Machu Picchu is the site of an Incan town. Located on top of a mountain, this site is in the middle of the mountainous rainforest in the Andes and displays man's ability to adapt and utilize his surroundings advantageously. The site contains remains of architectural constructions, which help archaeologists learn about the Incan culture; monumental walls, ramps and terraces were cut into the natural stone and show the advanced engineering capabilities of the Incans.
Twyfelfontein is an archaeological site located in north-western Namibia and contains ancient rock paintings and engravings, also known as petroglyphs. The engravings, believed to be made during the Stone Age, depict animals, ceremonies and ancient symbolical references. With over 2,000 different rock carvings throughout the site of Twyfelfontein, protection needed to be instilled; in 1952 it became a National Monument and in 2007, the site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. As one of the most isolated places on Earth, it is hard to travel to, but that didn't prevent it from becoming inhabited: in 400 A.D., Polynesians traveled to Rapa Nui and settled there. The most iconic archaeological ruins on the island are the large monoliths, called moai, which were constructed as reminders of ancestors. Visiting these huge stone constructions is possible, as the entire island is now a national park.
Located on the coast of east Africa, in the modern country of Tanzania, the ruins of these shipping ports detail the importance of Africa in global shipping between the 9th and 19th centuries. The prime locations of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara meant that traders from the Far East often passed through, bringing valuable goods such as ceramics, porcelain, precious stones and metals and perfume. The ruins are UNESCO World Heritage sites because of their importance in understanding global trading.
