt on the ruins of the Roman Carthage.

This fascinating archaeological site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Lalibela, Ethiopia

ALSO READ: 5 ways to make an adventurous travel bucket list

Lalibela is home to fascinating rock-hewn churches. There is nothing that beats the intensity of the feelings you can experience when attending one of the important religious festivals, which sees hundreds of pilgrims dressed in white gathering in the churches’ courtyards. This picturesque site certainly is one of the world’s greatest wonders.

5. Great Zimbabwe

Sub-Saharan Africa has also been home to impressive medieval cities, of which Great Zimbabwe is the most impressive.

In fact, the country is now even named after it. Proving earlier scholars wrong, this political and religious site shows evidence of the extent to which civilization was greatly developed in ancient Africa.

omotolani