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Top Five Ancient Cave Dwellings that Still Fascinate

“All survivalists dream of living in a cave and experience life from there. In the past, cave dwelling was a very common thing to do. You probably know that already. But do you know which caves were the most fascinating ones that people called home? Let us find out.

1. Vardzia of Southern Georgia

This one was created as early as 1180s, and was initially inhabited by Georgian monks. It takes about a day from Akhaltsikhe to reach the location now. The original goal of building the rock city was to include 40,000 people in its 13 floors, having 25 marvellous wine cellars and 409 spectacular rooms. Presently, the site feels mostly like a tourist attraction, as it is regarded as a Historical Architectural Museum Reserve.

2. Bamiyan of Central Afghanistan

This site was established back in 600 AD, and it has lost its original charm now. At first, Hephthalites lived here. Presently, nearly 700 families reside in the caves, embracing modern features like windows, extensions, doors, satellite dishes, solar panels, etc. Originally, the structure contained over a thousand caves, but after the attack by Taliban in 2001, many parts are on the verge of collapsing. You can reach this site from Kabul. Three flights fly from there every week.

3. Mesa Verde of Colorado

This site is presently found in the Montezuma County, and can be reached from many major airports. Built in the late 1190s, this site was found by a cowboy in 1800s. The centrepiece of this structure, having 600 caves, is called Cliff Palace. Presently, the site is the largest among the various archaeological preserves of the US.

4. Uchisar of Cappadocia

A Turkish site located near Goreme, its construction took place from 1400s to 1500s. At first, Ottoman Empire peoples occupied the space. The location has beautiful tunnels, churches, chambers, burial tombs, and hidden traps, can be accessed from Ankara or Istanbul via train or plane. Formerly, the main rock castle was the powerhouse for the cave network of Cappadocia. Note that as its caves were painted with white in an attempt to attract fertile droppings of birds, many call it ‘pigeon valley’.

5. Petra of Jordan

Initially, this site of Ma’an Governorate was the abode of Nabataeans. It was created during 300 BC. Long ago, the site was a major hub between Syria, Arabia and Egypt. Spreading over an area of 40 sqr. km, its fame mainly comes from its Treasury building having a pillared structure. Other than that, the site also has thousands of little caves, which were occupied till the last part of 20th century. Later, UNESCO declared the site as a heritage site. Nowadays, it can be accessed from the town named Petra.”

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