It sits at around 2,430 metres (7,970 ft)
above sea level, surrounded by steep green mountains, clouds and valleys,
creating a dramatic landscape.
Historians still debate exactly what it was used for. Perhaps a
royal retreat, or perhaps a religious center, or perhaps a ceremonial place.
The unanswered questions add to its mystery.
While in Cyprus they built roads, harbors, theaters, baths, aqueducts, temples and villas.
In 1962 a farmer ploughing his field in Paphos accidentally unearthed Roman ruins, specifically, the remaining floor mosaics of opulent villas.
These mosaics are considered amongst the finest in the world. They are vibrant records of the everyday life of the Romans as well as the mythological legends of gods, goddesses and heroes.
The Archaeological Park of Kato in Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Izamal is a small town in the Yucatán Peninsula, known as the "City of Hills."
Back in the day, between 750 and 1200 AD, it was a major religious and political center of the thriving Mayan civilization.
As a Maya city it was dedicated to the worship of Itzamná, the Mayan god of creation, and Kinich Kakmó, the sun god.
Nowadays, it is also called the "Yellow City" for its yellow-painted buildings.
Uxmal, in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, was an ancient Maya city.
Founded around 600 AD, Uxmal thrived during a time when the Maya civilization was at its height.
The city served as a hub of commerce, religion and governance.
The city likely had a population of around 20,000 people at its peak.
The city’s intricate carvings, grand structures, and spiritual symbolism show the Maya's deep connection to astronomy and nature.
Uxmal is one of the best-preserved Maya cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amongst the 400 Roman amphitheatres that are still in existence, this among the 20 largest.
The Roman’s specifically designed their amphitheatres for putting on spectacular combats between gladiators or animals.
Enroute, we had two nights in Zadar and were able to experience their famous sunset and listen to their Sea Organ.
The Valley of the Temples, on the island of Sicily, is an archeological site in Agrigento.
It is a large site covering over 3,200 acres (1,300 hectares.)
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
It's origins involve myths and legends. Facts can date it to before 700BC.
It is one of the 7th wonders of the world and a UNESCO World heritage site since 2015.
Ephesus is located on the western shores of modern day Turkiye, where the Aegean Sea meets the former estuary of the River Kaystros. At one time it was considered the most important Greek trading centre in the Mediterranean. At another time it was the Roman Empire's capital of their province in Asia. It was considered second only to Rome as a cosmopolitan centre for culture and commerce and was one of the most populated and affluent cities in the world.
