Ep 8. Greatest Ancient Monuments

Ancient Top 10 is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of ancient history by presenting lists of the most significant events, customs, and objects that shaped ancient societies. In the season 1 episode 8 named "Greatest Ancient Monuments," the show features a list of the most impressive and important monuments from different ancient civilizations.

The episode starts with an introduction to the idea of monuments and their role in ancient societies. Monuments were more than just grand structures; they were symbols of power, faith, and culture, and they often served practical functions too. From fortifications to tombs, from temples to statues, ancient peoples built monuments for various reasons and with different materials and techniques.

The episode then presents the top 10 monuments that still impress and inspire us today:

1. The Pyramids of Giza - the most famous, iconic and enormous monuments of Ancient Egypt. Built over 4000 years ago as tombs for pharaohs, the pyramids are a testament to the sophistication and skill of the ancient architects, engineers and workforce.

2. Stonehenge - the mysterious and enigmatic circle of stones in England that dates from around 2500 BCE. Stonehenge is a feat of prehistoric engineering that still baffles archaeologists regarding its purpose and significance in ancient society.

3. The Colosseum - the most famous and perhaps the bloodiest gladiatorial arena in Ancient Rome. Built in 80 CE, the Colosseum hosted a variety of events and spectacles, including animal hunts and naval battles.

4. The Great Wall of China - the longest and most extensive wall in the world, built over 2000 years ago to protect China from nomadic invasions. The Great Wall is a testament to the military and engineering prowess of Ancient China.

5. Machu Picchu - the "lost city" of the Incas in Peru that was rediscovered by Western explorers in the early 20th century. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is a stunning example of Incan architecture, engineering, and astronomical knowledge.

6. The Parthenon - the temple dedicated to Athena on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, built in the 5th century BCE. The Parthenon is a masterpiece of Classical Greek architecture and sculpture, and it still serves as a symbol of democracy, Athens, and Western civilization.

7. Petra - the ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs of Jordan, which was once a key point in the trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula. Petra contains many impressive buildings and tombs, including the famous Treasury ("Al-Khazneh") that features in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

8. The Forbidden City - the imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing, China, that served as the home of the Ming and Qing emperors for almost 500 years. The Forbidden City is one of the best-preserved examples of palace architecture in the world, and it showcases the opulence and power of the imperial court.

9. The Acropolis - the complex of temples and buildings on a rocky hill in Athens, Greece, that dates from the 5th century BCE. The Acropolis includes the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and other structures that reflect the ideals, beliefs, and arts of Ancient Athens.

10. Angkor Wat - the largest religious monument in the world, located in Cambodia, that was built by the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. Angkor Wat is a spectacular temple complex that features intricate carvings, sculptures, and hydraulic engineering marvels, and it served as a center of Hindu and Buddhist worship for centuries.

Throughout the episode, the presenter and experts provide interesting and informative details on the monuments' history, architecture, symbolism, and legacy. Viewers can learn about how the pyramids were constructed, what the theories are for Stonehenge's meaning, how the Colosseum operated as a spectacle, how the Great Wall withstood attacks and natural disasters, how Machu Picchu was designed to align with the sun and stars, how the Parthenon captured the essence of Classical Greek art, how Petra flourished as a trading metropolis, how the Forbidden City manifested the emperor's power and culture, how the Acropolis represented the ideals of the Athenian democracy, and how Angkor Wat embodied the religious and royal ambitions of the Khmer civilization.

In summary, the "Greatest Ancient Monuments" episode of Ancient Top 10 is a captivating and informative journey that showcases the most impressive and iconic structures created by humanity in ancient times. The episode offers a unique perspective on how these monuments reflect the creativity, skill, spirituality, and identity of different ancient civilizations and how they continue to fascinate and inspire us today.