We have all heard of the Pyramids of Giza and the Colosseum of Rome, but have you ever heard of the ruins of Conimbriga, Takht-e Soleyman, or Pula? There are many ancient ruins scattered around the world that are rich in history and are still fairly well-preserved. Here is a list of the five ancient ruins not many people have heard of:

Conimbriga, Portugal

The ruins of the ancient city of Conimbriga is one of the largest and the most well-preserved, Roman settlements in Portugal. This settlement was built in layers, dating back to the first Iron Age in the 9th Century B.C. The Romans arrived in the 2nd Century A.D. and conquered its Celtic inhabitants. They then established a city of their own that flourished until it fell victim to barbarian invasions. Although only a small section of the site has been excavated, there are baths, luxurious houses, an amphitheatre, a forum, shops, gardens with working fountains and city walls to explore, with many beautiful mosaics still in situ. In its centre is one of the largest houses discovered in the western Roman empire, the Casa de Cantaber, which is built around ornamental pools in superb colonnaded gardens and has its own bath complex and heating system. It’s a wonderful place to explore.

Pella, Jordan

The ruins of ancient Pella, in the north Jordan valley, can take you back over 8,000 years of history. The first settlers of Pella were from the neolithic time period, around 7500BC. In the second century, Romans settled in there and developed the land into a thriving economic center. Within its remains are several Byzantine churches, early-bronze-age city walls from 3200BC, and a Canaanite temple dating around 1700BC. This one site offers stunning glimpses into several time periods.

Takht-e Soleyman, Iran

Takht-e Soleyman, meaning Throne of Solomon, is a beautiful ancient site built in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province. Between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, present-day Iran was part of the Sasanian Empire where Zoroastrianism--the first religion to ever propose there being one God--flourished. On numerous occasions, Sasanian rulers built Zoroastrian sanctuaries as a sign of their piety. The Takht-e-Soleyman is one of said sanctuaries. Not only does this site include the remains of a Zoroastrian fire temple, near a mineral-rich crater lake and surrounded by an oval wall with 34 towers and two gates, but it also holds remnants of a 13th-century Mongol palace. It is quite a breathtaking site!

Fatehpur Sikri, India

Built by Emperor Akbar in 1571, Fatehpur Sikri--the City of Victory--was the Mughal capital for 14 years before being abandoned for lack of water. The walled and fortified city is surprisingly well-preserved and includes an amazing royal complex of pavilions and palaces with a harem, private quarters, gardens, ornamental pools, and courtyards. It is the best-preserved collection of Mughal architecture in India and is also home to one of the largest mosques in the country, the Jama Masjid.

Pula, Croatia

Pula is the only ancient city to have a Roman amphitheatre that still has its four side towers and all three levels preserved. Built between in 27BC and 68AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, the Pula amphitheatre was constructed at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. It is one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world, and the best-preserved ancient monument in Croatia. Interestingly, in the Middle Ages, this amphitheatre was used for knights tournaments and fairs. Overlooking the harbour in the north-east of the town, the huge structure can seat 20,000 spectators. During the summer, weekly re-enactments of gladiator fights, plays, concerts and the September Outlook festival are celebrated in this ancient monument.

There are so many remnants of history around the world that many people have never even heard of. These are just a few pieces of history that have survived through the centuries.