Famous Temples of the World

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Joshua J. Mark
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published on 31 March 2024
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Temples have been raised in honor of a peoples’ deities since before recorded history as evidenced by sites now regarded as religious centers including Gobekli Tepe, Stonehenge, Newgrange, among many others. Temples met the needs of the people in providing them with a sacred space to commune with the Divine.

There are thousands of temples around the world today, whether in use or in ruin, and the following collection presents only a small fraction of the best known.

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Questions & Answers

What is the most famous temple in the world?

The most famous temple in the world is Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

What is the oldest temple in the world?

The oldest temple in the world is Gobekli Tepe in modern-day Turkey dated to between 10,000 - 11,500 years old.

What is the largest temple in the world?

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is considered by some the largest temple in the world while others claim that Karnak in Egypt is larger.

Are there any ancient temples in North America?

Ancient religious sites in North America, built by the indigenous peoples, include the great mounds, such as that at Cahokia, which would be regarded as temples.
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About the Author

Joshua J. Mark
Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany.

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