The continent of Africa is home to complex and ancient civilizations which have been flourishing for thousands of years.
At present, Africa has a wide range of historical landmarks that can tell tales of long lost cultures and societies.
Listed below are ancient ruins of Africa that have been eroded but still stand as of today.
- The Great Pyramids of Giza
Located in Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza is a structure that consists of three Great Pyramids, an industrial area, a worker’s village, and the Great Sphinx.
It still remains largely intact as of today and is considered as the oldest of all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
According to Egyptologists, the pyramid was constructed over a period of two decades. Its exterior is composed of high-quality limestone that was quarried in the River of Nile.
- The Obelisk of Axum in Ethiopia
Built in 4th century B.C.E., the Obelisk of Axum weighs 160 tons and is made up of a 24-meter high granite structure.
It also consists of false locks as well as two false doors that are crafted to seem like the pathway to an Aksumite home.
Several historians believed that the Obelisk of Axum was constructed during the Aksum Kingdom which is an old Ethiopian civilization.
In 1937, the Obelisk of Axum was looted by Italy following a period of Italian occupation.
- The Khami City of Zimbabwe
Khami was among the most prosperous cities in Zimbabwe. It became the capital of the Torwa dynasty from 1450 to 1650 C.E.
In Ancient times, most of its population lived in Daga Huts that were constructed using high-end granite walls and logs. At present, the city of Khami has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
- Adam’s Calendar
Situated in Mpumalanga, Adam’s Calendar is by far the oldest ancient ruins of Africa.
In addition, it is often recognized as the oldest man-made structure. It is often referred to as the African Stonehenge.
Interesting Facts about the Ancient Ruins of Africa
- The Kilwa Kisiwane which is now situated in the coast of Tanzania is an ancient African ruin of the East African port. In old times, the city of Kilwa Kisiwane was full of merchants that dealt with porcelain, gold, silver, and pearls.
- Ruins of ancient houses, prisons, and an octagonal bathing pool can also be seen in the city of Kilwa Kisiwane.
- The structures of the city of Khami are oftentimes decorated with checkered patterns and chevron.
- The ancient ruins of the caves of the Nok civilization can be viewed on the cliff-sides of Northern Togo. The Nok caves were utilized by the Moba tribes as a place of residence between 18thand 19th
- The Great Mosque which is situated in the ancient city of Kilwa Kisiwane is the oldest-standing mosque in East Africa.
- The city of Khami has the longest decorated wall in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Adam’s Calendar was discovered by a South African pilot in 2003. At present, it is the only megalithic calendar that is completely functional.
How old is Adam’s Calendar?
According to historians, Adam’s Calendar is about 75,000 years old. It is also believed that the development of Adam’s Calendar predates the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Stonehenge by more than a millennium.
When did the Italians return the Obelisk of Axum?
The Italians returned the Obelisk of Axum to Ethiopia in 2005.
What was the purpose of the Great Pyramids of Giza?
The Great Pyramids of Giza was built to serve as a home to the corpses of the Pharaohs.
Where are the Gedi Ruins located?
The Gedi Ruins is located in Kenya.
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