As the world modernizes, we are lucky to have the ruins of ancient civilization to remind us of our past. However, even though it is inspiring to visit something that was built a thousand years ago, it may not be easy for us to imagine what it might have looked like. Thankfully, a team of artists has digitally recreated what, according to experts, these ancient ruins looked like back then. So, from Angkor Wat in Cambodia to Roman baths in England, take a look at how truly magnificent the below ruins were:
1. Domus Aurea Octagonal Court (Rome, Italy)
One of Rome's most notorious emperors, Nero, constructed this lavish palace between 65 and 68 AD to host wild parties and banquets. It's likely that the large, octagonal room was covered in glass mosaic. Roman historian Suetonius also describes gem-encrusted walls, ivory and mother-of-pearl decorations and ceilings that showered guests with flowers and perfumes.
2. Parthenon (Athens, Greece)
The Parthenon sits atop the Acropolis in Athens. It was built in the 5th century BCE to house a monumental golden statue of Athena. While we are all familiar with the outside of this iconic temple, it is hard to imagine what the inside might have looked like. The statue of Athena was gigantic, standing almost 40 feet high. It was made of carved ivory and gold. A basin of water lay in front of the statue to provide humidity which preserved the ivory. The Parthenon was an obvious display of wealth and power, sending a clear message to the rest of the world.
3. Basilica Of Maxentius (Rome, Italy)
This majestic building was the greatest of all the Roman basilicas. It covered 70,000 square feet and acted as a meeting house, commercial area, and administrative building. It was designed in a grand fashion. The spectacular Corinthian columns and multi-colored marble floors and gilded bronze tile walls made this one of the most impressive buildings of Ancient Rome.
4. Lower Terrace, Masada (Masada, Israel)
According to Josephus Flavius, governor of Galilee, Herod the Great built the fortress of Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. Standing atop an isolated rock cliff overlooking the Dead Sea, King Herod's elegant, intimate residential palace consisted of three luxuriously built terraces. In the reconstructed photo, the lower terrace which was intended for entertainment and relaxation has been re-imagined. It was surrounded by porticos, and the walls were covered in beautiful frescos of multi-colored geometric patterns. There was also a small private bathhouse.
5. Roman Baths (Bath, England)
This bathhouse is a perfect example of the luxurious Roman lifestyle. It was constructed around 70 AD. The baths were an integral part of ancient Roman daily life, offering citizens an opportunity to mingle, gossip and relax. Originally, the bath was covered by a 147-foot-high barrel-vaulted roof.
6. Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
This site was estimated to have taken around 30 years to construct. It was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, then transitioned to a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It is believed to be the world's largest religious building. In the reconstructed image, one of Angkor Wat's lush courtyards was re-imagined.
7. Great Kiva, Aztec Ruins National Monument (New Mexico, Usa)
First discovered in 1859, these ruins provide invaluable insight into the daily lives of the Pueblo people. It is sprawled over 27 acres and boasts over 450 rooms including a fully restored kiva. This reconstruction should give you an idea of how this great civilization lived.
