Tombs and Temples built by Ancient Civilisations^[1]

Some of the first structures built by ancient civilisations were tombs and temples where religious ceremonies were conducted. Some of the oldest temples were put to use more than 5,000 years ago on what is now the island of Malta. But the oldest known temple predates all others by over 6,000 years and is also older than the first civilisations formed in ancient Mesopotamia. Many of the temples mentioned have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.^[2]

The word “Temple” comes from Latin (‘templum‘), a structure usually built for the purpose of, and always dedicated to, religious or spiritual activities including prayer, meditation, sacrifice and worship.^[3]

Temples have played a significant role in the spiritual and cultural practices of many societies throughout history. These sacred spaces, often dedicated to worshipping gods or other deities, have been centres of community and spiritual devotion for centuries. From the ancient Temple of the Sun in Mexico to the modern-day Notre Dame Cathedral in France, temples have been revered for their beauty, grandeur, and cultural significance. In this paper, I explore the history and importance of temples from various cultures at different times, examining their role in the spiritual and social life of their communities. My paper introduces some of the oldest, well-known (and not so famous) and most interesting temples. You might disagree with my selection – no doubt you’ll let me know what I’ve omitted.

Image Credit: Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa
Attribution: Teomancimit, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0&gt;, via Wikimedia Commons
Page URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:G%C3%B6bekli_Tepe,_Urfa.jpg
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Ancient temples were buildings that served as centres of religious worship for many of the world’s earliest civilisations. These temples were often built to honour specific gods or goddesses and were considered sacred spaces where people could connect with the divine.

In ancient times, temples played a central role in the cultural, social, and political life of the communities that built them. They were often the most impressive and ornate buildings in a city and were often adorned with intricate carvings, frescoes, and other decorations. In addition to being places of worship, ancient temples were also centres of learning, where priests and scribes studied and recorded the history and mythology of their people.

Ancient temples were built in various architectural styles, depending on the region and civilisation that constructed them. Some ancient temples were massive structures with towering columns and grandiose entrances, while others were more modest in size and design. Despite their differences, all ancient temples shared a common purpose: to provide a place for people to connect with the divine and seek guidance and inspiration.

One of the most famous ancient temples is the Temple of Enki, a Sumerian temple located in the city of Eridu. Built around 2500 BC, the Temple of Enki was dedicated to Enki, the god of wisdom, water, and magic. The temple was a major centre of worship for the Sumerian people and was also a place of learning, where scribes and priests studied and recorded the history and mythology of the Sumerian people.

Other notable ancient temples include the Temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak in Egypt, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis in Greece, and the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in Rome. These temples were all built to honour different gods and goddesses by civilisations with rich histories and cultures. These temples were all built and were centres of religious and cultural life for their respective societies.

Today, many of these ancient temples:

• are important sources of information for historians and archaeologists who study these structures to learn more about the societies that built them;
• remain standing and are popular tourist attractions that attract visitors from around the world; and
• are a testament to the rich history and culture of the civilisations that built them, offering visitors a glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the past.

In conclusion, these temples are a fascinating and important aspect of world history, and there is much to learn and explore about ancient structures. Whether you are interested in their architectural styles, cultural significance, or the societies that built them, there is something for everyone to discover about the world’s ancient temples.

Image Credit: “Olympia, Temple of Zeus: The West Pediment – XVII” by Egisto Sani is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Construction
The world’s first temples were probably built by ancient civilisations to serve as places of worship for their gods and goddesses. The idea of building a temple as a place of worship or religious ceremony has a long history and can be found in many different cultures and religions around the world. These early temples were often associated with the religion and culture of the people who built them and were typically constructed to reflect the beliefs and values of the society:

• Early temples were often constructed using various materials, including marble, stone, wood, and clay, depending on the resources available in the region where the temple was being built. The construction of a temple typically involved a significant amount of labour and resources, as it was often seen as a sacred and important building in the community.
• Temples were often built with a specific purpose in mind, such as serving as a place of worship, a centre for religious ceremonies, or a place for the community to gather and socialise. As a result, the design and layout of a temple would often reflect the specific functions it was intended to serve.
• In many cases, temples were built to honour and venerate a particular deity or gods, and were often adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that depicted the deity or deities being worshipped. Temples were also often built in a way that incorporated elements of the local culture and environment, such as using local materials and design styles.

Regardless of who dreamed up the idea of building temples, they were typically seen as an important and sacred project that involved a significant amount of resources, labour, and planning. They have played an important role in many cultures throughout history and continue to do so today, being considered sacred places often used for religious ceremonies and rituals.

The Early Structures
There is evidence of temple-like structures dating back to the ancient Near East and Egypt, where some of the oldest known civilisations lived. For example:

• The ancient Sumerians built ziggurats – large, stepped pyramids that served as temples.
• The ancient Egyptians also built temples to honour their gods and goddesses, including the Temple of Amun at Karnak, which was one of the largest and most important temples in the ancient world.
• In ancient Greece, temples were typically built to honour the gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon. These temples were often adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures and were typically constructed using marble and other fine materials. The Parthenon, which was built in Athens in the fifth century BC, is one of the most famous examples of a Greek temple.

Image Credit: “Malta. Mnajdra Prehistoric Temple” by John McLinden is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Some of the oldest known temples were built on the island of Malta, but it is difficult to definitively say which temple was the very first one ever built as there is no consensus on this point among learned historians and archaeologists. Malta’s oldest known temples are the Megalithic Temples, a series of ancient religious structures dating back to the Neolithic period (4100-2500 BC). These temples are considered some of the oldest free-standing stone buildings in the world and are a testament to the advanced architectural skills of the ancient Maltese people. The Megalithic Temples consist of several different structures, including the Temple of Ħaġar Qim, the Temple of Mnajdra, and the Temple of Tarxien. These temples are now protected as World Heritage Sites and are popular tourist attractions on the island.

Many ancient temples are known to have been built by the early civilisations, and it is likely that there are many more that have yet to be discovered. Here is a list I have compiled of some of the oldest known temples (extant and former):

• Göbekli Tepe – a site located in modern-day Turkey.
• Temple of the Sun – in the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico.
• Temple of the Inscriptions – in the ancient city of Palenque in Mexico.
• Temple of the Winged Lions – in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.
• Temple of Saturn – an ancient temple dedicated to the god Saturn in Rome, Italy.
• Temple of Hathor – an ancient temple located in the city of Dendera in Upper Egypt.
• Temple of Karnak – this temple complex is in Luxor, Egypt and is thought to have been built around 2500 BC, making it one of the oldest known temples in the world.
• Temple of Solomon – located in Jerusalem, it is believed to have been built around 1000 BC. It was a central place of worship for the ancient Israelites and is mentioned in the Bible as having been built by King Solomon.
• Temple of Artemis – this temple was located in Ephesus, Turkey and was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is thought to have been built around 550 BC.
• Temple of Zeus – located in Olympia, Greece, this temple was dedicated to the Greek god Zeus and is thought to have been built around 470 BC. It was the site of the Olympic Games, which were held in honour of Zeus.
• Temple of Apollo – this temple was located in Delphi, Greece and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is thought to have been built around the sixth century BC and was a centre for the ancient Oracle of Delphi, a revered figure who was believed to have the ability to communicate with the gods.
• Temple of the Sun – located in Heliopolis, Egypt, this temple was believed to have been built around 2500 BC. It was dedicated to the sun god Ra and was one of the oldest known temples in the world. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.
• Temple of the Moon – this temple was located in Harran, Turkey and was dedicated to the moon god Sin. It is thought to have been built around the third millennium BC and was one of the oldest known temples in the world. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.
• Temple of Anu – this temple was located in Uruk, Iraq and was dedicated to the Sumerian god Anu. It is thought to have been built around 2500 BCE and was one of the oldest known temples in the world. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.
• Temple of the Inanna – This temple was located in Sumer, Iraq and was dedicated to the Sumerian goddess Inanna. It is thought to have been built around 2500 BCE and was one of the oldest known temples in the world. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.
• Temple of Enki – this temple was located in Eridu, Iraq and was dedicated to the Sumerian god Enki. It is thought to have been built around 2500 BCE and was one of the oldest known temples in the world. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.
• Temple of Marduk – this temple was located in Babylon, Iraq and was dedicated to the Babylonian god Marduk. It is thought to have been built around the second millennium BC.
• Temple of Osiris – this temple was located in Abydos, Egypt and was dedicated to the Egyptian god Osiris. It is thought to have been built around 2500 BC.
• Temple of Apollo at Delos – this temple was located on the island of Delos in Greece and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is thought to have been built around the sixth century BC.
• Temple of Athena at Athens – this temple was located in Athens, Greece and was dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. It is thought to have been built around the fifth century BC.
• Temple of Apollo at Corinth – This temple was located in Corinth, Greece and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is thought to have been built around the sixth century BC.
• Temple of Amun at Karnak – This temple was located in Thebes, Egypt and was dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun. It is thought to have been built around the 12^th century BC.
• Temple of Apollo at Bassae – This temple was located in Bassae, Greece and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is thought to have been built around the fifth century BC.

­­Many temples have been lost to history, each with its own unique history and significance.

A Selection of the Earliest Temples
In this paper, I have provided information about the temples listed on the previous page, some more detailed than others.^[4]

Göbekli Tepe
Göbekli Tepe is considered one of the oldest known temples in the world, with some of the structures at the site dating back to around 11,000 BC. The site has a series of circular and oval-shaped stone structures, many of which are adorned with carvings of animals and other symbols. Göbekli Tepe is thought to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes and is believed to have been a significant centre of worship for the people who built it. The site has been described as a “temple” by some researchers, although it is unclear exactly what function it served for the people who built it.

Göbekli Tepe has been the subject of much research and study, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered an important site for understanding the early history of human civilisation, and it has provided researchers with valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the people who built it.

Image Credit: “File: Reliefs of animals, Göbekli Tepe Layer III, circa 9000 BCE.jpg” by Klaus-Peter Simon is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Göbekli Tepe (sometimes called Potbelly Hill)^[5], a Neolithic archaeological site in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey is sometimes referenced as the first or oldest temple. It is a sanctuary built on a hilltop in southeastern Turkey. The houses or temples are round megalithic^[6] buildings, while the walls are made of unworked dry stone and include numerous T-shaped monolithic pillars of limestone up to 3 metres (10 ft) high.^[7]

Dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, the site comprises several large circular structures supported by massive stone pillars. Many of these pillars are richly decorated with abstract anthropomorphic details, clothing, and reliefs of wild animals, providing archaeologists with rare insights into prehistoric religion and the particular iconography of the period. The 15 metre (50 ft)-high, 8 ha (20-acre) tell also includes many smaller rectangular buildings, quarries, and stone-cut cisterns from the Neolithic, as well as some traces of activity from later periods.

Prehistorians link this Neolithic Revolution to the advent of agriculture but disagree on whether farming caused people to settle down or vice versa. Göbekli Tepe, a monumental complex built on the top of a rocky mountaintop with no clear evidence of agricultural cultivation produced to date, has played a prominent role in this debate. The site’s original excavator, German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, described it as “the world’s first temple“: a sanctuary used by groups of nomadic hunter-gatherers from a wide area, with few or no permanent inhabitants. Other archaeologists have challenged this interpretation, arguing that the evidence for a lack of agriculture and a resident population was far from conclusive.

As of 2021, less than 5% of the site had been excavated.^[8] Göbekli Tepe is an important site for understanding the early history of human civilisation, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site continues to be studied by archaeologists, and discoveries are made all the time.

The Temple at Jerusalem
The Temple at Jerusalem was a central part of Jewish life in ancient times, and it was considered to be the most important and holy place in Judaism. In fact, there were two temples.

The first Temple at Jerusalem was built by King Solomon (the son of King David) in the tenth century BC. It was a grand and impressive structure made of stone and adorned with gold and other precious materials. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and was considered a sacred and holy place. Built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, it was the centre of worship for the ancient Israelites. The Temple of Solomon is also known for its two pillars (named Boaz and Jachin), which were located at the porchway or entrance of the temple. The pillars were made of molten brass and were said to be about 18 metres (60 feet) tall. They were adorned with pomegranates and other decorations, and were used as a symbol of the temple’s grandeur and importance. The names Boaz and Jachin are thought to have been derived from the Hebrew words “bo’az,” which means “in strength,” and “ya’aqov,” which means “he will establish.” Together, these pillars symbolised the strength and stability of the temple and the kingdom of Israel.

The First Temple was destroyed in the early sixth century BC by the Babylonians, who invaded the Kingdom of Judah and besieged the city of Jerusalem. The Babylonians captured the city and destroyed the temple along with much of the rest of the city. The destruction of the First Temple marked the beginning of the Jewish exile in Babylon, during which the Jews were forced to leave their homeland and live in Babylon for several decades.

The Second Temple in Jerusalem was built in the sixth century BC after the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple. Construction started in 538 BC under the Persian Empire and was completed in 515 BC. The temple was built on the site of the First Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. It was built by the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel, a Jewish prince. The Second Temple, the centre of Jewish worship and playing a significant role in Jewish history and religion, The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans during the Siege of Jerusalem. The Romans, under the command of the future Roman Emperor Titus, had invaded Judea and besieged the city of Jerusalem to suppress a Jewish revolt. The Romans captured the city and completely burned the Second Temple to the ground, along with much of the rest of the city.

Image Credit: Arch of Titus relief showing the Menorah from the Temple as spoils of the Romans.
Attribution: Paolo Villa, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0&gt;, via Wikimedia Commons.
Page URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:04_2022_Roma_(Arco_di_Trionfo_di_Tito-_Bassorilievi)_FO228685_bis_Photo_by_Paolo_Villa.jpg [This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.]

The Second Temple’s destruction was part of a larger military campaign against the Jews, known as the First Jewish-Roman War. The Romans were attempting to put down a rebellion by the Jews, and it was a symbolic victory for the Romans. The temple was also destroyed due to internal conflicts and tensions within Jewish society at the time. There were factions within Judaism that supported the rebellion against Rome, while others opposed it. The destruction of the temple was a devastating blow to the Jews and had a profound impact on the development of Judaism and the history of the region.

Tisha B’Av, or the Ninth of Av, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is observed on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av and is a day of fasting and mourning. Tisha B’Av is one of the most solemn days in the Jewish calendar and is marked by prayers and lamentations for the destruction of the Temples and the suffering that the Jewish people have endured throughout history. The destruction of the Temples is a significant event in Jewish history and is remembered and mourned on Tisha B’Av as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of preserving the traditions and values of the Jewish people.

The Temple at Jerusalem was a place of great importance to the Jewish people and played a central role in their religion and culture. The Temple was the centre of Jewish worship and where the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets with the Ten Commandments, was kept. It was also a place of sacrifice and the only place where certain sacrifices could be made. A grand and impressive structure, it was adorned with many architectural features, including a large courtyard, a series of chambers and rooms, and an altar for sacrifices. The Temple was also home to several important artefacts and treasures, including the Menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum that was one of the most sacred objects in Judaism.

The Temple of Saturn 
The Temple of Saturn was an ancient temple dedicated to the god Saturn, the god of agricultural abundance and abundance in general. Its ruins stand at the foot of the Capitoline Hill at the western end of the Forum Romanum in Rome, Italy. The original dedication of the Temple was traditionally dated to 497 BC, but ancient writers disagreed greatly about the history of this site.

The Temple of Saturn was an important and influential building in ancient Rome, and it:

• played a central role in the city’s religious and political life.
• was a place of great wealth, as it served as the repository for the Roman state’s treasury (it was home to the aerarium^[9], which was the state’s financial reserve).
• was also where the Roman Senate met to conduct its business.
• was where the annual Saturnalia festival (see below) was held in honour of the god Saturn.

The Temple of Saturn was a grand and impressive structure and was adorned with several outstanding architectural features. It was built of marble, and a series of Corinthian columns surrounded it. The temple also had several statues and other decorative elements, including a large statue of the pagan god Saturn standing in the front of the temple.

Image Credit: “Temple of Saturn” by vgm8383 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Construction of the temple is thought to have begun in the later years of the Roman Kingdom under Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the legendary seventh and final king of Rome. The temple’s inauguration by the consul Titus Lartius took place in the early years of the Republic. It is the oldest Republican Temple after the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. The altar of Saturn, which stood in front of the Temple, is thought to have been much older – it was associated with Saturn’s founding of the city. The Temple was completely reconstructed by Lucius Munatius Plancus in 42 BC. The present ruins represent the third phase of the Temple of Saturn, built after a fire in 360 AD.

The extant inscription on the frieze commemorates this restoration undertaken after the fire. In Roman mythology, Saturn ruled during the Golden Age, and he continued to be associated with wealth – his Temple housed the treasury, the aerarium^[10] where the Roman Republic’s reserves of gold and silver were stored. 

Today, the temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman temples in Rome and is a popular tourist attraction.

SATURNALIA

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival and holiday in honour of the pagan god Saturn, held on 17^th December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 24^th December.

Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many traditions we now associate with Christmas. The date has been connected with the winter sowing season, which varies from October to January in modern Italy. Remarkably like the Greek Kronia, it was the liveliest festival of the year.

The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus

Image Credit: “Foundations of the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus at the Capitoline Museum, Rome.” by Andy Montgomery is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Latin: Templum Iovis Optimus Maximus) was an ancient Roman temple located on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. It was dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology, and was one of the most important temples in Rome.

It was the first temple to be built on Capitoline Hill. Originally constructed of wood and thatch, it was later rebuilt in stone. The temple was known for its impressive columns and the presence of a large statue of Jupiter within it. The temple was also the site of the annual Roman triumph, where military commanders celebrated their victories by parading through the city.

The temple was known for its massive size and grandeur, and it housed the largest cult statue of Jupiter in Rome. The temple was also the home of the Roman Senate, which met there to conduct business and discuss important matters of state. The temple was a central part of Roman religious, political, and cultural life and played a significant role in the city’s history.  It was surrounded by the Area Capitolina, a precinct where numerous shrines, altars, statues and victory trophies were displayed.

The first building was the oldest large temple in Rome, and, like many temples in central Italy, it shared features with Etruscan architecture:

• It was traditionally dedicated in 509 BC. 
• In 83 BC, it was destroyed by fire.
• A replacement temple in Greek style was completed in 69 BC (there were to be two more fires and new buildings).

In the Roman historian Livy’s work “Ab Urbe Condita” (History of Rome)^[11], the temple is mentioned several times as a significant location in the city’s history and religious life. For example, Livy describes how the temple was used as a place of refuge during times of crisis, such as when the Gauls besieged Rome in the fourth century BC. Livy also writes about the temple’s role in the Roman political system. Additionally, Livy describes the various religious festivals and ceremonies at the temple, including the annual Festival of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, one of the most important celebrations in Rome. Overall, the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus played a central role in Roman religion and society, and its mention in “Ab Urbe Condita” reflects its importance in the city’s history.

Etruscan specialists were engaged for various aspects of the building, including making and painting the extensive terracotta elements of the Temple of Zeus or upper parts, such as antefixes.^[12] But for the second temple, specialists were summoned from Greece, and the building was presumably essentially Greek in style, though like other Roman temples, it retained many elements of Etruscan form. The two further buildings were evidently of contemporary Roman style, although of exceptional size.

The first version is the largest Etruscan-style temple recorded^[13] and much larger than other Roman temples for centuries afterwards. Reconstructions usually show very wide eaves and a wide colonnade stretching down the sides, though not around the back wall as it would have been in a typical Greek temple.^[14] A crude image on a coin from 78 BC shows only four columns and a very busy roofline.^[15] With two more fires, the third temple only lasted five years, to 80 AD, but the fourth survived until the fall of the Roman empire. Remains of the last temple survived to be pillaged for spolia^[16] in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, but now only elements of the foundations and podium or base survive; as the subsequent temples may have reused these, they may partly date to the first building. Much about the various buildings remains uncertain. The last temple was destroyed in a fire in the fourth century AD and later rebuilt, but it eventually fell into disrepair and was dismantled in the Middle Ages.

Image Credit: “The Goddess Hathor, circa 1350 BC”  by roberto_venturini is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Temple of Hathor
The Dendera Temple complex (the 19^th century English spelling in most sources, including Belzoni, was Tentyra; also spelt Denderah) is located about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) southeast of Dendera, Egypt. It is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. The area was used as the sixth nome^[17] of Upper Egypt, south of Abydos. The dominant building in the complex is the Temple of Hathor. The temple has been modified on the same site starting as far back as the Middle Kingdom and continuing right up until the time of the Roman emperor Trajan.^[18] The existing structure began construction in the late Ptolemaic period at the time of Ptolemy Auletes in July 54 BC^[19], and the hypostyle hall was built in the Roman period under Tiberius.^[20]

Dendara (near Qena, 40 kilometres north of Luxor, Egypt) is the home of the ancient Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Hathor, the cow-headed ancient Egyptian goddess of love, beauty and fertility who was popular and widely revered. In ancient times, Dendara was associated with healing. Patients who travelled there for cures were housed in special buildings where they could sleep and be at rest with the gods in their dreams^[21]. Hathor was also associated with the sun, music, and dance, and she was often depicted with cow’s horns and a sun disk.

The temple was built in the Ptolemaic period, which lasted from 305 BC to 30 BC and saw the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. The Ptolemaic period saw the construction of many impressive temples and other structures throughout the country.

The temple was also an important centre of worship for the people of Dendera and the surrounding region. The temple is a large and impressive structure, and it is adorned with a number of elaborate carvings and reliefs. The temple is built of sandstone, and decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology, including depictions of the goddess Hathor and other deities. The temple also has several chapels, chambers, and halls, as well as many large, open courtyards. It was an important centre of worship for the people of Dendara and the surrounding region and was visited by many people seeking the blessings of the goddess and offering sacrifices.

In ancient times, it was an important site for celebrating festivals and other religious rituals, and it was a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. Today, the Temple of Hathor is an important site for understanding the religion and culture of ancient Egypt, and it is a popular tourist attraction.

Image Credit: “Hypostyle Hall of the Hathor Temple at Dendera (I)” by isawnyu is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is well preserved, making it an important example of ancient Egyptian temple architecture.

Image Credit: “Sun Temple up close” by Is_Not_Null is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun in Teotihuacan is a massive pyramid structure located within the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico and is believed to have been constructed around 200 AD^[22]. Found along the Avenue of the Dead, between the Pyramid of the Moon and the Ciudadela, and in the shadow of the mountain Cerro Gordo, the pyramid is part of a large complex in the heart of the city. It is one of the largest and most important structures in the city and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, as well as for astronomical observations.

The temple is rectangular in shape and is oriented to align with the movements of the sun. It is decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics and is an important example of Mesoamerican architecture. The name Pyramid of the Sun comes from the Aztecs, who visited the city of Teotihuacan centuries after it was abandoned; the name given to the pyramid by the Teotihuacanos is unknown. It was constructed in two phases. The first construction stage, around 200 AD, brought the pyramid to nearly the size it is today. The second round of construction resulted in its completed size (believed to be 225 metres (738 feet) across and 75 metres (246 feet high, making it the third-largest pyramid in the world,^[23] although still just over half the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza (146 metres). The second phase also saw the construction on top of the pyramid of an altar which has not survived into modern times.

Over the structure, the ancient Teotihuacanos finished their pyramid with lime plaster imported from surrounding areas, on which they painted brilliantly coloured murals. While the pyramid has lasted for centuries, the same cannot be said of the paint and plaster, which are no longer visible.

It is thought that the pyramid venerated a deity within Teotihuacan society. However, little evidence exists to support this hypothesis. It is believed the destruction of the temple on top of the pyramid, by both deliberate and natural forces before the archaeological study of the site, has so far prevented the identification of the pyramid with any particular deity. Like the Temple of the Sun in Cusco, Peru, the Temple of the Sun in Teotihuacan is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of the Inscriptions

Image Credit: “Mexico-2534 – Temple of the Inscriptions” by archer10 (Dennis) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Temple of the Inscriptions is a pyramid-shaped temple located in the ancient Maya city of Palenque in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It was built by the Maya civilisation and is thought to have been constructed around the seventh century AD. The temple is named for the numerous inscriptions on its walls, which provide information about Palenque’s rulers and the city’s history. The temple is located within the palace complex of Palenque and is one of the most important structures in the city. It is decorated with intricate carvings and is considered to be an important example of Maya architecture.

The pyramid is composed of nine steps, with a temple on the top. The temple contains several inscriptions that provide important information about the history and culture of the ancient Maya. The inscriptions on the walls of the temple record the names and titles of Pakal and his ancestors, as well as the dates of important events in the history of Palenque. The inscriptions also include references to the Maya calendar and the Maya worldview, including their belief in the cyclical nature of time and their understanding of the cosmos.

The Temple of the Inscriptions is notable for several reasons. It is one of the best-preserved examples of a Maya pyramid temple, and it is one of the few Maya temples with a stairway leading to the top of the pyramid. The temple is also notable for the tomb of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal, one of the most famous rulers of Palenque, which was discovered within the temple in 1952. The tomb is decorated with intricate carvings and contains many valuable artefacts, including a jade mask and other items made of gold and other precious materials. The Temple of the Inscriptions is an important site for the study of Maya history and culture and continues to be a source of fascination for visitors and researchers alike. The Temple of the Inscriptions is a popular tourist attraction and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of the Winged Lions
The Temple of the Winged Lions is located in the city of Petra in modern-day Jordan. Petra is a historical and archaeological city located in present-day Jordan that was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is known for its intricate rock-cut architecture.

The Temple of the Winged Lions is one of the most notable structures in Petra. It is known for its distinctive architectural style, which combines elements of Greek, Roman, and indigenous Nabataean design. The Nabataeans were an ancient Arab civilisation that controlled a large kingdom in the region. The temple is named for the winged lion figures that adorn its façade, which were a common symbol of the Nabataean kingdom. The temple is also decorated with other ornate carvings and sculptures, including figures of humans and animals.

The temple is one of the few structures in Petra built using stone rather than being carved out of rock. The temple is located in the centre of the city and is an important site for the study of Nabataean culture and history. It is a popular tourist attraction and attracts visitors from all over the world.

It is named for the winged lion statues that decorate the temple’s facade. The exact function of the temple is not well understood, but it is thought to have been used for religious rituals or as a place of assembly for the Nabataean elite. The temple dates back to the first century AD and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies. The temple continued to thrive after the Roman annexation of 106 AD and fell out of use following the earthquake of 363 AD.

Today, the Temple of the Winged Lions is an important site for researchers studying the history and culture of the ancient Nabataeans. It is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of Nabataean architecture. Despite any damage the temple may have suffered, it is still an impressive and well-preserved example of Nabataean architecture and is a popular tourist destination.

Image Credit: “Petra Temple of the Winged Lions 2324” by Dosseman is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Temple of Karnak
The Temple of Karnak is a temple complex located in Luxor, Egypt. It is one of the largest and most important temple complexes in the world and is thought to have been built around 2500 BC.

Image Credit: “Karnak Temple Complex – Luxor” by Walwyn is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

The temple complex is dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and was the main centre of worship for the ancient Egyptian civilisation. The temple complex consists of several temples, chapels, and other buildings, including the Great Temple of Amun, the Temple of Mut, and the Temple of Khonsu. The temple of Karnak is known for its massive size and elaborate decoration, including columns, obelisks, and statues. It is an important site for the study of ancient Egyptian religion and culture and is a popular tourist attraction.

Located in Thebes (modern-day Luxor), Egypt, the Temple of Karnak is a complex of temples, chapels, pylons^[24] and other buildings. It is dedicated to the god Amun and his consort, Mut. The temple was built over a period of more than 2000 years, with the earliest structures dating back to the Middle Kingdom (around 2055-1650 BC). The temple is known for its massive columns, the Great Hypostyle Hall, and the Temple of Amun, which is one of the most sacred places in ancient Egypt.

The temple still exists and is in a state of partial repair. Some of the structures have been restored, while others are in a state of ruin. The Temple of Karnak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of Artemis

Image Credit: “Column drum from the Temple of Artemis, British Museum” by Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Temple of Artemis was located in Ephesus, Turkey and was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is thought to have been built around 55 BC. The temple was a massive structure built of marble and adorned with columns, statues, and other decorations. It was one of the ancient world’s most important religious and cultural centres and was visited by people from all over the Mediterranean region.

The temple was destroyed several times, including once by a fire in 356 BC and again by the Goths in AD 262. The ruins of the temple have been excavated and are now a popular tourist attraction. However, much of the temple has been lost to time, and only a few fragments of the original structure remain.

Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus was located in Olympia, Greece, and was dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. It is thought to have been built around 470 BC and was one of the most important temples in ancient Greece. The temple was a massive structure built of marble and adorned with columns and other decorations and was considered one of the most impressive examples of ancient Greek architecture, with a grand entrance adorned with two rows of Corinthian columns. It was also home to a massive gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue was created by the sculptor Phidias and was considered one of the greatest works of art in ancient Greece.

Image Credit: “Jordan-16A-026 – Temple of Zeus” by archer10 (Dennis) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

It was located at the site of the Olympic Games, which were held in honour of Zeus and were a major cultural and sporting event in ancient Greece. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in the fourth century AD, and much of it has been lost. However, the ruins of the temple have been excavated and are now a popular tourist attraction. The Temple of Zeus is an important site for the study of ancient Greek religion and culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to being the site of the Olympic Games, the Temple of Zeus was also an important centre of religious worship and was visited by many pilgrims who came to pray and offer sacrifices to Zeus.

The ruins of the Temple of Zeus have been partially restored and are now a popular tourist attraction in Olympia. Visitors can see the remains of the temple’s foundations, columns, and other architectural elements, as well as several artefacts that have been recovered from the site. The Temple of Zeus is a testament to the enduring influence of ancient Greek culture and the importance of religion in the lives of the ancient Greeks.

Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is located in Delphi, Greece and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is thought to have been built around the sixth century BC and was one of the most important religious and cultural centres in ancient Greece. The temple was a place of worship for the ancient Greeks and was also the site of the Oracle of Delphi, a revered figure who was believed to have the ability to communicate with the gods. The Oracle of Delphi was consulted by people from all over the Greek world and considered a source of divine guidance. The temple was a major centre of religious worship in ancient Greece, and it was visited by many people who came to pray and offer sacrifices to the god Apollo.

Image Credit: “Delphi, The Sacred Way – XIII – Apollo’s Temple” by Egisto Sani is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

The Temple of Apollo was also a popular place of pilgrimage for people from all over the Greek world. It was an important architectural and artistic achievement in ancient Greece, with a grand entrance adorned with columns and other decorations, and it was home to several important works of art, including statues, paintings, and other decorative elements.

The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 AD, and much of it has been lost to time. However, some of the ruins of the temple have been excavated and are now a popular tourist attraction. The temple’s ruins are a testament to the enduring influence of ancient Greek culture and the importance of religion in the lives of the ancient Greeks. In addition to the Temple of Apollo, the site at Delphi also includes several other ancient ruins, including the Treasuries, the Tholos, and the Theatre of Delphi. These ruins are also popular tourist attractions and important to the site’s cultural and historical significance. The Temple of Apollo is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of the Sun (Heliopolis)
Located in Heliopolis, Egypt, this temple was believed to have been built around 2500 BC. It was dedicated to the sun god Ra and was one of the oldest known temples in the world.

The Temple of the Sun was also known as the Temple of Ra or the Temple of Heliopolis and was a major religious and cultural centre in ancient Egypt visited by people from all over the country. It was a place of worship for the ancient Egyptians and was also a site of astronomical observations. The temple was destroyed and no longer exists. However, it is mentioned in various ancient texts, and its ruins have been the subject of study and research by archaeologists and historians.

The ancient texts include the Pyramid Texts and the Coffin Texts, which are collections of ancient Egyptian funerary texts. These texts contain references to the temple and the rituals performed there. The temple is also mentioned in the writings of ancient historians such as Herodotus and Diodorus Siculus, who described it as a major centre of worship in ancient Egypt.

In addition, the temple is depicted in various ancient Egyptian artworks, including temple reliefs and tomb paintings. The temple is also mentioned in the writings of other ancient authors, including the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, who wrote about the temple in the first century AD. These texts provide valuable information about the temple and its role in ancient Egyptian society.

Temple of the Moon
The Temple of the Moon was an Incan ceremonial temple on Huayna Picchu near Machu Picchu in Peru. The site comprises stone masonry and an open-face, shallow cave. The temple is arbitrarily named, like many of the sites in Machu Picchu. In the centre of the cave is a throne carved out of rock. Beside the throne are steps that lead deeper into the cave. It is thought that the caves were used to hold mummies.

The Temple of the Moon dates back 1500 years and is believed to have been built by the Incas and used for ceremonies and other religious rituals. It was rediscovered in 1936. It lies 390 m (1,280 ft) below the summit on the north side of Huayna Picchu.

Image Credit: “Temple of the Moon” by jhf is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Much is still unknown about the Temple of the Moon and its role in the Incas’ lives. Archaeologists and historians continue to study the site and gather more information about its history and significance.

­­It is unclear as to which deity the Temple was dedicated. The Incas had a complex religion that included many deities and rituals. The Incas believed in a supreme being called Viracocha, who was responsible for creating the world and all living things. They also worshipped several other deities associated with natural forces, such as the sun, moon, and stars, as well as deities related to agricultural activities and other aspects of daily life. More research and study is needed to confirm this. It is also possible that the temple was used for various religious rituals and ceremonies and may have been dedicated to multiple deities.

The Temple of the Moon is part of the larger Machu Picchu archaeological site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination in Peru. Visitors to the site can explore the Temple of the Moon and learn about its history and significance.

Temple of Anu
The Temple of Anu was a temple located in the ancient city of Uruk in what is now modern-day Iraq. Uruk was one of the oldest and most important cities in Mesopotamia. The temple was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Anu, the god of the sky and the city’s patron deity. The temple was likely a major centre of worship and played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the city. It is thought to have been built in the fourth millennium BC, and the temple was one of the oldest known temples in the world, but for detailed commentary on dates, see here. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.

Temple of the Inanna
The Temple of Inanna, also known as the Temple of Ishtar, was a temple located in the ancient Sumerian city of Uruk in what is now modern-day Iraq. It was dedicated to the Sumerian goddess Inanna, the goddess of love, fertility, and war. Inanna was a popular and important deity in the Sumerian religion, and her temple was likely a major centre of activity and devotion. The Temple of Inanna was likely a major centre of worship in ancient Sumer, and it may have served as a place of ritual and sacrifice, as well as a centre for the administration of the city’s affairs. It is thought to have been built around 2500 BC. The ancient city of Uruk was abandoned and fell into ruin many centuries ago, and much of its history has been lost to time. However, the temple was likely an important centre of worship and cultural activity in ancient Sumer and played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the city. The temple has been destroyed and no longer exists.

Temple of Enki
This temple was located in Eridu, Iraq and was dedicated to the god Enki. Enki was the god of wisdom, water, and magic. Enki was a Sumerian god, and the Temple of Enki was a Sumerian temple located in the city of Eridu in ancient Sumeria. Sumeria was a civilisation that flourished in ancient Mesopotamia, which is a region in the eastern Mediterranean that encompasses parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. The temple was built around 2500 BCE and was one of the oldest known temples in the world. It was also one of the earliest and most important temples in Mesopotamia and was a major centre of worship for the Sumerians. It was also a place of learning, where scribes and priests studied and recorded the history and mythology of the Sumerian people.

The Temple of Enki was made of mud brick and stone and was a large complex with several rooms and courtyards. It was decorated with intricate carvings and frescoes. The main hall of the temple was called the “abzu,” and was the focus of Enki’s cult. The abzu was a sacred space where the god was believed to reside and was the site of many important ceremonies and rituals. In addition to the abzu, the temple also had many smaller rooms and courtyards, which were used for various purposes, including housing the priests and scribes who served at the temple and storing the temple’s wealth and resources.

Image Credit: “File: God Ea (Sumerian Enki); part of a basalt water basin from Assur, Iraq. Reign of Sennacherib, 7^th century BCE. Pergamon Museum.jpg” by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

In addition to being a place of worship, the Temple of Enki also served as a centre of economic and political power in ancient Sumeria. It was a hub for trade and commerce and home to several important government officials and administrators. The temple was also a major source of food and resources for the people of Eridu, and played a central role in the city’s social and cultural life.

The Temple of Enki remained an important religious and cultural centre for centuries. The Sumerian civilisation declined and eventually collapsed around 2000 BC, and it is likely that the temple was abandoned or fell into disrepair sometime after this. After the collapse of Sumeria, the region was conquered and ruled by a series of different empires and civilisations, including the Akkadians, Babylonians, Persians, and others. These civilisations may have used the temple for their religious practices, or it may have been abandoned and decayed. Today, the Temple of Enki remains can be found in modern-day Iraq, near Nasiriyah. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and a testament to ancient Sumeria’s rich history and culture.

Image Credit: “Mesopotamia – In the Temple of Marduk” by History Maps is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Temple of Marduk
The Temple of Marduk, also known as the Esagila, was a major temple in the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq. It was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Marduk, who was considered the patron deity of Babylon and one of the most important gods in the Mesopotamian pantheon. He presided over justice, compassion, healing, regeneration, magic, and fairness, although he is also sometimes referenced as a storm god and agricultural deity. His temple, the famous ziggurat^[25] described by Herodotus, is considered the model for the biblical Tower of Babel. The temple was located in the city’s centre and was a major place of religious and cultural activity in ancient Babylon.

The Temple of Marduk was a grand and impressive structure built over several centuries. It was originally constructed in the 18^th century BC and was later expanded and renovated by several different rulers. The temple was made of brick and stone and was adorned with a number of decorative elements, including reliefs, inscriptions, and statues.

The Temple of Marduk was a major centre of worship in ancient Babylon, and it was visited by people from all over the region who came to pray and offer sacrifices to Marduk. The temple was also home to the Marduk cult, a group of priests and other religious officials responsible for the temple’s rituals and ceremonies. The temple was an important site of cultural exchange and was visited by people from all over the ancient Near East, who came to learn about Babylonian culture and religion.

The Temple of Marduk was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It was eventually abandoned in the first century AD and fell into disrepair. The temple’s ruins have been excavated by archaeologists and are now a popular tourist attraction in modern-day Iraq. The Temple of Marduk is an important site for the study of ancient Mesopotamian culture and religion and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of Osiris
According to mythology, Osiris was the first king of Egypt and was married to his sister, Isis. Osiris was killed by his brother Seth, who was jealous of his power, but Osiris was resurrected by Isis and became the god of the afterlife, the underworld, and the dead. The temple was built around 2500 BC, during the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt, and it was believed to be the place where the mythical king Osiris was buried.

The temple was located in Abydos, an important city in ancient Egypt and a centre of worship for Osiris. The temple was known for its elaborate decorations and was a major centre of pilgrimage for people seeking to honour Osiris and seek his blessings. The temple was also an important centre for the study of the afterlife and the cult of the dead in ancient Egypt. It is likely that the temple was used for rituals and ceremonies related to the cult of the dead and for the burial of important figures. It was part of a larger complex of temples and buildings in Abydos, an important cultural and religious centre in ancient Egypt. The temple was likely surrounded by gardens, courtyards, and other buildings, and it may have been connected to other temples in the complex by a series of gates and pathways. The temple was likely decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and paintings, and it may have contained several sacred objects, such as statues of Osiris and other gods, as well as offerings and gifts to the gods.

Temple of Apollo at Delos
The Temple of Apollo at Delos was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and was located on the island of Delos in the Aegean Sea. In ancient Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of music, prophecy, and healing, and the temple was an important centre of worship for him. It is thought to have been built around the sixth century BC, although the exact date is unknown. Although Delos is a small (350.64 ha) and rocky island in the centre of the Aegean Sea, it was considered “the most sacred of all islands” (Callimachus, 3^rd century BC) in ancient Greek culture. According to the legend, it was there that Apollo-Sun, god of daylight, and his twin sister Artemis-Moon, goddess of night light, were born^[26].

The temple was known for its oracle, who was consulted by people seeking guidance and answers to their questions. The oracle at Delos was considered one of the most important of all oracles in ancient Greece and was consulted by people from all over the Greek world. The temple was also a key centre for the worship of Apollo and was visited by many people who came to offer sacrifices and to seek the god’s favour.

The temple was built using marble and other materials, and it is thought to have been decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting Apollo and other gods and goddesses. Gardens and other buildings surrounded the temple, and it was likely connected to other temples and buildings on the island by a series of gates and pathways. The inclusion of gardens and other buildings in the temple complex would have provided additional space for these activities and would have made the temple more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Although the temple was destroyed, and what remains is the fabric of the third version, experts have restored some of the columns and the outside altar. The third version of Apollo’s temple was also a Doric Peripteral-style temple, slightly bigger than its predecessor. Corinthian limestone formed its foundations, and the external columns and parts of the entablature were covered with white stucco.^[27]

Temple of Athena at Athens
The Temple of Athena at Athens was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of the city of Athens. Athena was the goddess of wisdom, war and crafts in ancient Greek mythology, and the temple was an important centre of worship for her. It is thought to have been built around the fifth century BC. The temple was located on the Acropolis, a hill in the centre of Athens, and it was known for its beautiful sculptures and architectural style.

Image Credit: “Apollo Column Tumble” by ARKNTINA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

The temple was built using marble and other materials, and it is thought to have been decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting Athena and other gods and goddesses. The temple was also known for its large size and impressive columns, which were a hallmark of the ancient Greek architectural style known as the Doric order.

Temple of Apollo at Corinth
The Temple of Apollo at Corinth was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and was located in the city of Corinth in Greece. Corinth was an important city in ancient Greece, known for its strategic location on the Isthmus of Corinth, which connected the Peloponnese to the rest of Greece, and its thriving trade and commerce. The temple was an important centre of worship for Apollo, the god of music, prophecy, and healing, and it was visited by many people who came to offer sacrifices and seek the god’s favour.

The temple was built around the sixth century BC, during the Archaic period of ancient Greece. Marble and other materials were used in its construction, and it is thought to have been decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting Apollo and other gods and goddesses.

The Temple of Apollo at Corinth was known for its oracle, who was consulted by people seeking guidance and answers to their questions. The oracle at Corinth was considered one of the most important oracles in ancient Greece, and it was consulted by people from all over the Greek world. The oracle was located within the temple complex and likely was consulted as part of religious ceremonies and rituals. In addition to its religious functions, the Temple of Apollo at Corinth may have also served as a place of assembly for the people of Corinth and as a place where important decisions were made.

Image Credit: “Precinct of Amun-Re in Karnak Temple Complex – Luxor, Egypt” by David Berkowitz is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Temple of Amun at Karnak
The Temple of Amun at Karnak was dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun and was located in Thebes, Egypt. Amun was one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion and was the god of the sun, fertility, and creation. The temple was an important centre of worship for Amun and was visited by many people who came to offer sacrifices and seek the god’s favour.

The temple was built around the 12^th century BC, during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. The temple was likely built sometime during the reign of the Pharaohs Amenhotep I or Thutmose I. The temple was known for its huge size and elaborate decorations, and it is thought to have been decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and paintings depicting Amun and other gods and goddesses.

The Temple of Amun at Karnak was an important cultural and religious centre in ancient Egypt and played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the people of Thebes and beyond. In addition to its religious functions, the Temple of Amun at Karnak was an important economic and political centre in ancient Egypt. The temple was probably home to many priests, administrators, and other officials responsible for the management and maintenance of the temple complex. The temple was also an important centre for trade and commerce, and it likely played a key role in the economic life of the city of Thebes.

The complex is a vast open site and includes the Karnak Open Air Museum. It is believed to be the second most visited historical site in Egypt, with only the Giza pyramid complex near Cairo receiving more visits. It consists of four main parts, of which only the largest is currently open to the general public. The term Karnak often is understood as being the Precinct of Amun-Re only – because this is the only part most visitors see. The three other parts (the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Montu, and the dismantled Temple of Amenhotep IV) are closed to the public. There also are a few smaller temples and sanctuaries connecting the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Amun-Re, and the Luxor Temple. The Precinct of Mut is very ancient, dedicated to an Earth and creation deity, but has not yet been restored. The original temple was destroyed and partially restored by Hatshepsut, although another pharaoh built around it to change the focus or orientation of the sacred area.^[28]

The key difference between Karnak and most of the other temples and sites in Egypt is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Construction of temples started in the Middle Kingdom and continued into Ptolemaic times. Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling Karnak to reach a size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere. Whilst few of the individual features of Karnak are unique, the sheer size and number of features are overwhelming. The deities represented range from some of the earliest worshipped to those worshipped much later in the history of Ancient Egyptian culture. Although destroyed, it also contained an early temple built by Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten), the pharaoh who later would celebrate a near monotheistic religion he established that prompted him to move his court and religious centre away from Thebes. It also contains evidence of adaptations, where the buildings of the ancient Egyptians were used by later cultures for their own religious purposes.^[29]

Temple of Apollo at Bassae
This temple was located in Bassae, in the region of Phocis in Greece and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It is thought to have been built around the fifth century BC. The temple was known for its beautiful sculptures and architectural style. It was built using marble and other materials, and it is thought to have been decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting Apollo and other gods and goddesses. The temple was a major centre of worship for Apollo and was considered one of the most important temples in ancient Greece.

Unfortunately, the Temple of Apollo at Bassae no longer exists, probably destroyed or dismantled at some point in the past, and much of it has been lost to time. However, fragments of the temple have been found and studied by archaeologists, and these fragments provide some insight into the appearance and function of the temple.

Despite its importance, little is known about the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, and much of its history and significance remain unknown.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Temples
Here is a list of most of the well-known temples that have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Angkor Wat: a temple complex in Cambodia, built in the 12^th century AD
• Borobudur: a Buddhist temple in Indonesia, built in the eighth and ninth centuries AD
• Bagan: a temple complex in Myanmar, built between the 11^th and 13^th centuries AD
• Chichen Itza: a Mayan temple in Mexico, built in the ninth century AD
• Kinkaku-ji: a Buddhist temple in Japan, built in the 14^th century AD
• Prambanan: a Hindu temple in Indonesia, built in the ninth century AD
• Temple of the Sun: a temple in Teotihuacan, Mexico, built in the second century AD
• Temple of the Inscriptions: a temple in Palenque, Mexico, built in the seventh century AD
• Temple of the Winged Lions: a temple in Petra, Jordan, built in the first century AD
• Temple of Karnak: an ancient Egyptian temple in Luxor, Egypt, built in the 20^th century BC
• Temple of Amun-Ra: an ancient Egyptian temple in Luxor, Egypt, built in the 12^th century BC
• Temple of Solomon: an ancient Jewish temple in Jerusalem, Israel, built in the tenth century BC
• Temple of Artemis: an ancient Greek temple in Ephesus, Turkey, built in the sixth century BC
• Temple of Apollo: an ancient Greek temple in Delphi, Greece, built in the fourth century BC
• Temple of Zeus: an ancient Greek temple in Olympia, Greece, built in the fifth century BC
• Temple of Dionysus: an ancient Greek temple in Dion, Greece, built in the fourth century BC
• Temple of the Jaguar: an ancient Mayan temple in Tikal, Guatemala, built in the seventh century AD
• Temple of Preah Vihear: a Khmer temple in Cambodia, built in the ninth century AD

The above is just a small sample of the many temples designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many other temples around the world have also been recognised for their cultural and historical significance:

• Temple of the Golden Pavilion: a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, built in the 14^th century AD
• Temple of Heaven: a Taoist temple in Beijing, China, built in the 15^th century AD
• Temple of the Reclining Buddha: a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, built in the 19^th century AD
• Temple of the Sun and Moon: a Hindu temple in Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12^th century AD
• Temple of the Tooth: a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka, built in the 16^th century AD
• Temple of the Emerald Buddha: a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, built in the 18^th century AD
• Temple of the Inka: a temple in Cusco, Peru, built in the 15^th century AD
• Temple of the Great Jaguar: a Mayan temple in Tikal, Guatemala, built in the eighth century AD
• Temple of the Masks: a Mayan temple in Palenque, Mexico, built in the seventh century AD

Why people built Temples
People of all social classes have built temples and other religious structures throughout history. The motivation for building these structures can vary widely, but one common reason is to honour and remember the dead.

In many cultures, the dead are believed to have a special connection to the divine or the afterlife, and temples and other religious structures can serve as a way to honour and remember them. Building a temple or other religious structure in honour of the dead may also be seen as a way to express respect and devotion to the deity or deities associated with the temple.

For poor, impoverished, or uneducated people, building a temple or other religious structure may also serve as a way to express their faith and devotion and connect with the divine in a meaningful way. This may be especially true in societies where religion plays a central role in people’s lives and where the temple or other religious structure is seen as a key element of community life.

It is important to note that the motivations for building temples and other religious structures can vary widely and that many factors may be at play. In some cases, temples and other religious structures may be built as a way to express social status or power, while in other cases, they may be built as a way to bring people together and foster a sense of community.

The Religions or Beliefs that have driven the desire to build Temples for the dead
Temples and other religious structures have been built by many different religions and belief systems throughout history to honour and remember the dead. Some examples of religions and belief systems that have built temples or other structures in honour of the deceased include:

• Ancient Egyptian religion: The ancient Egyptians built many temples and other structures to honour their deceased ancestors and to help ensure their safe passage into the afterlife. These structures often contained tombs, burial chambers, offerings, and other items believed to be useful to the deceased in the afterlife.
• Hinduism: In Hinduism, temples and other religious structures are often built to honour and remember the deceased and to help ensure their safe passage into the next life. Hindu temples may contain shrines or other areas dedicated to the memory of the dead, and may also be used for rituals and ceremonies related to death and the afterlife.
• Buddhism: In Buddhism, temples and other religious structures are often built to honour and remember the deceased and to help ensure their safe passage into the next life. Buddhist temples may contain shrines or other areas dedicated to the memory of the dead, and may also be used for rituals and ceremonies related to death and the afterlife.
• Judaism: In Judaism, synagogues and other religious structures are often used to honour and remember the deceased. These structures may contain memorial plaques or other items dedicated to the memory of the dead, and may also be used for ceremonies and rituals related to death and the afterlife.
• Christianity: In Christianity, churches and other religious structures are often used to honour and remember the deceased. These structures may contain memorial plaques or other items dedicated to the memory of the dead, and may also be used for ceremonies and rituals related to death and the afterlife.

Those I have mentioned are but a few of the many religions and belief systems that have built temples and other structures in honour of the dead. Many other religions and belief systems have also built such structures, and the motivations for doing so can vary widely.

Tombs and Temples
A tomb is a place where the remains of a deceased person are interred, while a temple is a place of worship. Tombs are often used for the burial of the dead in many cultures, and they can take many forms, including underground burial chambers, mausoleums, and above-ground tombs. Placing a corpse in a tomb can be called immurement and is a method of final disposition as an alternative to cremation or burial.

Temples, on the other hand, are buildings or structures that are dedicated to the worship of a deity or deities, and they are typically associated with organised religions. Some temples may also serve as cultural and community centres, but their primary purpose is generally religious in nature.

In Conclusion
In conclusion, temples have played a central role in the religious, cultural, and social life of communities around the world for thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptian Temple of Osiris to the modern churches of Europe, temples have served as places of worship, community gathering spaces, and sources of cultural and historical significance. Despite the many differences in the design and purpose of temples in different cultures, they all share a common function: to provide a physical space for the spiritual and religious practices of their communities.

As I have mentioned in this paper, temples can take many forms, ranging from grand, ornate structures to simple, unadorned buildings. They can be found in a variety of settings, from bustling cities to remote mountain valleys and hilltops, and they can be dedicated to a wide range of deities and religious traditions. Despite the diversity of temples around the world, they all serve as important symbols of the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the communities that build them. Whether as places of worship, cultural centres, or historical landmarks, temples continue to play a vital role in the lives of people around the world.

I hope you have enjoyed what I have written.

Image Credit: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, United Kingdom
Attribution: The original uploader was Nikkul at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0&gt;, via Wikimedia Commons
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Sources and Further Reading

• https://earthnworld.com/oldest-temples-in-the-world/
• https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/11/gobekli-tepe-the-oldest-known-mesolithic-temple-complex/136103
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_Hindu_temples
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Saturn
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungnath
• https://interestingengineering.com/culture/top-10-of-the-largest-temples-in-the-world
• https://luxatic.com/the-15-most-amazing-temples-in-the-world/
• https://themysteriousworld.com/top-10-amazing-temples-world/
• https://traveltriangle.com/blog/temples-to-visit-once-in-your-lifetime/
• https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/oldest-temples
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saturnalia-Roman-festival
• https://www.civitatis.com/blog/en/oldest-temples-in-the-world/
• https://www.explore.com/1086276/the-most-beautiful-temples-in-the-world/
• https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/647107/worlds-oldest-temples
• https://www.oldest.org/structures/temples/
• https://www.templepurohit.com/15-oldest-hindu-temples-world/
• https://www.touropia.com/oldest-temples-in-the-world/
• https://www.travanya.com/tourist-attractions/largest-temples-in-the-world/
• https://www.veranda.com/travel/g34338651/beautiful-temples-in-the-world/
• https://www.worldhistory.org/article/636/temple-of-saturn-rome/
• https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/
• https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-temple-and-vs-shrine/
• https://isaw.nyu.edu/exhibitions/malta/temple-and-tomb

Books

• Amazing Temples of the World, by Michael Kerrigan, published by Amber Books Limited (14 October 2021), available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazing-Temples-World-Michael-Kerrigan/dp/1838860940/
• The Sacred World Of Temples: A Journey To Temple Towns Around The World by Katina Couvertier, Independently published (14 June 2022), available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sacred-World-Temples-Journey-Temple/dp/B0B3GRFHH6/
• The War of the Jews: A Historical Novel of Josephus, Imperial Rome, and the Fall of Judea and the Second Temple, by Lion Feuchtwanger, published by ‎CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Reissue edition (26 August 2015), available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Jews-Historical-Josephus-Imperial/dp/150578672X/
• Tomb and Temple: Re-imagining the Sacred Buildings of Jerusalem (13) (Boydell Studies in Medieval Art and Architecture), by Robin Griffith-Jones Robin Griffith-Jones and Eric Fernie, published by Boydell Press (18 May 2018), available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tomb-Temple-Re-imagining-Buildings-Architecture/dp/1783272805/
• Temples, Churches and Mosques: A Guide to the Appreciation of Religious Architecture, by JG Davies, published by Wiley–Blackwell; Illustrated edition (16 September 1982), available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Temples-Churches-Mosques-Appreciation-Architecture/dp/0631128875

YouTube Videos

• Top 10 Largest Temples in the World 2022, at: https://youtu.be/tl_PxXknnqA
• Exploring the World’s Most Beautiful Temples, at: https://youtu.be/Pozd3Myh-Qo
• Exploring the World’s Most Spectacular Temples, at: https://youtu.be/sOe2X2_qOwk
• Top 10 Mysterious Temples Around The World – Most Beautiful Temples In The World [2021], at: https://youtu.be/OAZiw0r3opI

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End Notes and Explanations

1. Source: mainly from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%B6bekli_Tepe ↑

2. Source: https://www.oldest.org/structures/temples/ ↑

3. Comment: It is important to note that the concept of a “temple” has evolved over time and has taken on different meanings in different cultures. As a result, it is difficult to determine with certainty which structure is the oldest known temple. Also, it is important to note that the age of the temples mentioned in this paper is based on estimates and interpretations of the available evidence, and it is possible that there are older temples that have not yet been discovered or identified. ↑

4. Source: Machine-based artificial intelligence at: https://chat.openai.com/chat and other references as shown. ↑

5. Source: Symmes, Patrick (18 February 2010). “Turkey: Archeological Dig Reshaping Human History”. Newsweek. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%B6bekli_Tepe ↑

6. Explanation: A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a prehistoric structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones. There are over 35,000 in Europe alone, located widely from Sweden to the Mediterranean sea. The word was first used in 1849 by the British antiquarian Algernon Herbert in reference to Stonehenge and derives from the Ancient Greek words “mega” for great and “lithos” for stone. Most extant megaliths were erected between the Neolithic period (although earlier Mesolithic examples are known) through the Chalcolithic period and into the Bronze Age. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalith ↑

7. Source: https://www.touropia.com/oldest-temples-in-the-world/ ↑

8. Source:  Strebe, Matthew (3 November 2015). “Göbekli Tepe, Turkey”. Global Heritage Fund.  ↑

9. Explanation: Aerarium, from aes (“bronze, money”) + –ārium (“place for”), was the name given in Ancient Rome to the public treasury and in a secondary sense to the public finances. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerarium ↑

10. Explanation: Aerarium, from aes (“bronze, money”) + –ārium (“place for”), was the name given in Ancient Rome to the public treasury, and in a secondary sense to the public finances. Source: Burton, Graham Paul (2012). Para. 1. “aerarium”. In Hornblower, Simon; Spawforth, Antony; Eidinow, Esther (eds.). The Oxford classical dictionary (4^th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-954556-8. OCLC 959667246. ↑

11. Explanation: The work called Ab urbe condita (English meaning: From the Founding of the City), sometimes referred to as Ab urbe condita libri (Books from the Founding of the City), is a monumental history of ancient Rome, written in Latin between 27 and 9 BC by Livy, a Roman historian. The work covers the period from the legends concerning the arrival of Aeneas and the refugees from the fall of Troy, to the city’s founding in 753 BC, the expulsion of the Kings in 509 BC, and down to Livy’s own time, during the reign of the emperor Augustus. The last event covered by Livy is the death of Drusus in 9 BC.  About a quarter of the work (35 of 142 books) is still extant. The surviving books deal with the events down to 293 BC (books 1–10), and from 219 to 166 BC (books 21–45). Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ab_urbe_condita_(Livy) ↑

12. Sources: (1) Stamper, John (2005), The architecture of Roman temples: the republic to the middle empire, New York: Cambridge University Press pp. 12-13, and (2) Galluccio, Francesco (2016), “Il mito torna realtà. Le decorazioni fittili del Tempio di Giove Capitolino dalla fondazione all’età medio repubblicana”, Campidoglio Mito, Memoria, Archeologia (Exhibit Catalog, Rome, 1 March-19 June 2016), Eds. Claudio Parisi Presicce – Alberto Danti: 237–291. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Jupiter_Optimus_Maximus ↑

13. Source:  Christofani; Boethius, p.47. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Jupiter_Optimus_Maximus ↑

14. Source: Cristofani, Mauro, et al. “Etruscan“. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Jupiter_Optimus_Maximus ↑

15. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tempel_Jupiter_Optimus.JPG ↑

16. Explanation: Spolia is a term that refers to the reuse of older materials or architectural elements in the construction of new buildings. In the context of the text, the term is used to describe the practice of scavenging the remains of a temple for building materials or decorative elements that could be used in the construction or decoration of other structures. This was a common practice in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as people often had to make use of whatever materials were available to them when building or repairing structures. Source: Machine-based artificial intelligence at: https://chat.openai.com/chat ↑

17. Explanation: A Nome (from Ancient Greek: νομός, nomós, “district”) was a territorial division in ancient Egypt. Each nome was ruled by a nomarch (Ancient Egyptian: Great Chief). The number of nomes changed through the various periods of the history of ancient Egypt. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nome_(Egypt) ↑

18. Source:  Kipfer, Barbara Ann (2000). Encyclopedic Dictionary of Archaeology. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. p. 153. ISBN 0-306-46158-7. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendera_Temple_complex ↑

19. Sources: (1) Bard, Kathryn A. (2005). Encyclopedia of the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt. Routledge. p. 252. ISBN 978-1-134-66525-9, and (2) mondial, UNESCO Centre du patrimoine. “Pharaonic temples in Upper Egypt from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods – UNESCO World Heritage Centre”. UNESCO Centre du patrimoine mondial (in French). Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendera_Temple_complex ↑

20. Source: Wilkinson, Richard H. (2000). The Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson. p. 149. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendera_Temple_complex ↑

21. Source: https://factsanddetails.com/world/cat56/sub404/entry-6146.html ↑

22. Source: Teotihuacan: Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_the_Sun ↑

23. See: Aston, Michael; Tim Taylor (1998). Atlas of Archaeology. Dorling Kindersley. p. 43. ISBN 978-0-7894-3189-9. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_the_Sun ↑

24. Explanation: Pylons are architectural structures that are often found in ancient Egyptian temples and other buildings. They are tall, rectangular towers that are usually located at the entrance to a temple or other structure. Pylons were often adorned with decorative reliefs and inscriptions, and they served both a practical and a symbolic purpose. Practically, pylons provided a gateway to the temple and marked the boundary between the sacred space of the temple and the secular world outside. Symbolically, pylons represented the power and strength of the gods and the Pharaoh, and they were often decorated with images of the gods and Pharaohs as a way of demonstrating their divine authority. The Temple of Karnak in Egypt is one of the best-known examples of a temple with pylons, and it has a number of large pylons that are adorned with a variety of decorative elements. Source: Machine-based artificial intelligence at: https://chat.openai.com/chat ↑

25. Explanation: The ziggurat, a type of ancient Mesopotamian pyramid-shaped temple, was a prominent feature of the Temple of Marduk and may have served as a platform for astronomical observations or as a symbol of Marduk’s power and authority. As stated in the text, it is also possible that the ziggurat was the model for the biblical Tower of Babel. Source: Machine-based artificial intelligence at: https://chat.openai.com/chat ↑

26. Source: UNESCO at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/530 ↑

27. Source: https://historyandarchaeologyonline.com/the-temple-of-apollo-delphi-greece ↑

28. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnak ↑

29. Ibid ↑