The remnants of our ancestors are speckled across the planet, waiting to be admired. Some are still eagerly waiting to be discovered and have their hidden messages unravelled. Their crumbling walls leave traces of history and tell stories that reflect our own lives today.

Take a journey through time with the photo essay below as you trek the Ancient Silk Road across Asia, stumble upon mighty pharos’ tombs in Egypt, marvel at towering pyramid in Sudan, discover ancient civilizations now overgrown in a tangle of vines in Cambodia, imagine shopping down a Roman market in Pompeii, Italy and step foot within the broken stone walls of Irish castles.

Grab a pen and paper and get ready to jot down the next best ruin destination to add to your travel wish list.