In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 oldest buildings in the world that are still in use. If you want to see more of these buildings and check out our detailed analysis of the US construction industry and construction technologies, you can go to 17 Oldest Buildings In The World That Are Still In Use.
5. Mundeshwari Temple
Construction Year: 108 AD
Location: Ramgarh Village, Bihar, India
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti, this octagonal temple is considered as one of the oldest Hindu temples in the world where performance of rituals and worship takes place. While the temple has gone through some renovation work, a substantial part of the stone structure is still damaged. However, the temple still attracts a large number of pilgrims each year, especially for the Rama Navami, Maha Shivratri festivals. Mundeshwari Temple is ranked fifth among the oldest buildings in the world that are still in use.
4. Arles Amphitheatre
Construction Year: 90 AD
Location: Arles, France
Inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, Arles Amphitheatre was built in the thriving town of Arles during the peak of the Roman Empire. This impressive amphitheatre hosted around 20,000 spectators for gladiatorial battles and chariot races. In the 5th century during the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was converted into a fortress with 4 towers encircling and protecting around 200 houses. Today, the amphitheatre attracts much smaller crowds for plays and concerts during the summers as well as bullfighting during the Feria d’Arles.
3. The Colosseum
Construction Year: 80 AD
Location: Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and is one of the oldest buildings in the world. It once regularly hosted more than 50,000 Romans, eager to witness reenactments of famous battles, dramas based on Roman mythology, and most importantly the blood and violence of the legendary gladiators. Unfortunately, the ruined state of the Colosseum today means that it can only host an audience of a few hundred people with temporary seating. However, on the upper floor of the outer wall there is now a museum dedicated to Eros, the god of love and sex in Greek mythology.
2. Theatre of Marcellus
Construction Year: 13 BC
Location: Rome, Italy
The Theatre of Marcellus, or Teatro di Marcellus, is the oldest Roman theatre still in existence. It was commissioned by Julius Caesar before his assassination and completed by Caesar Augustus, who dedicated the project to his nephew Marcus Marcellus who died a few years before its completion. Built using brick, concrete, tuff and travertine, it was the largest theatre at that time in the entire Roman Empire. It could host more than 11,000 spectators for performances of dance, drama, and music. The theatre has gone through many changes but it still hosts open-air events and the upper floors are still inhabited by wealthy Roman families. Theatre of Marcellus is ranked second among the oldest buildings in the world that are still in use.
1. Sanchi
Construction Year: 3rd Century BC
Location: Madhya Pradesh, India
Commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great, the Great Sanchi Stupa was originally built in the 3rd Century BC. Sanchi was remodeled around 185 BC to twice its original size. The oldest surviving building is a stone structure made up of giant stone slabs to form a flattened dome that stands 22 meters tall and sits at the top of a hill. Although Sanchi had been abandoned for about 6 centuries, the Stupas were restored in the 20th century and the site now relentlessly attracts Buddhist worshippers.
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