Vijayanagara
Remnants of the former capital city of Vijayanagara Empire, flourished in the 14th – 16th centuries. Now ruins extend over an area of 40 km2. Contains unique and highly original architecture.
Vaishali
Former capital city of Licchavi, flourished starting from the 6th century BC. Once prosperous capital of one of the first known democracies in the history of the world. Several important monuments exist up to this day including Ananda Stupa and Asokan pillar.
Lothal
One of most important cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. Built around 2400 BC as trading city with its dock – the oldest known in the world. Numerous discoveries of world importance have been made here including the oldest known realistic sculptures in world. Nowadays remain lower parts of buildings.
Dholavira
One of important sites of Harappan civilization, occupied from 2650 BC to 2100 BC. City had an area of 22 ha and was divided into the citadel, the middle town and the lower town.
Las de Paquimé
The most impressive ruins of the so-called Casas Grandes monuments. Remnants of ancient settlement from 1130 – 1300 AD. Gradually evolved into a multi-storied single structure that housed up to 2500 people.
Tula (Mexico)
The largest ancient city in central Mexico in the 9th – 10th centuries AD. Capital of Toltecs at 980 AD, destroyed sometimes in 1168 – 1179. Nowadays preserved complexes of ceremonial buildings in two sites including pyramids, famous columns in the form of Toltec warriors.
Xochicalco
Remnants of a fortified city – an important urban center in 700 – 900 AD. Contains large structures entirely covered with sculptural work of exceptional quality. Observatory in a painted and frescoed cave.
El Tajin, Mexico
One of the most important ancient cities of Mesoamerica. Flourished in 600 – 1200 AD, inhabited by people of diverse nationalities. Impressive monuments are Pyramid of the Niches, Building 5 (also a pyramid) and other pyramid-shaped temples.
Cantona
Remnants of a heavily fortified ancient Mesoamerican city from 600 – 1000 AD. Unusual due to a high concentration of ballcourts – 24 found so far. All structures here have been built without any mortar.
La Quemada
Remnants of an ancient city from 300 – 1200 AD. It is unclear which culture built it. The architecture of structures resembles the style of great Mesoamerican cultures but the city is located far north from other Mesoamerican cities. Impressive building is Votive Pyramid.
