45 Ancient Ruins That Are Even More Stunning Than the Pyramids

16. Göbekli Tepe – The World’s Oldest Temple (Turkey)

Long before Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, the ancient builders of Göbekli Tepe were carving intricate monolithic pillars in what is now southeastern Turkey. Dating back to around 9600 BC—before the advent of agriculture—this prehistoric site is considered the world’s first temple. The massive stone pillars, adorned with carvings of animals and abstract symbols, suggest early religious practices and an advanced understanding of construction. The site raises fascinating questions: Who built it, and why was it deliberately buried after centuries of use? Göbekli Tepe has rewritten the story of early civilization, proving that complex societies existed long before previously believed.