Greatness and mystery mark the history of human beings leaving their signatures on the surface of the earth. However, perhaps some of the most amazing creations are not on the surface but buried under it. Some underground structures defy logic and take away our understanding of how and why ancient engineering wonders existed. This article showcases the top 10 of the most astonishing ancient underground structures that seem to defy the laws of existence.
- Derinkuyu Underground City (Turkey)
Buried beneath the rocky landscape of Cappadocia, the Derinkuyu Underground City is a stunning ancient engineering feat, 18 storeys deep, capable of housing 20,000 people with its ventilation shafts, stables, and even schools.
Purpose: Believed to be from invaders, the complexity in its design speaks volumes about the ingenuity of early civilizations.
Takeaway: It reflects the ability to adapt and the will to survive typical of the ancients.
- The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni (Malta)
This Neolithic underground sanctuary dates back to circa 4000 BCE. It is fully hewn out of limestone, providing space for both burial and liturgy. The acoustics in the “Oracle Room” are so good that the sounds are produced eerily.
Unique Feature: It contains an advanced knowledge of acoustics well ahead of modern science.
Takeaway: Its craftsmanship can be indicative of certain very sophisticated tools and methods no longer known today.
- Naours Underground City (France)
Discovered in the 19th century, Naours features over 2,000 tunnels and rooms. From Roman quarry to medieval refuge, this even served as a place of concealment for the Allied soldiers during World War II.
Historical Layering: The continuous use of this place through the different ages underlines the timelessness of use of underground spaces.
Takeaway: This building shows the ingenuity of humans to survive during adversity.
- The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Reaching back in history to the 2nd century CE, these catacombs are a striking combination of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences. Discovered accidentally in 1900, the site also contains a spiral staircase leading to a burial chamber and intricate carvings.
Mysterious Mix: A very interesting architectural mingling of cultures speaks to a long-forgotten era of communal coexistence.
Takeaway: Kom El Shoqafa is evidence of multiethnic influence in the art and burials of those times.
- Ellora Caves (India)
The site at Ellora contains 34 monolithic rock-cut temples and monasteries that have been excavated from the face of a basalt cliff. Of these, the Kailasa Temple is the most impressive-single block of stone carved into an amazing temple complex.
Astonishing Feats of Precision: No modern tools were used, yet the symmetry is flawless.
Takeaway: It challenges modern assumptions about ancient technological capabilities.
- The Terracotta Army Pits (China)
While famous, of course, for the army of clay soldiers, it’s the pits themselves that form a wonder. The chambers extend over nearly 38 square miles and were ingeniously devised to house the afterlife army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Complex Structure: Chariots, horses, and armors being part of this underground network essentially symbolize a mini world.
Takeaway: Early Chinese craftsmanship and belief systems are in evidence by such elaborate planning.
- Fairy Chimneys and Underground Towns of Cappadocia (Turkey)
Besides Derinkuyu, there are numerous underground cities in Cappadocia, among them Kaymakli. Such vast networks could accommodate several thousands and were connected through narrow tunnel systems.
Creative Ingenuity: The rooms could be sealed off for their protection with the use of rolling stone doors.
Lesson Learnt: The place is an exemplary example of sustainability with harsh environments.
- Basilica Cistern (Turkey)
The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is a huge underground water reservoir of the Byzantine Empire, as functional as it is artistic. Indeed, it was made of 336 marble columns that support its ceiling.
Engineering Marvel: It had a capacity to store 80,000 cubic meters of water for sustaining the population during sieges.
Takeaway: Its beauty and utility are unmatched in ancient civil engineering.
- Longyou Caves (China)
These man-made caves are a mystery. More than 2,000 years old, it is estimated that nearly one million cubic meters of stone had to be removed to create the caves. Nobody knows why they were made.
Mystery Factor: The precision in the carvings indicates high geometrical reasoning.
Takeaway: Longyou Caves challenge assumptions about the capabilities of ancient Chinese societies.
- The Underground City of Nushabad (Iran)
Constructed as a shelter during invading forces, Nushabad is a maze of tiny passageways and rooms extending several levels beneath the earth’s surface. The advanced waterworks enabled sustenance throughout long sieges.
Nushabad’s architecture testifies to brilliance in defense through foresight and planning by a community for its survival.
Takeaway: This city underlines the part underground architecture played in ancient defenses.
Lessons from Ancient Underground Marvels
The following are some of the lessons that these incredible feats of engineering can teach humans about ingenuity and strength:
Challenges to Adapt: From defense to worship, underground spaces fulfilled a wide range of human needs.
Preservation of Culture: These sites stand in preservation of the architectural, artistic, and cultural heritage of their creators.
Inspiring Modern Engineering: Understanding ancient techniques may lead to sustainable practices today.
Tips for Exploring Underground Wonders
Research Before You Go: Learn about the history and purpose of each site to appreciate its significance.
Dress Comfortably: Many of these structures involve narrow spaces and uneven terrain.
Respect Preservation Rules: Do not touch the walls or artifacts to preserve such sites for future generations.
Conclusion
Subterranean structures from antiquity stand as a reminder of human ingenuity, fortitude, and flexibility. They challenge our perceptions of what ancient societies were capable of achieving, inviting us to marvel at their ingenuity. The exploration of these subterranean wonders connects us with an acquired heritage, further appreciating the mysteries of times long past.