What is the oldest building in the world still in use?
What is the oldest building or structure in the world that's still in regular use today?
For the sake of the question, I'm not looking for something that still exists purely as a tourist attraction. (Unless the building is closed to the public part time to allow it to serve its purpose. ex: a church that's open to tourists, but still runs regular services.)
where-on-earth factoids architecture landmarks
add a comment |
What is the oldest building or structure in the world that's still in regular use today?
For the sake of the question, I'm not looking for something that still exists purely as a tourist attraction. (Unless the building is closed to the public part time to allow it to serve its purpose. ex: a church that's open to tourists, but still runs regular services.)
where-on-earth factoids architecture landmarks
4
Would Stonehenge count?
– mts
Jul 11 '16 at 18:13
31
Does the Great Wall of China still defend against Mongol hordes?
– Azor Ahai
Jul 11 '16 at 22:36
2
@Azor-Ahai it doesn't have to be the original usage. It's still a great tourist attraction of China.
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:01
2
Maeshowe, maybe, or Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. They predate Stonehenge by a fair bit and two of them are still used. Skara Brae is now just a tourist site.
– Rory Alsop
Jul 12 '16 at 16:40
@Azor-Ahai wiki says the great wall goes as far back as seven centuries BCE so why not make that an answer together with some sources? you'll have my +1
– mts
Jul 12 '16 at 16:46
add a comment |
What is the oldest building or structure in the world that's still in regular use today?
For the sake of the question, I'm not looking for something that still exists purely as a tourist attraction. (Unless the building is closed to the public part time to allow it to serve its purpose. ex: a church that's open to tourists, but still runs regular services.)
where-on-earth factoids architecture landmarks
What is the oldest building or structure in the world that's still in regular use today?
For the sake of the question, I'm not looking for something that still exists purely as a tourist attraction. (Unless the building is closed to the public part time to allow it to serve its purpose. ex: a church that's open to tourists, but still runs regular services.)
where-on-earth factoids architecture landmarks
where-on-earth factoids architecture landmarks
edited Jul 12 '16 at 6:03
200_success
2,52011827
2,52011827
asked Jul 11 '16 at 18:11
ThunderGuppyThunderGuppy
455148
455148
4
Would Stonehenge count?
– mts
Jul 11 '16 at 18:13
31
Does the Great Wall of China still defend against Mongol hordes?
– Azor Ahai
Jul 11 '16 at 22:36
2
@Azor-Ahai it doesn't have to be the original usage. It's still a great tourist attraction of China.
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:01
2
Maeshowe, maybe, or Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. They predate Stonehenge by a fair bit and two of them are still used. Skara Brae is now just a tourist site.
– Rory Alsop
Jul 12 '16 at 16:40
@Azor-Ahai wiki says the great wall goes as far back as seven centuries BCE so why not make that an answer together with some sources? you'll have my +1
– mts
Jul 12 '16 at 16:46
add a comment |
4
Would Stonehenge count?
– mts
Jul 11 '16 at 18:13
31
Does the Great Wall of China still defend against Mongol hordes?
– Azor Ahai
Jul 11 '16 at 22:36
2
@Azor-Ahai it doesn't have to be the original usage. It's still a great tourist attraction of China.
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:01
2
Maeshowe, maybe, or Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. They predate Stonehenge by a fair bit and two of them are still used. Skara Brae is now just a tourist site.
– Rory Alsop
Jul 12 '16 at 16:40
@Azor-Ahai wiki says the great wall goes as far back as seven centuries BCE so why not make that an answer together with some sources? you'll have my +1
– mts
Jul 12 '16 at 16:46
4
4
Would Stonehenge count?
– mts
Jul 11 '16 at 18:13
Would Stonehenge count?
– mts
Jul 11 '16 at 18:13
31
31
Does the Great Wall of China still defend against Mongol hordes?
– Azor Ahai
Jul 11 '16 at 22:36
Does the Great Wall of China still defend against Mongol hordes?
– Azor Ahai
Jul 11 '16 at 22:36
2
2
@Azor-Ahai it doesn't have to be the original usage. It's still a great tourist attraction of China.
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:01
@Azor-Ahai it doesn't have to be the original usage. It's still a great tourist attraction of China.
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:01
2
2
Maeshowe, maybe, or Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. They predate Stonehenge by a fair bit and two of them are still used. Skara Brae is now just a tourist site.
– Rory Alsop
Jul 12 '16 at 16:40
Maeshowe, maybe, or Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. They predate Stonehenge by a fair bit and two of them are still used. Skara Brae is now just a tourist site.
– Rory Alsop
Jul 12 '16 at 16:40
@Azor-Ahai wiki says the great wall goes as far back as seven centuries BCE so why not make that an answer together with some sources? you'll have my +1
– mts
Jul 12 '16 at 16:46
@Azor-Ahai wiki says the great wall goes as far back as seven centuries BCE so why not make that an answer together with some sources? you'll have my +1
– mts
Jul 12 '16 at 16:46
add a comment |
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
This question is hard to answer since you would have to define "in use" very precisely. Here are some wild guesses:
- Wikipedia has a list of the oldest buildings in the world. Prominently feature tombs/graves/similar and you could well argue they are still in use. That would go back as far as very roughly 4000 B.C.
Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed ca. 3000 - 2000 B.C. and still a place of religious significance for e.g. neopaganism.- Parts of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are from as early as 300 B.C. and the complex is still in use as a temple.
- The Verona Arena is dated 30 A.D. and still used e.g. for concerts.
Further reading:
- 15 of the World's Oldest Buildings Still in Use Today
- The same question on History SE: Oldest building in the world still in use
The accepted answer there is the Pantheon in Rome from 128 A.D. and still a church to day. However the most upvoted answer points to several arenas/theaters still in occasional use.
The Epidaurus Theatre (ca. 300-340 BC), the Delphi theatre (4th century BC) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 AD) in the Acropolis of Athens (known locally as the the Herodeon), still fulfil their original purpose, all three are constantly used as venues for various festivals. The ancient theatre in Dion is also used occasionally.
3
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
20
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
7
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
4
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
3
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
|
show 7 more comments
The Theatre of Epidaurus (4th century BCE!) still has performances. It is not, however, an enclosed building.
2
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
add a comment |
The Great Pyramid of Giza initially had two functions, to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh, and to demonstrate his power and prestige. Today, it has two functions, to serve as a tourist attraction and to demonstrate the power and prestige of the pharaohs. It is a structure that has continuously fulfilled one of its functions since 2540 BC.
As far as I know, it is never closed to tourists to fulfill its status symbol function, but it makes quite a good status symbol even while open.
3
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
add a comment |
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral was built in 301 AD.
The original church was built in the early fourth century—between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It replaced a preexisting temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.
add a comment |
I have prayed at the Western Wall of The Temple Mount in Jerusalem. My ancestors have been priests there since about the 10th century BC.
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
add a comment |
A lot depends on your definitions of "building", "use", and whether "use" is required to be continuous throughout history. A good candidate is the pantheon in Rome (AD 128). It was a place of pagan worship to start with, became a church when Rome became Christian, and has been in use as a church since then. Amphitheatres and pyramids don't really fit the "walls supporting a roof" definition of "building".
1
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
add a comment |
The cathedral in Syracuse was built as a temple to Athena? around 500BCE, and converted into a church around 500CE
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
add a comment |
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7 Answers
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7 Answers
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active
oldest
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active
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This question is hard to answer since you would have to define "in use" very precisely. Here are some wild guesses:
- Wikipedia has a list of the oldest buildings in the world. Prominently feature tombs/graves/similar and you could well argue they are still in use. That would go back as far as very roughly 4000 B.C.
Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed ca. 3000 - 2000 B.C. and still a place of religious significance for e.g. neopaganism.- Parts of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are from as early as 300 B.C. and the complex is still in use as a temple.
- The Verona Arena is dated 30 A.D. and still used e.g. for concerts.
Further reading:
- 15 of the World's Oldest Buildings Still in Use Today
- The same question on History SE: Oldest building in the world still in use
The accepted answer there is the Pantheon in Rome from 128 A.D. and still a church to day. However the most upvoted answer points to several arenas/theaters still in occasional use.
The Epidaurus Theatre (ca. 300-340 BC), the Delphi theatre (4th century BC) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 AD) in the Acropolis of Athens (known locally as the the Herodeon), still fulfil their original purpose, all three are constantly used as venues for various festivals. The ancient theatre in Dion is also used occasionally.
3
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
20
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
7
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
4
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
3
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
|
show 7 more comments
This question is hard to answer since you would have to define "in use" very precisely. Here are some wild guesses:
- Wikipedia has a list of the oldest buildings in the world. Prominently feature tombs/graves/similar and you could well argue they are still in use. That would go back as far as very roughly 4000 B.C.
Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed ca. 3000 - 2000 B.C. and still a place of religious significance for e.g. neopaganism.- Parts of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are from as early as 300 B.C. and the complex is still in use as a temple.
- The Verona Arena is dated 30 A.D. and still used e.g. for concerts.
Further reading:
- 15 of the World's Oldest Buildings Still in Use Today
- The same question on History SE: Oldest building in the world still in use
The accepted answer there is the Pantheon in Rome from 128 A.D. and still a church to day. However the most upvoted answer points to several arenas/theaters still in occasional use.
The Epidaurus Theatre (ca. 300-340 BC), the Delphi theatre (4th century BC) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 AD) in the Acropolis of Athens (known locally as the the Herodeon), still fulfil their original purpose, all three are constantly used as venues for various festivals. The ancient theatre in Dion is also used occasionally.
3
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
20
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
7
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
4
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
3
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
|
show 7 more comments
This question is hard to answer since you would have to define "in use" very precisely. Here are some wild guesses:
- Wikipedia has a list of the oldest buildings in the world. Prominently feature tombs/graves/similar and you could well argue they are still in use. That would go back as far as very roughly 4000 B.C.
Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed ca. 3000 - 2000 B.C. and still a place of religious significance for e.g. neopaganism.- Parts of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are from as early as 300 B.C. and the complex is still in use as a temple.
- The Verona Arena is dated 30 A.D. and still used e.g. for concerts.
Further reading:
- 15 of the World's Oldest Buildings Still in Use Today
- The same question on History SE: Oldest building in the world still in use
The accepted answer there is the Pantheon in Rome from 128 A.D. and still a church to day. However the most upvoted answer points to several arenas/theaters still in occasional use.
The Epidaurus Theatre (ca. 300-340 BC), the Delphi theatre (4th century BC) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 AD) in the Acropolis of Athens (known locally as the the Herodeon), still fulfil their original purpose, all three are constantly used as venues for various festivals. The ancient theatre in Dion is also used occasionally.
This question is hard to answer since you would have to define "in use" very precisely. Here are some wild guesses:
- Wikipedia has a list of the oldest buildings in the world. Prominently feature tombs/graves/similar and you could well argue they are still in use. That would go back as far as very roughly 4000 B.C.
Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed ca. 3000 - 2000 B.C. and still a place of religious significance for e.g. neopaganism.- Parts of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are from as early as 300 B.C. and the complex is still in use as a temple.
- The Verona Arena is dated 30 A.D. and still used e.g. for concerts.
Further reading:
- 15 of the World's Oldest Buildings Still in Use Today
- The same question on History SE: Oldest building in the world still in use
The accepted answer there is the Pantheon in Rome from 128 A.D. and still a church to day. However the most upvoted answer points to several arenas/theaters still in occasional use.
The Epidaurus Theatre (ca. 300-340 BC), the Delphi theatre (4th century BC) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 AD) in the Acropolis of Athens (known locally as the the Herodeon), still fulfil their original purpose, all three are constantly used as venues for various festivals. The ancient theatre in Dion is also used occasionally.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:47
Community♦
1
1
answered Jul 11 '16 at 18:37
mtsmts
22.9k11108203
22.9k11108203
3
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
20
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
7
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
4
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
3
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
|
show 7 more comments
3
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
20
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
7
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
4
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
3
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
3
3
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
There are other stone circles which are probably older than Stonehenge, and also used by neopagans. eg Calanais
– vclaw
Jul 11 '16 at 22:22
20
20
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
Stonehenge is not "still" in use as a place of religious significance; that implies unbroken continuity between its ancient users and its modern ones, which does not exist. The structure was disused for a long time. The current religious use of Stonehenge is a very recent phenomenon with no direct connection to its ancient use.
– Paul Legato
Jul 12 '16 at 3:50
7
7
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
@PaulLegato "Are you still eating that stuff?" "No, I've stopped for a week about a month ago"
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:04
4
4
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
@JanDvorak This is especially pertinent to the case of StoneHenge since there, given the timescales. It would be closer to your friend having played when he was 8 then giving up when he was 9, starting again at 30 and you meeting him when he's 31. Anyone answering "Yes I still play the piano," in this example would be very strange.
– DRF
Jul 12 '16 at 20:13
3
3
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
@DRF: re: continuous use or not: What really matters here is that both versions of the question are interesting, and I'd like to see answers for both. "Still in use for the original purpose" rules out a lot of things that are basically only in use as tourist attractions / museums, which I think is a lot less interesting. I'd also be interested in a list of buildings other than religious buildings and arenas. i.e. are there any other kinds of buildings that have stood the test of time?
– Peter Cordes
Jul 12 '16 at 23:01
|
show 7 more comments
The Theatre of Epidaurus (4th century BCE!) still has performances. It is not, however, an enclosed building.
2
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
add a comment |
The Theatre of Epidaurus (4th century BCE!) still has performances. It is not, however, an enclosed building.
2
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
add a comment |
The Theatre of Epidaurus (4th century BCE!) still has performances. It is not, however, an enclosed building.
The Theatre of Epidaurus (4th century BCE!) still has performances. It is not, however, an enclosed building.
answered Jul 11 '16 at 18:31
Andrew LazarusAndrew Lazarus
12.7k22253
12.7k22253
2
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
add a comment |
2
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
2
2
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
And it is considered the top Theater in Greece. Back when things were more serious, it was the ultimate honor for an artist, to perform there.
– gsamaras
Jul 19 '16 at 17:20
add a comment |
The Great Pyramid of Giza initially had two functions, to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh, and to demonstrate his power and prestige. Today, it has two functions, to serve as a tourist attraction and to demonstrate the power and prestige of the pharaohs. It is a structure that has continuously fulfilled one of its functions since 2540 BC.
As far as I know, it is never closed to tourists to fulfill its status symbol function, but it makes quite a good status symbol even while open.
3
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
add a comment |
The Great Pyramid of Giza initially had two functions, to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh, and to demonstrate his power and prestige. Today, it has two functions, to serve as a tourist attraction and to demonstrate the power and prestige of the pharaohs. It is a structure that has continuously fulfilled one of its functions since 2540 BC.
As far as I know, it is never closed to tourists to fulfill its status symbol function, but it makes quite a good status symbol even while open.
3
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
add a comment |
The Great Pyramid of Giza initially had two functions, to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh, and to demonstrate his power and prestige. Today, it has two functions, to serve as a tourist attraction and to demonstrate the power and prestige of the pharaohs. It is a structure that has continuously fulfilled one of its functions since 2540 BC.
As far as I know, it is never closed to tourists to fulfill its status symbol function, but it makes quite a good status symbol even while open.
The Great Pyramid of Giza initially had two functions, to serve as a tomb for the pharaoh, and to demonstrate his power and prestige. Today, it has two functions, to serve as a tourist attraction and to demonstrate the power and prestige of the pharaohs. It is a structure that has continuously fulfilled one of its functions since 2540 BC.
As far as I know, it is never closed to tourists to fulfill its status symbol function, but it makes quite a good status symbol even while open.
answered Jul 12 '16 at 17:37
Patricia ShanahanPatricia Shanahan
6,54422445
6,54422445
3
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
add a comment |
3
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
3
3
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
There are several older Pyramids that would probably be technically better answers, but the Pyramids certainly are not unreasonable answers in general for the reasons you state.
– Joe
Jul 12 '16 at 17:45
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
Wouldn't it serve three? Or is it no longer a tomb for the pharoh?
– mkingsbu
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
1
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@mkingsbu The whereabouts of Khufu's mummy are currently unknown. If it is in the pyramid, it is well hidden.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:13
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
@Joe I think the Great Pyramid is doing a better job of continued function as a status symbol than e.g. the Bent Pyramid.
– Patricia Shanahan
Jul 12 '16 at 19:15
add a comment |
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral was built in 301 AD.
The original church was built in the early fourth century—between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It replaced a preexisting temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.
add a comment |
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral was built in 301 AD.
The original church was built in the early fourth century—between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It replaced a preexisting temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.
add a comment |
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral was built in 301 AD.
The original church was built in the early fourth century—between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It replaced a preexisting temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral was built in 301 AD.
The original church was built in the early fourth century—between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It replaced a preexisting temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.
edited Jul 12 '16 at 16:42
TRiG
392617
392617
answered Jul 11 '16 at 18:14
hownowbrowncowhownowbrowncow
307213
307213
add a comment |
add a comment |
I have prayed at the Western Wall of The Temple Mount in Jerusalem. My ancestors have been priests there since about the 10th century BC.
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
add a comment |
I have prayed at the Western Wall of The Temple Mount in Jerusalem. My ancestors have been priests there since about the 10th century BC.
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
add a comment |
I have prayed at the Western Wall of The Temple Mount in Jerusalem. My ancestors have been priests there since about the 10th century BC.
I have prayed at the Western Wall of The Temple Mount in Jerusalem. My ancestors have been priests there since about the 10th century BC.
edited Jul 14 '16 at 6:50
answered Jul 13 '16 at 14:32
dotancohendotancohen
987614
987614
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
add a comment |
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
The original temple mount does not exist.
– hownowbrowncow
Dec 22 '16 at 18:06
add a comment |
A lot depends on your definitions of "building", "use", and whether "use" is required to be continuous throughout history. A good candidate is the pantheon in Rome (AD 128). It was a place of pagan worship to start with, became a church when Rome became Christian, and has been in use as a church since then. Amphitheatres and pyramids don't really fit the "walls supporting a roof" definition of "building".
1
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
add a comment |
A lot depends on your definitions of "building", "use", and whether "use" is required to be continuous throughout history. A good candidate is the pantheon in Rome (AD 128). It was a place of pagan worship to start with, became a church when Rome became Christian, and has been in use as a church since then. Amphitheatres and pyramids don't really fit the "walls supporting a roof" definition of "building".
1
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
add a comment |
A lot depends on your definitions of "building", "use", and whether "use" is required to be continuous throughout history. A good candidate is the pantheon in Rome (AD 128). It was a place of pagan worship to start with, became a church when Rome became Christian, and has been in use as a church since then. Amphitheatres and pyramids don't really fit the "walls supporting a roof" definition of "building".
A lot depends on your definitions of "building", "use", and whether "use" is required to be continuous throughout history. A good candidate is the pantheon in Rome (AD 128). It was a place of pagan worship to start with, became a church when Rome became Christian, and has been in use as a church since then. Amphitheatres and pyramids don't really fit the "walls supporting a roof" definition of "building".
answered Jul 12 '16 at 16:10
nigel222nigel222
34914
34914
1
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
add a comment |
1
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
1
1
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
I intentionally didn't specify what I meant by building in the hopes of getting more diverse answers.
– ThunderGuppy
Jul 12 '16 at 18:08
add a comment |
The cathedral in Syracuse was built as a temple to Athena? around 500BCE, and converted into a church around 500CE
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
add a comment |
The cathedral in Syracuse was built as a temple to Athena? around 500BCE, and converted into a church around 500CE
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
add a comment |
The cathedral in Syracuse was built as a temple to Athena? around 500BCE, and converted into a church around 500CE
The cathedral in Syracuse was built as a temple to Athena? around 500BCE, and converted into a church around 500CE
answered Nov 25 '18 at 20:35
Nick ArrowNick Arrow
1
1
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
add a comment |
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
Any links to back this up, especially showing that it is still in use today? Thanks.
– Jan Doggen
Nov 25 '18 at 22:02
add a comment |
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4
Would Stonehenge count?
– mts
Jul 11 '16 at 18:13
31
Does the Great Wall of China still defend against Mongol hordes?
– Azor Ahai
Jul 11 '16 at 22:36
2
@Azor-Ahai it doesn't have to be the original usage. It's still a great tourist attraction of China.
– John Dvorak
Jul 12 '16 at 4:01
2
Maeshowe, maybe, or Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. They predate Stonehenge by a fair bit and two of them are still used. Skara Brae is now just a tourist site.
– Rory Alsop
Jul 12 '16 at 16:40
@Azor-Ahai wiki says the great wall goes as far back as seven centuries BCE so why not make that an answer together with some sources? you'll have my +1
– mts
Jul 12 '16 at 16:46