Categories: General Studies

Oldest Temple in the World, List of Top-10

Temples, with their grandeur and spiritual significance, have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia. These sacred structures not only serve as places of worship but also stand as testaments to the cultural and architectural prowess of ancient civilizations. In this article, we embark on a journey through time to uncover the top-10 oldest temples in the world, each carrying a rich tapestry of history, culture and spirituality.

List of Top-10 Oldest Temples in the World

Temple of Hatshepsut of Egypt stands as the oldest temple in the world which was built around 1,470 B.C., followed by Temple of Amada, Gobekli Temple and Luxor Temple.

Here is the list of top-10 oldest temples in the world:

Oldest Temples in the World
S. No. Oldest Temples Location Built in
1. Temple of Hatshepsut Egypt 1,470 B.C.
2. Temple of Amada Nubia Between 1,550 and 1,189 B.C.
3. Gobekli Temple Turkey 10,000 B.C.
4. Luxor Temple Egypt 1,100 and 1,600 B.C.
5. Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni Malta 2,500 B.C.
6. Stonehenge England 3,000 B.C.
7. Ggantija Temples Malta Between 3,600 and 3,200 B.C.
8. Temple of Apollo Delphi 330 B.C.
9. Tchogha Zanbil Iran 1,250 B.C.
10. Ziggurat of Ur Iraq 21st century B.C.

Oldest Temple in the World – Temple of Hatshepsut

 

Location: Egypt

Build around 1,470 B.C., the funerary shrine, also known as Djeser-Djeseru, in Egypt was crafted by Pharaoh Hatshepsut’s architect Senenmut. Recognizable for its colonnade and terraces, the site features a well-preserved relief depicting the divine birth of a female pharaoh. Despite theft and destruction, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Herbert E. Winlock led a restoration from 1923 to 1931 after the first large-scale excavation in the 1890s.

Second Oldest Temple in the World- Temple of Amada

Location: Nubia

The second oldest temple in the world and the oldest temple of Nubia, build during the 18th and 19th Dynasties (1550-1189 B.C.) was relocated in the 1960s and 1970s to higher ground near Lake Nasser to avoid flooding. Led by French Egyptologist Christiane Desroches Noblecourt, the move preserved its well-preserved relief and inscriptions detailing military triumphs of Pharaohs Tuthmosis III and Amenhotep II.

Third Oldest Temple in the World – Gobekli Temple

Location: Turkey

Gobekli Turkey, constructed around 10,000 B.C. in southeastern Turkey, is the world’s third oldest temple, predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years. Initially mistaken as a medieval grave, it was rediscovered by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt in 2008. Buried internationally around 8,000 B.C., the site’s preservation facilitates ongoing study.

Luxor Temple

Location: Egypt

Luxor Temple, built between 1100 and 1600 B.C., is an ancient Egyptian marvel which boasts an avenue of sphinxes and the imposing Pylon of Ramses II. Encompassing the reigns of Amenhotep III, Ramses II and Tutankhamen, it is the largest and most significant site dedicated to Amun, Mut and Khonsu.

Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni

Location: Malta

Constructed around 2500 B.C. in Malta, the Hypogeum is a unique underground temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring false windows, trilithon doorways, red ocher paintings and carved-stone ceilings mimicking corbeled masonry. Discovered in 1902 and excavated since 1903, it closed for conservation from 1990 to 2000. Today, only 80 visitors per day can explore this ancient labyrinth.

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FAQs

Which is the oldest temple in the world?

Temple of Hatshepsut of Egypt stands as the oldest temple in the world which was built around 1,470 B.C.

Which is the second oldest temple in the world?

The second oldest temple in the world and the oldest temple of Nubia is Temple of Amada, build during the 18th and 19th Dynasties (1550-1189 B.C.) was relocated in the 1960s and 1970s to higher ground near Lake Nasser to avoid flooding.

Name the top-5 oldest temple of the world.

The top-5 oldest temple of the world: Temple of Hatshepsut, Temple of Amada, Gobekli Temple, Luxor Temple and Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni.

Akansha Arora

My role as a content writer specializing in current affairs at Adda247 involves meticulously researching and crafting compelling articles aimed at guiding and informing candidates preparing for National and State Level Competitive Government Exams. With a dedication to educational excellence, I strive to keep our candidates abreast of the latest developments and trends in current affairs. By providing insightful and engaging content, I aim to ensure that aspiring candidates are well-prepared and informed for their examinations.

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