The world's oldest map of the holy land gives us a fragmented glimpse of the layout of biblical nations.

A more chill but no less fascinating version of the famous ancient archeological site.

The ancient latrines of the Greeks, in all their public glory.

The alleged house of the Virgin Mary is tucked away in a park and nature preserve on Mt. Koressos in Turkey and is holy to both Catholics and Muslims alike.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

Roman ruins, natural methane fires and a lovely beach.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

Roman ruins top white travertine terraces formed by ancient hot springs.

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.

Haven for Cape Fur Seals, until the Ring of Death of jumping Great White Sharks arrives.

This bridge made famous in a novel and on-screen wasn't actually built over the river Kwai.

This elephant kraal is the only one remaining in Thailand, dating back to the 16th century when these massive mammals were integral players in war and trade.

When a massive landslide hit one of the world's tallest dams it created a tragic environmental disaster.

This deceiving white sand beach gets its brilliant hue from the chemical discharge of a nearby factory.

An 11th-century mountaintop fortress that played a crucial role in Italy's papal wars is now a vacation rental.

The only visible reminders of an elaborate engineering project that kept the tower from reaching the tipping point.

For hundreds of years, this huge figure has been blessing visitors before they explore his body.

Take a giant yellow bird cage to the top of Elba's highest mountain.

Italy's curious field of mud volcanoes is named for being both gross AND salty.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

Windblown rock formations in an ancient Roman quarry.

A factory director designed what was the world's longest suspension footbridge in 1923 so his employees could get to work safely.

The naturally mummified body of a peasant girl saint.

This bustling Italian plaza is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.