Icons of Strength: Structures that Have Stood the Test of Time

What automatically comes into your mind when you hear the words: test of time? Would it be ancient or strength? Well, that would just be about right. If you think about it, structures built by man thousands of years ago that are still in existence until now would definitely be an icon of strength and resilience. Man’s use of his creativity and ingenuity has led him to build various beautiful structures all over the world that are not only wondrous but have also stood against the earth’s natural elements along with time. 

In this modern day and age, an age of mass production and prefabricated products, it would be of great importance to step back and take a look at various man-made structures from man’s ancestors that have sustained over thousands of years.

The Great Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

Taking a spot are the Giza Pyramids who not only stand out because of their huge size but also because they have stood against time and extreme climatic conditions through the years. Not only are they majestically beautiful, they have also proved to be resilient and durable existing for about 4,570 years.

 The Taj Mahal (India)

Taking years and years to build, the Taj Mahal was constructed to honor a ruler and serve as a monument of great love. Completed in 1653, the beautiful white marble structure still stands majestically up to now. 

Easter Island Statues (Peru)

 

On the most uninhabited island in Chile are beautiful statues carved out of the stones of extinct volcanoes in the island. These “Mois” weigh about 270 tons and are said to exist even from the year 1250 and 1500.

The Great Sphinx of Giza (Egypt)

Built thousands of years ago, the majestic Sphinx still finds a spot on the list. Though it may be in ruins now, the remnants have shown that during the time when it was at its peak, it must have been an exquisite wonder. Looking at it now, it is a clear example of how it has been able to stand the test of time.

Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland

Dating back to almost 5,000 years ago, New Grange was built to serve as an Irish passage tomb. Taking into account the date of its completion, it is older than the Egyptian Pyramids. Constructed by overlapping large rocks, it was found to be waterproof even after thousands of years. 

The Coliseum (Rome)

One of the world’s most famous sports arenas, the Coliseum bags a spot on the list. Started in AD 70, Roman Civilization has proven that even without technology, their structures have stood the test of time and withstood the elements.

The Great Wall of China (China)

Aging 2,710 years old, the Great Wall of China is one of the oldest and largest achievements of mankind. Though building the wall itself may have taken a long time too, 1800 years to be exact, has proudly remained intact in its position— designed to ward off Mongol invaders but have attracted millions of visitors instead. The Great Wall is not only one of the strongest structures ever built, but is by far, one of the most impressive structures too.

There are countless of man-made structures that have been built thousands of years ago, and what seems to delight readers and visitors is the wonder and feeling of awe that it leaves— making every person think of the structure and the ingenuity it took to build it. Over the years and through everything that nature has thrown at it, these structures have stood majestically and sustained the elements; proving that even without modern technology or science, man is capable of doing anything he sets his mind into.